EWPAA MEDIA RELEASE
21 March 2026
International Day of Forests 2026 – ‘Forests and economies’
The Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) joins in celebrating International Day of Forests 2026 and highlighting the role sustainably managed forests and plantations play in providing the renewable fibre that underpins the manufacturing of many innovative wood products which support jobs and regional communities.
EWPAA’s Chief Executive Officer, Gavin Matthew said, “Given the world’s ongoing challenges such as wars, logistic constraints, housing shortages, living cost increases, and extreme weather events, this year’s theme ‘Forests and economies’ is both very important and timely. Sustainably managed forests produce an increasing range of innovative and renewable wood products, including many new engineered wood product solutions, that store carbon, reduce emissions, inspire designers, build new homes and businesses, and are used in many other essential and surprising applications around the world.”
“Investing in sustainably managed forests, plantations and our renewable wood product industries provides many social, economic, and environmental benefits. Policy makers across the world are recognising the significant potential of using renewable and low emission timber solutions in the built environment, to provide essential shelter, store carbon long-term, cut emissions, and underpin quality jobs and vibrant communities,” Mr Matthew concluded.
The theme of the 2026 International Day of Forests is Forests and economies, celebrating the essential roles of forests in driving economic prosperity. These roles go well beyond income and jobs from forest production and the trade of renewable raw materials and foods. With many countries seeking to move toward a sustainable bioeconomy, forest products offer nature-based solutions as replacements for carbon-intensive materials while generating new economic opportunities. Forests are indispensable for healthy economies – today and for future generations. See here for more United Nations FAO information.
END
2026.03.21 EWPAA Media Release – International Day of Forests 2026
Inquiries: Gavin Matthew, EWPAA CEO. (b) (07) 3250 3700 (m) 0429 990 528
* About EWPAA. Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) is a member association for manufacturers of a broad range of engineered and solid wood products located throughout Australasia. https://ewp.asn.au/
