Celebrating International Day of Forests: The Vital Role Forests Play
Explore the profound impacts, history, and future of our world’s forests on International Day of Forests.
International Day of Forests, observed each year on March 21, is a unifying moment for people around the globe to reflect on the crucial importance of forests and to promote efforts aimed at their protection and sustainable use. From supporting biodiversity and livelihoods to serving as carbon sinks and sources of food and medicine, forests are indispensable to both human wellness and planetary health.
What Is International Day of Forests?
The International Day of Forests was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 to raise awareness and encourage actions that sustain all types of forests. The first official observance took place in 2013, continuing an earlier tradition set by World Forestry Day, which began in 1971 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Each year, the day adopts a new theme to spotlight the multiple roles forests play in our ecosystems and societies.
- Date: March 21 annually
- Established By: United Nations General Assembly
- First Observed: 2013
- 2025 Theme: Forests and Food
This annual day serves as an opportunity for communities, organizations, and governments to engage in tree planting, educational campaigns, and conservation projects.
Why Do Forests Matter?
Forests are often referred to as the “lungs of the planet,” yet their significance extends far beyond providing oxygen. Forests cover about 31% of Earth’s land area and are home to an estimated 80% of terrestrial biodiversity. They are vital to our wellbeing and survival in many fundamental ways:
- Climate Regulation: Forests absorb massive amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to moderate global temperatures and mitigate climate change impacts.
- Biodiversity: They provide habitat for countless creature and plant species, many of which are found nowhere else.
- Water Purification & Cycle: Forests play a pivotal role in maintaining the water cycle, filtering water, and preventing soil erosion and flooding.
- Livelihoods: Over 1.6 billion people rely on forests for food, income, energy, and medicinal resources.
- Health Benefits: Forest products form the basis of 25% of modern medicines and offer mental and physical health benefits through nature exposure.
Key Statistics
- About 1.6 billion people depend directly on forests for their livelihood.
- 80% of terrestrial biodiversity resides in forests.
- Each year, forests equivalent in size to Iceland are lost, highlighting urgent threats like deforestation and forest degradation.
The History and Organization of International Day of Forests
The celebration of forests as a global observance grew from initiatives by the FAO and international partnerships. Between 2007 and 2012, the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF) organized annual Forest Days across multiple countries. These efforts culminated in the formal recognition of International Day of Forests at COP19 in Warsaw, marking a new era for collaborative forest protection efforts.
Key Milestones
- 1971: FAO established World Forestry Day on March 21.
- 2007–2012: CIFOR and CPF convened annual Forest Day conferences worldwide.
- 2012: United Nations General Assembly officially designated March 21 as International Day of Forests.
- 2013: First International Day of Forests celebrated globally.
Forests and Food: The 2025 Theme
What others are reading
Each year, the International Day of Forests features a theme aligned with urgent needs or emerging opportunities. For 2025, the theme is “Forests and Food”—a timely reminder of forests’ indispensable role in global food security and sustainable agriculture.
- Diversity of Edible Species: Forests harbor over 60,000 tree species, nearly a fifth of which are used directly for food, fuel, or other purposes.
- Wild Foods: Forests are sources of wild fruits, nuts, leafy greens, fungi, and bushmeat essential for nutrition in rural and indigenous communities.
- Livelihoods: Millions depend on non-timber forest products, including honey, medicinal herbs, and resins, underpinning food sovereignty and economic security.
This focus also acknowledges the threats to forests from agricultural expansion and monoculture practices. Sustainable forest management is integral to preserving food supplies while combating land degradation.
Extraordinary Trees: Icons of Human History and Survival
Some individual tree species stand out for their impact on human culture, economy, and health. Here are five remarkable trees that highlight the deep connections between forests and humanity:
- The Baobab: Known as the “tree of life” across Africa, the baobab stores up to 120,000 liters of water, provides vitamin C-rich fruit, and supports entire village economies during dry seasons.
- The Brazil Nut: Relying on intact Amazon rainforests to thrive, Brazil nut trees are vital to both rainforest biodiversity and the livelihoods of many Amazonian communities.
- The Olive: One of the world’s oldest cultivated trees, olives underpin Mediterranean diets and economies, producing oil celebrated for its health-promoting properties.
- The Oak: Revered in European folklore and prized for its durable wood and nutritious acorns, the oak tree is central to the temperate forest biome.
- The Cocoa (Cacao) Tree: Indigenous to the understory of South American rainforests, the cacao tree gives us chocolate and supports millions of smallholder farmers worldwide.
