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International Day of Forests

Nature's green lungs, where the air is pure, the trees stand tall, and life hums in a symphony of chirping, buzzing, and rustling leaves.

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Mobilize eco-conscious consumers and families to plant trees, support reforestation charities, and celebrate forest conservation through experiential and donation-driven campaigns.

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Plant a fruit tree this March and harvest pesticide-free fruit all summer—celebrate International Day of Forests with your family
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Reduce paper use, plant trees: a simple March challenge for eco-conscious professionals and households

History

In 1971, the European Confederation of Agriculture suggested setting aside a day to honor forests. They wanted people to understand how important trees are for life on Earth. The idea quickly gained support.

Later, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization agreed with the proposal. Together, they worked to create a global day that would raise awareness about forests and their role in human and environmental health.

The International Day of Forests was more officially established this day by resolution of the United Nations General Assembly on November 28, 2012.

Since then, each year, various events celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests, and trees outside forests, for the benefit of current and future generations.

The state of our forests is important to us all here on earth for many reasons – 80% of all terrestrial biodiversity lives in forests, and each year many species go extinct as a result of them being destroyed.

Of course, forests also play a critical role in climate change deforestation results in 12-18 percent of the world’s carbon emissions and accelerated global warming.

Forests also provide food, fiber, water and and even medicines for approximately 1.6 billion of the world’s population, especially the poorest people.

How to celebrate

Plant Some Trees

This doesn’t have to mean taking on some sort enormous commitment that requires you to quit your job and dedicate your life to planting thousands of trees. Even one or two in your backyard would be enough! There must be a fruit you love, so why not plant a fruit tree or two? There’s nothing quite like fruit that’s just been freshly picked off a tree to make you feel what summer is all about. Not to mention the 100% pesticide and herbicide-free juices and jams you could make and enjoy for months afterwards!No place to plant your own trees? That’s okay! There are plenty of charities out there who would love your help in reforestation in critical spaces all over the world. Contribute to organizations dedicated to planting trees and restoring forests. Your support aids global efforts to combat deforestation and climate change.

Spend Time in the Forest

Another way to celebrate International Day of Forests would be to go hiking in a forest nearby, or even going for a nice, relaxing walk there. Visit a local forest or nature reserve to appreciate its beauty and biodiversity. Spending time among trees can boost well-being and deepen your connection to the environment. Trees are something we sometimes take for granted, so going out for the purpose of appreciating their beauty and the beauty of nature in general while also enjoying some fresh air would definitely be beneficial.

Reduce the Use of Trees

If you’re not feeling quite so active, you can take some time on this day to think about what you can do to help prevent so many trees from being cut down—rent books from the library instead of buying, recycle used paper, and, of course, and of course teach your children to do the same! There’s nothing quite like raising awareness about an issue to get it solved quicker, especially when it comes to people who are the future of humanity. This International Day of Forests, make sure you make a difference. As with cutting down trees—one doesn’t seem to matter, but millions of hectares definitely do—so with us earthlings—if we all cared just a little bit, the planet would be a better place!

Plant a Tree in Your Community

Gather friends or neighbors to plant trees in local parks or schoolyards. This simple act enhances green spaces and provides lasting environmental benefits.

Share Awareness on Social Media

Use your online platforms to share facts about forests and their importance. Spreading awareness encourages others to join in preserving these vital ecosystems.

FAQ

How do forests help slow climate change beyond simply “absorbing carbon”?

Forests influence climate in several ways at once. Trees pull carbon dioxide from the air and store it in trunks, roots, leaves, and soils for decades or centuries. Dense forest canopies also cool the air through shade and by releasing water vapor, which helps moderate local temperatures and keep regional rainfall more stable. When forests are cleared or degraded, much of that stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere and these regulating effects are lost, which accelerates global warming.

Why are forests so important for global biodiversity?

Forests provide a huge variety of habitats, from the dark, moist forest floor to sunny upper canopies, which support an estimated 80 percent of terrestrial plant and animal species. Complex structures such as deadwood, understory shrubs, and tree hollows create niches for insects, birds, mammals, fungi, and microorganisms. When forests are fragmented or removed, many species lose the specialized conditions they require, which can lead to population declines and extinctions.

What are the main causes of deforestation around the world today?

Most deforestation is driven by the conversion of forest to other land uses rather than local firewood collection. Large-scale agriculture for commodities such as cattle, soy, and oil palm is the dominant driver in many tropical regions, followed by commercial logging, mining, infrastructure such as roads and dams, and urban expansion. These pressures often act together, opening up previously remote forests and making them more vulnerable to further clearance and degradation.

How does deforestation affect the people who live in and around forests?

Many Indigenous Peoples and rural communities rely on forests for food, medicine, building materials, cultural practices, and income. When forests are cleared or degraded, these communities can lose access to wild foods, clean water, and traditional livelihoods, and may be displaced from ancestral lands. This can increase poverty and undermine cultural identity, particularly where land rights are weak or not formally recognized.

What is meant by “sustainable forest management”?

Sustainable forest management is an approach that aims to use forests for wood, fiber, and other benefits without reducing their biodiversity, health, or ability to provide ecosystem services over the long term. It involves keeping harvest levels within the forest’s natural capacity to regrow, protecting water and soil, conserving key wildlife habitats, and respecting the rights and needs of local communities. Good management is monitored and adjusted over time as forests and climate conditions change.

How do certification systems like FSC and PEFC work in practice?

Certification programs such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) set standards for responsible forest management and supply chains. Independent auditors check whether forest owners and companies follow rules on issues like legal harvesting, safeguards for biodiversity, limits on clear-cutting, worker safety, and respect for Indigenous and community rights. Products that meet these standards can carry a label, which helps buyers identify wood and paper from more responsibly managed forests.

Are tree‑planting campaigns always good for the environment?

Tree planting can help restore degraded land, store carbon, and improve soils, but the benefits depend on what is planted, where, and how. Large monoculture plantations of a single fast-growing tree species can reduce biodiversity and strain water supplies, especially if they replace natural forests or grasslands. Ecologists generally recommend prioritizing the protection of existing natural forests and restoring native or diverse mixed-species plantings that match local conditions and involve nearby communities in planning and care.