We should all rise to our feet, in a global standing ovation, to pay tribute to forests, our lungs. Happy International Day of Forests.
For thousands of years, and until the advent of fossil fuels, wood – and therefore trees and forests – has always been the primary source of energy for human beings. Even today, however, more than two billion people living in rural regions as well as in urbanised areas depend on firewood to meet their energy needs. Timber in particular is used as an energy source, converted into charcoal and then into fire, for cooking and heating in many developing countries, where 90 per cent of the total consumed worldwide is burnt. This refers in particular to the poorest regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
The focus of the 2017 International Day of Forests is therefore to address the unsustainable management of green areas, which has dramatic consequences for both the environment and the economy. LifeGate's Foreste in piedi project, developed in collaboration with the NGOs Avive and Icei, is working towards exactly this goal. Its aim is to protect 560 hectares of Brazilian Amazon forest. An area that the government in Brasília has chosen to grant on a use-concession basis to 27 of the 40 families in the community of San Pedro – along the Igarapé Capivara river –, around 150 people involved in the project, which aims to prevent and combat deforestation caused by arson, illegal hunting and other environmental crimes. But above all, the objective of Foreste in piedi – now in its third year – is to ensure that natural resources and raw materials are managed sustainably without overlooking the needs of the local population. In particular, the activities include monitoring and surveillance, mapping of forest resources, and raising awareness through sensitisation events and environmental education aimed at the community of San Pedro and neighbouring communities.
A few days ago, Lia Miceli, Icei's monitoring officer in Brazil and LifeGate's representative, travelled to the very heart of the Amazon rainforest. Setting off from Silves, 340 kilometres from Manaus, the capital of the Brazilian state of Amazonas, Miceli navigated the Urubu river with the Avive staff: "It looked like a mirror; the mass of water we crossed seemed heavy, difficult to cut through. But the water was clear, transparent, clean, fresh and cool." Upon arrival, Lia met with local representatives: "The meeting with the community had been eagerly anticipated – people were curious to meet me, to learn about the organisations behind the Foreste in piedi project. Seventeen people attended. They had lots of questions, they showed interest and their eyes were restless and full of hope. They greatly appreciated LifeGate's commitment and support, fully aware that protecting the forest is both a local and a global responsibility, given the role the Amazon plays in the health of our planet."
With its more than 5 million square kilometres, the Amazon is the largest lung on Earth. Protecting it means safeguarding the health of the local population while bearing in mind that trees absorb CO2 and release oxygen, making a fundamental contribution to the fight against global warming. There are very many supporters of Foreste in piedi in Italy, and thanks to them, thanks to you, all of this can be supported.
"The meeting lasted more than four hours," Miceli concluded, "then we ate together and carried on talking about the future: dreams, plans and hopes. At a certain point it started to rain. The roof of the community centre is made of sheet metal and the sound of the water left almost no room for conversation. My impression is that they are simple people, but determined ones: they know what is a priority for the community. For them, the theme of environmental sustainability means planning a proper use of the forest area. All of this can generate an income to support their families while keeping the defence of the environment firmly in first place."
The Foreste in piedi project is all of this, and it shows that those who protect the forest are never left alone. The International Day of Forests, established in 2012 through a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of preserving a healthy, just and balanced world. For ourselves and for future generations.