International Year of Natural Fibres (2009)
2009 has been designated as both the International Year of Astronomy and the International Year of Natural Fibres (IYNF) by the UN General Assembly. The idea for this international year was first presented to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2004 at a joint meeting of the Intergovernmental Group on Hard Fibres and the Intergovernmental Group on Jute, and it was approved by the FAO Conference in 2005. It is one of numerous global events that have been set aside for specific days, months, and years. The IYNF was designed to cover a broad spectrum of natural fibers, both of animal and plant origin, and with applications ranging from opulent clothing to conventional and unconventional industrial usage.
On January 22, 2009, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) introduced IYNF at its headquarters in Rome, Italy. Representatives from the government, the fiber industry, and senior FAO officials were present. An international workshop and exhibition on the future of jute and kenaf were organized by the International Jude Study Group (ISJG). Rope, bags, and packing materials are all made from jute, a plant-based fabric. A fiber plant called kenaf is used to make rope, twine, coarse fabric, paper, engineered wood, and insulation.
Events
Ecuador hosted a four-day exhibition of natural fibers from February 20–24, 2009. The Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew, England, hosted "Social life of plants," another event in support of the year, on March 7, 2009. It was designed to show how the lives of people and plants, particularly those that produce natural fibers, are intertwined. A symposium on natural fibers was co-hosted by the Indian Fibre Society and the Indian Society for Cotton Improvement in Mumbai, India, from April 16–18, 2009. On April 17–19, 2009, a fiber forum was also conducted in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, in the United States.
An Italian fashion display put on by the FAO included outfits made entirely of natural fibers. The 20-minute long event took place on April 20, 2009, in Rome, Italy. It featured patterns made of organic cotton, cashmere, alpaca, and silk, among other natural fibers. 2009 saw the holding of more IYNF events, which saw support from governments, non-governmental organizations, and the general public around the world in promoting natural fibers.
Background
Farmers all over the world create a variety of natural fibers with both plant and animal origins. Some natural fibers are produced in numerous nations. In some nations, the national economy depends heavily on natural fibers, whereas in other nations, these fibers only have a regional impact. Natural fiber sales and exports frequently help underprivileged farmers and processors in least developed nations by providing cash and food security.
Natural fibers are used by consumers in a variety of contexts, with garments serving as the primary market. In addition to being utilized for commercial purposes including packaging, paper pulp, and composite materials, natural fibers are also used for carpeting and home furnishings. Synthetic alternatives frequently compete with natural fibers.
At an FAO conference in 2004, the idea of dedicating a year to natural fibers was raised. At an FAO summit in 2005, this idea was approved. In December 2006, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 2009 to be the International Year on Natural Fibers. The year is devoted to increasing consumer awareness of natural fibers and the incomes of farmers who produce them. Additionally, it encourages the usage of fibers to create sustainable and eco-friendly goods.
Goals
It was anticipated that the IYNF would increase awareness of these natural fibers. In order to highlight the benefits of natural fibers, the Year was founded on collaboration among manufacturers of those fibers.
- To increase consumer understanding of and interest in natural fibers;
- To encourage governments to adopt appropriate legislative measures in response to the issues facing the natural fiber sectors;
- To promote a strong and long-lasting worldwide alliance between the diverse natural fiber sectors; and
- To advance the sustainability and effectiveness of the natural fibers industries.
Symbols
"IYNF" stands for the International Year of Natural Fibers. Its unique logo is utilized in many print and online promotional materials. T-shirts, backpacks, pamphlets, posters, and fact sheets all include it. The logo is designed to express the idea that natural fibers are used in various countries across the world to create products that are environmentally friendly. "Discover natural fibers 2009" is the tagline.
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