open popup The forest Photo: BMU/Oed

Today forests have a variety of important roles. They act as the lungs of the global climate, and provide a habitat for numerous plants and animals. They supply us with timber, a renewable and environmentally friendly material. The wood and timber industries also provide jobs for millions of people. And forests are places where we can enjoy sporting activities, or just relax.

Every minute, however, an estimated 35 football pitches worth of forest are lost worldwide. The result is climate change and the fact that many plant and animal species are threatened. The campaign "Wir sind Wald" (We are the Forest), organised by the national park association Europarc, aims to draw attention to the crucially important role played by our forests.

The forest is our future

Federal Environment Minister Norbert Röttgen supports the project, and launched it officially. "It is our responsibility to ensure that forests can continue to give our children and grandchildren clean air, safe drinking water, a balanced climate, timber and energy," he said. Although the area of forested land is actually increasing in Germany, this is no reason to rest on our laurels, he added.

The campaign focuses not only on the beauty of forests. Actions like the "Waldkontor" (forest trading office) are also intended to mobilise funding that can be used, for instance, to purchase forested land which can then be made available to protected areas. With forest biotope sponsorships the organisers hope to help implement cash-strapped protection measures and environmental education projects.  

"We cannot afford to neglect conservation," declared Norbert Röttgen. A culture of responsibility must be developed if we are to enjoy a secure future.  

Official launch

The International Year of Forests is to be officially launched in Germany on 21 March, World Forestry Day.

Federal Consumer Protection Minister Ilse Aigner and other well-known guests will celebrate the official launch in Berlin. Under the banner "Discover our forestry heritage!" many activities will be taking place over the next few months. They are to be organised by the federal states and local authorities as well as more than 60 national associations working in the fields of conservation, business and civil society. The Federal Ministry for Consumer Protection will coordinate all activities 

Federal President Christian Wulff has agreed to act as patron of the International Year of Forests in Germany.