Forests and Ecosystem Services
Forests supply a wealth of ecosystem services crucial to planetary health and economic stability:
- Air Quality: They filter atmospheric pollutants and produce oxygen.
- Carbon Storage: Forests are among the largest terrestrial carbon sinks, storing approximately 296 gigatons of carbon globally.
- Soil and Water Protection: Tree roots stabilize soil and regulate water flow, minimizing landslides and floods.
Despite these immense values, the economic and ecological contributions of forests are often undervalued in national accounting and policy-making.
Forests as Nature-Based Climate Solutions
Forest conservation is recognized as one of the most effective ways to reduce atmospheric greenhouse gas levels. By protecting and restoring forests, we can:
- Sequester large amounts of CO2.
- Sustain biodiversity, ensuring ecosystem resilience.
- Provide co-benefits such as clean air, water, and recreation opportunities.
The Threat: Deforestation and Forest Degradation
Forests are under severe threat from human activities. Deforestation, largely driven by agriculture, infrastructure development, and mining, results in the loss of approximately 4-5 million hectares annually.
- Staggering Losses: Since 1990, an estimated 420 million hectares of forest have been lost—an area larger than India.
- Third-Largest Carbon Emitter: If deforestation were a country, it would rank as the third-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions globally.
- Biodiversity at Risk: Many species are threatened with extinction due to disappearing habitats and ecosystem fragmentation.
Forests and Human Health
Forests promote both physical and mental health in myriad ways:
- Exposure to nature reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and enhances mood.
- Phytoncides—aromatic compounds released by trees—boost immune function.
- Green spaces in urban areas provide critical respite for city dwellers, supporting community wellbeing.
Research-Backed Benefits
- Spending as little as 15 minutes in a forested environment can decrease anxiety and elevate feelings of happiness.
- Studies connect forest walks to improved cognitive function and faster recovery from illness.
Forests, Culture, and Society
Forests also shape culture, tradition, and identity:
- They are settings for stories, spiritual practices, and community events.
- Parks and protected forests offer places for recreation, social gathering, and nature education.
How You Can Celebrate and Support Forests
Everyone has a role to play in safeguarding the future of our world’s forests. Here are tangible actions individuals, families, and organizations can take:
- Participate in Tree Planting: Join or sponsor local tree planting campaigns.
- Support Sustainable Products: Choose wood, paper, and foods certified by credible sustainability standards (e.g., FSC).
- Educate Others: Share facts about forests’ importance and advocate for forest-friendly policies in your community.
- Volunteer: Offer time to forest restoration projects or community clean-ups in local parks and reserves.
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Minimize resource use to lessen pressure on forests for raw materials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the International Day of Forests?
The International Day of Forests is observed every March 21 to highlight the importance of forests and promote global efforts for their preservation, with each year adopting a new theme to emphasize specific aspects of forest value and need.
Why is forest conservation important?
Forests are crucial for climate regulation, biodiversity, water management, food security, and human health. Their conservation not only preserves these functions but is also fundamental to tackling climate change and sustaining global ecosystems.
What are the most significant threats to forests?
Major threats include deforestation (mainly for agriculture), habitat fragmentation, illegal logging, invasive species, wildfires, and climate change. Addressing these requires strong legal frameworks, community engagement, and global cooperation.
How do forests impact human health?
Forests provide medicinal plants used in modern treatments, foster mentally restorative environments, and promote physical activity. Natural compounds from trees can raise immune function, and urban forests are associated with reduced rates of depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular disease.
How can I contribute to forest protection every day?
- Support forest-friendly products and companies.
- Reduce paper and wood consumption through smart choices.
- Educate others about forests’ benefits and threats.
- Engage in community forestry or reforestation initiatives.
Conclusion: The Forests Are Our Future
The International Day of Forests is a reminder that forests are at the center of our fight against climate change, our quest for biodiversity, and the health of present and future generations. By celebrating, learning about, and acting for the world’s forests, we ensure that these invaluable ecosystems continue to provide their vital services for many years to come.
References
- https://ecotree.green/en/blog/what-is-international-day-of-forests-and-when-is-it
- https://www.earthday.org/appreciating-the-forests-for-the-trees/
- https://treecanada.ca/article/celebrate-international-day-of-forests/
- https://www.sei.org/features/2024-international-day-of-forests/
- https://forests.org/wp-content/uploads/Treehugger_2018_Mar_21.pdf
- https://nature4climate.org/celebrating-international-day-of-forests/
- https://www.un.org/en/observances/forests-and-trees-day
- https://www.plt.org/news/international-day-of-forests/
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