International Day of Forests is an international observance held annually on March 21 to raise awareness about the importance of forests and trees outside forests and to organize activities in these areas. The day was proclaimed to celebrate the ecological, economic, and social roles of all types of forests and to support sustainable forest management.

History

The foundation of the International Day of Forests is based on national, regional, and international activities carried out in 2011 during the International Year of Forests. On December 21, 2012, the United Nations General Assembly, with resolution 67/200, declared March 21 as the International Day of Forests and decided that it would first be observed in 2013. The resolution invited member states to organize concrete activities related to forests and trees outside forests and stipulated that implementation would be carried out in cooperation with the Secretariat of the United Nations Forum on Forests and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).^【1】 

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Purpose and Significance

The primary purpose of the International Day of Forests is to raise awareness about the conservation and sustainable management of forests. On this day, countries organize tree-planting campaigns and community-based activities to emphasize the roles of forests in ecosystems, food security, water resources, biodiversity, and climate regulation.

Forests are critical for food security and nutrition. By providing food sources such as fruits, seeds, roots, and wild meat, they serve as a livelihood for indigenous and rural communities. They also provide wood as an energy source, contribute to soil fertility, protect water resources, and offer habitats for biodiversity, particularly pollinator species. Forests contribute to climate change mitigation by storing carbon and provide approximately 20% of household income in rural areas, offering economic and food security support during crises.

Themes

Annual themes are selected by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests. The theme for 2025 is “Forests and Food,” highlighting the role of forests in food security, nutrition, and livelihoods. The theme for 2026 has been designated as “Forests and Economies.”

Implementation and Activities

Activities organized on the day include tree-planting campaigns, community-based projects, and national celebrations. Additionally, the importance of forests is communicated to broader audiences through art, photography and film exhibitions, as well as social media campaigns. FAO showcases practices supporting a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food future during International Day of Forests events.