March 21 – International Day of Forests

Forests—often described as the lifeline of our planet—are celebrated worldwide each year on March 21 as the International Day of Forests. This global observance raises awareness about the vital role forests and trees play in sustaining life on Earth, and underscores the urgent need to protect and restore these invaluable ecosystems.

Forests cover approximately 31% of the Earth’s land area and are indispensable to both environmental health and human well-being. They provide clean air and water, are a critical source of resources, and support more than 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity. In addition to their ecological importance, forests sustain the livelihoods of millions of people, making their conservation essential for social, economic, and environmental balance.

The Significance of Forests

Forests are fundamental to the planet’s health in countless ways. Acting as the planet’s lungs, they produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide—a major greenhouse gas driving climate change. Forests also regulate water cycles, prevent soil erosion, and maintain biodiversity by providing habitats for an immense variety of plant and animal species.

Beyond environmental benefits, forests supply resources crucial to human survival and economic growth, including timber, fuelwood, medicinal plants, and food. Many indigenous and rural communities rely directly on forests for income, shelter, and cultural traditions.

Protecting forests is therefore essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for human prosperity. Forest loss threatens food security, livelihoods, and the resilience of ecosystems that support all life.

Theme of International Day of Forests 2021: Forest Restoration

The 2021 theme, “Forest restoration: a path to recovery and well-being”, highlights the urgent need to restore degraded forests as a key strategy to combat climate change, halt biodiversity loss, and advance sustainable development.

Forest restoration includes activities such as planting new trees, safeguarding existing forests from deforestation and degradation, and encouraging natural regeneration. These efforts can significantly improve ecosystem health, enhance biodiversity, and boost forests’ capacity to sequester carbon and regulate the climate.

Restoring forests also strengthens communities by improving livelihoods, building resilience to natural disasters, and ensuring the continued availability of essential resources. Governments, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to join forest restoration initiatives