Mark Pearson
Executive Director of CIF-IFC
Canadians are invited to participate in National Forest Week from September 17-23, 2023, a one-week campaign led by the CIF-IFC.
This year, National Forest Week (NFW) is taking place from September 17-23, 2023, under the theme “Canada’s Forests: Supporting Biological Diversity.”
Biodiversity is defined as: “the variability of life (plants, animals, bacteria, etc.) found in the world’s ecosystems. Biodiversity includes genetic differences within species and variations in the ecosystems they inhabit.” (NRCan, 2023)
From fresh air and water, food security, medicines, and shelter to innovative products and technologies, forests and trees provide many cultural, societal, environmental and economical benefits.
Canada has the third most forest area in the world, with our forests containing 32 native conifer species, 125 native hardwood species, and at least 55 exotic tree species (NRCan, 2023; StatsCan, 2018). Providing a home to a wide range of wildlife, plants, fungi, mosses, and lichens, these forests play a critical role in supporting biodiversity.
In a changing climate, forest practitioners, professionals, researchers, and scientists are working to ensure forests are sustainably managed for generations to come.
“NFW provides an engaging and exciting platform for us to share the crucial role Canada’s forests play in maintaining biodiversity and combating climate change,” says CIF-IFC Executive Director Mark Pearson.
Ways in which our forests support and maintain biological diversity are highlighted in the NFW 2023 daily sub-themes:
- Sunday, September 17, 2023: Benefits of biodiversity
- Monday, September 18, 2023: Biodiversity in the forest
- Tuesday, September 19, 2023: Biodiversity in a changing world
- Wednesday, September 20, 2023: Forest ecosystem services and products
- Thursday, September 21, 2023: Maintaining biodiversity
- Friday, September 22, 2023: Connecting with forests
- Saturday, September 23, 2023: Responsible forest management
There are many ways individuals and organizations can participate in NFW, including engaging in CIF-IFC’s free NFW-themed contests and activities, learning about forests and trees through the institute’s educational resources, organizing or participating in a tree plant or NFW event, exploring a forest near your home, and learning more about forests and sustainable forest management.
Visit the CIF-IFC website to learn more about our 2023 NFW sponsors or how you can celebrate forests in your neck of the woods this September. Stay connected by using the #NationalForestWeek hashtag and share your stories, events, and photos with us at [email protected] or tag us/follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and/or LinkedIn.
Formed in 1908, the CIF-IFC is the national voice of forest practitioners and many others with an interest in forestry and forests. The institute strives to provide national leadership, promote competence, and foster public awareness of Canadian and international forestry/forest issues.
Visit cif-ifc.org to learn more about participating in #NationalForestWeek.
References:
1 Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). 2023. Diversity: The key to resilience in forest ecosystems.
2 Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). 2023. How much forest does Canada have?
3 Statistics Canada (StatsCan). 2018. Forests in Canada – Section 2 Forests and the forest sector in Canada
