DAR ES SALAAM, March 14 -- AS the world prepares to mark International Day of Forests on March 21, environmental experts, governments and community organisations are intensifying calls for stronger action to protect forests and promote sustainable natural resource management.

The annual observance, widely known as World Forest Day, aims to raise awareness about the importance of forests and the need to conserve them for present and future generations.

The United Nations General Assembly officially proclaimed the day in 2012 to encourage countries to undertake activities that promote forest conservation at local, national and international levels.

Each year, governments, conservation organisations and communities organise events that hi...