Getting forests to grow: A number of regions of the world are reversing centuries of deforestation and now show an increase in forest area, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Over 100 countries have established national forest programmes according to the FAO report, State of the World's Forests, launched earlier this week. "Increasing attention is being paid to the conservation of soil, water, biological diversity and other environmental values," said David Harcharik, FAO deputy director general. Globally, forests cover about 30 per cent of the world's land area. From 1990 to 2005, the world lost three per cent of its total forest area. From 2000 to 2005, 57 countries reported an increase in forest area yet the net forest loss remains at 7.3 million hectares (18 million acres) per year or 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres) per day - equivalent to an area twice the size of Paris. Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean are currently the regions with the highest losses while Europe and North America have shown increases in forest area.
Every drop counts
Coping with water scarcity is the theme of this year's World Water Day on March 22nd. The day aims to highlight the need to increase integration and co-operation for sustainable, efficient and equitable management of scarce water resources around the world. See www.unwater.org/wwd07 for events planned in various places.
Also, check out www.un.org/waterforlifedecade, which highlights the campaigns (sanitation, pollution control, water scarcity, etc) in the international decade for action, Water for Life 2005- 2015.
The future of fuel
Biofuel experts from Sweden will join Irish experts in a seminar on biofuels in the Conrad Hotel, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin on Tuesday, March 27th. Speakers will examine the cultivation, production and distribution of solid biofuels in the context of small scale businesses and larger combustion plants. To book places at the seminar, contact the Swedish Trade Council of Ireland on 01-4744422 or e-mail jesper.ohrn@swedishtrade.se.
Springtime for Sonairte
Sonairte, the ecology centre near Laytown, Co Meath, re-opens on Sunday next, March 24th. To celebrate spring, there will be free tours of the organic garden and nature trails at 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm. From April, Sonairte will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10.30am to 5pm. The farmers' market will continue on the third Sunday of each month. Call 041-9827572 or see www.sonairte.org for more details.
Celebrating the humble spud
Finally, tomorrow is Potato Day at the National Organic Centre in Rossinver, Co Leitrim. This annual event celebrates the many and varied types of potatoes that can be grown in Ireland. There will be advice on planting, potato seeds for sale, potato dishes for tasting and children's art activities based around the humble spud. See www.theorganiccentre.ie or call 071-9854338 for full details.