The World Wood Day kicked off in the Capital on Monday with the aim of promoting wood culture through sustainable management.

The three-day event has been organised for the first time in the country in a joint initiative by the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation and the International Wood Culture Society.

Reminding people of the true value of wood in various life activities—culture, religion, wooden products and construction, participants from various countries highlighted the importance of sustainable forest management for sustainable future.

Addressing the inaugural session on Monday, President Bidhya Devi Bhandari said use of forest products and other resources through sustainable management of forests is crucial for the socio-economic development of the country.

“Forests and its wood-based products along with non-timber resources are vital for various eco-system services such as water, clean air and most importantly, its sustainable management helps in empowering millions who are dependent on forests for their livelihoods,” she said.

Deforestation and forest degradation by human activities is a big challenge for Nepal’s forestry sector, compounded by the climate change, Bhandari added, “We need to encourage the practice of planting trees in every major life event that takes place in one’s life, starting from birth to promote forest conservation.”

The opening day of the event also showcased cultural performances from artists, who used wood-based instruments and forest products, from countries ranging from Russia, Egypt, Benin, Iran, Kazakasthan, Peru, China and Switzerland.   

“There is growing dependence on wood products and forests, but the reality is without forests there is no wood. And we need to continually remind ourselves that wood is good only when there is a sustainable forest management,” said Andrew Wong, chairperson of International Union of Forest Research Organisations.

Worldwide forestry provide wood sustainability and deforestation could lead to depleting supply of wood products, Wong said, underlining the importance of research on forest and forest products. “We need to ensure that wood production and utilisation complements the forest conservation,” he added.