Garnica joins in celebrating the International Day of Forests!

Today, March 21, is the International Day of Forests, and the United Nations is paying homage to these ecosystems dominated by trees that contribute to improving life on earth. One third of the earth’s surface is calculated to be covered by forests, and they are home to more than 80% of plant and animal species. Additionally, more than 1.5 billion people depend on them to survive, especially indigenous populations for whom they provide food, fuel, and shelter. Effective forest management plays a vital role in developing current and future civilizations’ ability to combat climate change, eliminate poverty, and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Every time this day is observed, importance is given to all types of forests, and administrations are encouraged to develop activities related to planting and caring for trees. This year, the FAO has distributed this commemorative video. At Garnica, we work with extensive sustainable poplar plantations in Castilla y León, La Rioja, Navarra, Aragon, Castilla La Mancha, and France that are PEFC and FSC® certified. FSC® certification guarantees that the materials and products carrying the FSC® label come from responsibly managed forests, while the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is a system for voluntary certification and promotion of sustainable forest management. With a firm commitment to helping improve the quality of life of those living in rural areas, we at Garnica promote planting poplars in those areas since it is a tree that generates wealth and employment due to its high demand. Poplar is our main raw material: it is a fast-growing tree that is very beneficial to the environment, since one hectare of poplar can absorb up to 11 metric tons of CO2 every year. At Garnica, we enthusiastically join in celebrating the International Day of Forests, which this year aims to focus on education to raise awareness among all citizens regarding the need to love and take care of forests. It is calculated that over half of the world's population lives in urban areas, a percentage that will reach 70% by the year 2050. This means businesses and institutions must keep the population from being becoming cut off from nature. We have always promoted effective and sustainable management of forest areas to protect and conserve their biodiversity. Healthy forests are a source of health and wealth for nearby communities and their inhabitants so we must learn to care for them and make them part of our children's lives from an early age.