The official Launch of the International Year of Natural Fibres 2009, as designated by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), takes place in Rome on 22 January 2009, 10.00am (UK time). The event will be webcast and is available to watch live, or at a later time, at www.fao.org/webcast.

A new website dedicated to the International Year of Natural Fibres, which will list all of the events planned for the year, and serve as a focus for the natural fibres community, has been launched at www.naturalfibres2009.org.

The largest UK event to celebrate the year is being organised in London on 14-15 December, entitled Natural Fibres ’09. Organised by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining this International conference will celebrate and highlight the increasing use of natural fibres, to raise awareness of their diverse properties, and stimulate an increased demand. It will offer an opportunity for natural fibre industries to come together to foster international partnership and increased understanding of the role that natural materials can play in ensuring a sustainable future.