1 August 2011: In July, the UN Forum on Forests (UNFF) Secretariat launched a “Forest Heroes” Programme and Awards to recognize and honor everyday people who are committed to sustaining forests and actively promoting forest values. The timeline for nominations to the programme has now been updated.

According to the updated timeline, nomination submissions are due on 1 September 2011, finalists will be short-listed by 15 October 2011, and the forest heroes will be announced on 1 November 2011. An awards ceremony is tentatively scheduled to take place in December 2011.

As part of the International Year on Forest 2011 activities, the UNFF is calling for nominations of people whose achievements have had meaningful impacts with environmental, social, educational and community benefits, have been innovative and inspirational, and have garnered respect from their communities and colleagues. [Forest Heroes Programme Overview] [Forest Heroes Nomination Form]