All over the world people are working in quiet and heroic ways to sustain, protect and manage our forests. To honour these heroes, the United Nations Forum on Forests Secretariat launched the first ever International Forest Heroes Programme and Awards. Ninety nominations from forty-one different countries were received. Fifteen finalists throughout five geographic regions – Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and North America – are in the running for one prestigious award in each region. Their actions embody innovative and grassroots initiatives, tapping into the multiple values of forests. Read more about them below.

President Obama on Wednesday rejected for now the proposed Keystone XL oil pipeline, saying the $7 billion project could not be adequately reviewed within the 60-day deadline set by Congress. While the president’s action does not preclude later approval of the project, it sets up a baldly partisan fight over energy, jobs and regulation that will likely persist through the November election.

A community of about 400 Inuit people living on a narrow, low-lying strip in north-westAlaskahas reopened its lawsuit against over 20 of the world's largest oil and gas companies, including ExxonMobil, BP and Shell. Kivalina villagers are seeking damages for property loss, which they say were caused by the companies' contributions to global warming. This case has again raised the potential for climate change liability in private and public law.

This year saw the Kanas scenic spot in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, known as "the last piece of pure land on Earth", open for the first time in winter to large groups of tourists.

IN this verdant lawn-filled college town, most people keep their lawn mowers tuned up by oiling the motor and sharpening the blades. Eddie Miller keeps his in shape with salt licks and shearing scissors.