In reality, the global economy cannot function without healthy forests. Beyond wood, forests provide foods, medicines, resins, fibres, animal feed and ornamental plants that support around 5.8 billion people worldwide. Without forests, global food production simply cannot be maintained. Using wood more efficiently, smarter recycling and reusing wood products can reduce pressure on forests. As we celebrate the International Day of Forests on March 21, one conclusion stands out clearly: without forests, there are no economies.

Source: Bangkok Post March 22, 2026 23:12 UTC