What is International Day of Forests?

International Day of Forests is celebrated annually on March 21st. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 to raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests and trees outside forests for the benefit of current and future generations. The day emphasizes the vital role forests play in poverty eradication, environmental sustainability, and food security. Through this observance, the UN encourages countries to undertake local, national, and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns, to highlight and educate about the significance of forests and their contribution to the health of our planet.

History and Origin

The establishment of International Day of Forests by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 was a global acknowledgment of the critical importance of forests – which cover one-third of the Earth’s landmass – to life on our planet. It recognized that despite their invaluable ecological, economic, social, and health benefits, global deforestation continues at an alarming rate. The designation of March 21st as a day to celebrate forests aims to inspire and mobilize a global movement to conserve and celebrate these vital ecosystems.

Who Celebrates International Day of Forests?

• Environmental Organizations: Groups dedicated to conservation and sustainability spearhead educational campaigns, reforestation projects, and advocacy work.
• Governments and Policy Makers: Engage in policy development, national tree-planting initiatives, and public awareness campaigns.
• Educational Institutions: Schools and universities may host workshops, nature walks, and lectures to educate students about the importance of forests.
• Communities and Local Groups: Community groups participate in tree planting and local forest conservation efforts.
• Individuals: People around the world take part by planting trees, learning more about forest conservation, and adopting sustainable practices that protect forests.

Slogans and Themes

Each year, International Day of Forests is celebrated with a specific theme that highlights different aspects of forest conservation, such as biodiversity, climate change, or forest and water relationships. Themes like “Forests and Biodiversity” emphasize the incredible diversity of life forms found in forests and the critical role forests play in sustaining these life forms.

Colors, Symbols, and Patterns

• Colors: Green predominates, symbolizing life, growth, and the vitality of forests.
• Symbols: Trees, leaves, and the Earth are common symbols used to represent the essence of the day and the focus on forest conservation.
• Patterns: Imagery and patterns that evoke the dense textures and rich biodiversity of forest ecosystems are often featured in materials related to the day.

Most Used Hashtags

• #InternationalDayOfForests
• #Forests
• #TreePlanting
• #ForestConservation
• #SustainableForestry

How to Celebrate

• Tree Planting Activities: Participate in or organize local tree planting events to directly contribute to forest conservation.
• Educational Events: Attend or host workshops, seminars, and discussions on the importance of forests and how to protect them.
• Nature Walks: Join guided walks in local forests or national parks to connect with nature and learn about forest ecosystems.
• Social Media Campaigns: Use digital platforms to share information, personal commitments, and actions taken to protect forests.
• Support Conservation Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations working on forest conservation and sustainable forestry practices.

International Day of Forests serves as a global call to action to appreciate the invaluable contributions of forests to life on Earth and to commit to preserving these critical ecosystems for future generations. It’s a day to celebrate the life-giving abundance of forests and to reaffirm our collective responsibility to foster a harmonious relationship with nature.