The association Juntos por los Bosques, which brings together more than 30 institutions representing the forestry sector in Spain, organised a central event in Galicia to celebrate the International Day of Forests 2019, chaired by King Felipe VI of Spain. The event took place at the Centro de Formación Profesional Agroforestal de Segurde, near Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, which is the region with the highest timber production in Spain.
A large number of Galician and Spanish forest stakeholders (institutions, associations, companies, etc.) were present. The event was not only attended by the King of Spain, but also by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mr. Luis Planas and the President of the Xunta de Galicia, Mr. Alberto Núñez Feijóo, who had the opportunity to see silvicultural treatments in the forest.
Photo: © Casa de S.M. el Rey.
Since 2012, the United Nations General Assembly has established 21 March as the International Day of Forests. This year’s theme is “Forests and Education,” which pays tribute all types of forests and seeks to educate younger generations about their importance. The day highlights education as an indispensable means of learning to love the forest, and points to its potential for achieving sustainable management of forest areas and moving towards biodiversity conservation. The King’s participation in this celebration can be seen as a milestone for the forest sector in Spain in general, and for in Galicia in particular.
