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>> LORD: The UN economic commission
for Europe's forest and timber section
approached the US mission here in Geneva
with an invitation that
the U.S. Mission co-sponsor
an event to commemorate 2011
as the international year of forests.
>> KING: As I look around this hall,
I am amazed by the beauty of the trees,
the magnificent timber structures,
and sculptures and the superb artwork
of an American artist, Monty Dulak.
>> ROJAS: This is the international year
of the forest 2011
and all the UN organizations
with member states and other organizations
are highlighting the relevance of forests
for society in the full range
especially the relevance of forests for people.
>> KING: This exhibit relates
to a subject near and dear to my heart,
the importance of green in our lives.
We at the U.S. Mission here in Geneva
understand the imperative
of sustaining our environment
and we have committed
to greening our own grounds.
Being involved with this exhibit
is a natural extension
of the U.S. commitment
to a more sustainable
and environmentally sensitive world.
>> DEDA: In fact some of these trees
will be planted in the garden
of the Palais de Nations
in an effort to green
the United Nations premises.
So this will be done also
by ECF field staff
and it will be the second step
to remind people in this building
that these trees will have a longer life
and we need also of course to
protect and respect our forests.
>> KING: With evidence
of climate change all around us
it is vital that we understand
the connection among healthy forests,
ecosystems, people, and economies.
Forests are home to millions of people
and to a vast majority of the world's biodiversity.
Forests are a major source
of food and livelihood.
All of us depend on the existence
and health of forests and the ecosystems for economic,
environmental, and social well-being.
There is an ancient Native American proverb that says
"We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors,
we borrow it from our children."