WORLD FOREST DAY
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests in 2012 to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. Countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns.
The organizers are the United Nations Forum on Forests and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with Governments, the Collaborative Partnership on Forests and other relevant organizations in the field.
The Day celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests. On each International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns. The theme for each International Day of Forests is chosen by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests.
Forest sustainable management and their use of resources are key to combating climate change, and to contributing to the prosperity and well-being of current and future generations. Forests also play a crucial role in poverty alleviation and in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yet despite all these priceless ecological, economic, social and health benefits, global deforestation continues at an alarming rate.
The theme of World Forest Day 2020 is "Forests and biodiversity". The theme of the 2020 International Day of Forests celebration is “Forests and Biodiversity”. Forests are home to 80% of all land-based biodiversity. At the same time, they provide critical ecosystem services that affect the global climate, rainfall patterns, and watersheds. The theme of forests and biodiversity is of particular relevance to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and SDG 15 in particular, during the Decade of Action and the 2020 “biodiversity super year”.
The theme of the 2021 International Day of Forests celebration is “Forest restoration: a path to recovery and well-being”. This year’s event will raise awareness of how forests play a vital role in the health and wellbeing of people and the planet. Restoring the health of our forests and sustainably managing them is crucial to support livelihoods, mitigate climate change, safeguard biodiversity and reduce the risk of future pandemics. The 2021 theme is of particular relevance as we build the foundation for a sustainable recovery for all. It is also a contribution to the implementation of the UN Strategic Plan for Forests and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in support of the Decade of Action for the SDGs and the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
The theme of the 2022 International Day of Forests celebration is “Forests and Sustainable Production and Consumption”. The 2022 celebration aims to raise awareness of how sustainable production and consumption of forest resources helps to restore balance in how we use natural resources. It is about increasing efficiency, reducing environmental degradation, and creating sustainable lifestyles for current and future generations.
Forest is too precious to lose. When we drink a glass of water, write in a notebook, take medicine for a fever or build a house, we do not always make the connection with forests. And yet, these and many other aspects of our lives are linked to forests in one way or another.
Forest sustainable management and their use of resources are key to combating climate change, and to contributing to the prosperity and well-being of current and future generations. Forests also play a crucial role in poverty alleviation and in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yet despite all these priceless ecological, economic, social and health benefits, global deforestation continues at an alarming rate.
It is vital to consume and produce wood in a more environmentally friendly way for the planet and its inhabitants. Let’s protect this easily renewable resource with a sustainable management of forests.
