It is difficult to picture life on Earth without forests. They sustain our lives in countless ways, from the air we breathe and the water we drink to the food we eat and the wood and paper products we use every day. Unfortunately, forests are now under threat, with 70 million hectares affected by fires and 10 million hectares lost annually due to deforestation. So, we had to ask: What is the most important information you need to know about this year’s International Day of Forests?

👉 Official Name: International Day of Forests
💚 Cause: Raise awareness of the significance of all forest types and inspire action to protect them
📅 Next Date: March 21, 2027
🌐 Official Website: www.fao.org/international-day-of-forests
🐦 Hashtag: #InternationalDayOfForests, #ForestDay

Keep reading to find out all the important information about the International Day of Forests at a glance: its big picture, why it’s important, and how you can get involved. We’ll then share its brief history, three interesting facts about it, its future dates, and how you’ll never miss any important awareness event again.

The Most Important Information About International Day of Forests at a Glance

1️⃣ The big picture: International Day of Forests invites nations around the world to engage in reforestation initiatives such as tree planting projects and support organizations that protect wildlife and restore ecosystems in forests. In addition, this event raises awareness of the sustainable practices we can include in our daily lives to decrease deforestation rates and, ultimately, preserve Earthly life in all its forms. Overall, this is a time to celebrate and admire forests, honoring all the ways in which they support our lives. 

2️⃣ Why it is important: Covering ⅓ of the Earth’s land mass, forests are essential for both environmental health and human well-being. Nearly half of Earth’s known species live in forests, yet their wildlife has declined by 70% in recent decades. Moreover, forests remove harmful pollutants and pump out oxygen, purifying the air we breathe. In addition, they are natural carbon sinks: each year, the world’s forests absorb 16 billion metric tons of CO2 – more than 40% of global fossil fuel emissions. Unfortunately, as we have cut down 1.5 billion hectares of forest in the last 300 years, we have released huge amounts of carbon emissions that contribute to the climate crisis.

3️⃣ How you can get involved: You can participate in the International Day of Forests by joining reforestation initiatives, creating sustainable practices, or inspiring others to save forests with you:

1. Serve Forests: Participate in campaigns and initiatives from organizations that serve forests’ well-being, such as tree-planting projects and ecosystem conservation. You can also invest time or money in longer reforestation projects that will last for generations.
2. Enjoy Forests Responsibility: Go for a walk or hike in a nearby forest to connect with and admire nature (make sure not to litter!). In the long run, you can also implement practices in your lifestyle to help preserve the forests you enjoy!
3. Inspire Others: Learn more about forest conservation and organize a group hike with friends or youth in your community to teach about forest appreciation and preservation. In addition, you can raise awareness of vital facts about how to save forests using the hashtags #InternationalDayOfForests and #ForestDay.

Below are our favorite charities that are relevant to the International Day of Forests:

• Best Charities for Reforestation
• Best Charities for Planting Trees
• Best Charities for Protecting the Amazon Rainforest
• Best Charities for Land Conservation
• Best Wildlife Conservation Charities

A Brief History of International Day of Forests

When was this event established: International Day of Forests was initially established as World Forestry Day in 1971 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Then, from 2007 to 2012, the event was organized by the Center for International Forestry Research and the Collaborative Partnership on Forests. Following the International Year of Forests in 2011, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed, in December 2012, the International Day of Forests. 

How has it developed since then: Today, International Day of Forests is a global movement advancing strategies for reforestation, wildlife conservation, and ecosystem restoration in all types of forests worldwide. For example, in 2024, the event’s theme was Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World, to highlight the importance of new technological advancements for reforestation efforts. These new technologies are essential to monitor forests, detect early fires, and empower Indigenous Peoples through land mapping and climate financing.

3 Interesting Facts About International Day of Forests

1. Sustaining Human Life: Over 1.6 billion people rely on forests for food, fuel, jobs, or other ways to preserve their livelihoods. Moreover, 350 million people worldwide live within or near forests and are highly dependent on them for survival, including over 60 million indigenous peoples. Forests also protect us from natural disasters by averting landslides and fighting against soil erosion, avalanches, storms, and tsunamis. 
2. Open-air Pharmacies: Many of the most important and revolutionary medical treatments come directly from forests. For instance, 80% of people worldwide rely on herbal medicines found in forests. Also, 25% of drugs used in modern medicine are derived from forest plants, with many ingredients used to create treatments for malaria, cancer, and other diseases.
3. Forests and Water: Forests affect regional weather patterns and influence the global water cycle through transpiration. Forests also purify water through aquifers, replenishing groundwater supplies for drinking, sanitation, and irrigation around the world. At the same time, forests are natural barriers against flooding by absorbing the surplus of water and reducing soil loss or property damage. 

Upcoming Dates of International Day of Forests

International Day of Forests is observed every year on March 21.

Never Miss an Awareness Event Again

Sources

• United Nations: International Day of Forests
• Eco Hiny: Impactful Ways to Stop Deforestation & Safeguard Our Forests
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: International Day of Forests
• The World Counts: How Can We Stop Deforestation?
• World Wildlife Fund: Forests play a crucial part in sustaining life on our planet
• UN Environment Programme: Why do forests matter?
• World Health Organization: Environmental health
• Tree Hugger: 20 Reasons Why Forests Are Important
• Planet Wild: Why are forests so important for life on Earth?
• Sustainable Travel: 14 Reasons Why Forests Are Important
• Our World in Data: Deforestation and Forest Loss
• Impactful Ninja: 11 Best Charities for Planting Trees
• Impactful Ninja: 9 Best Wildlife Conservation Charities
• Impactful Ninja: 9 Best Charities for Reforestation
• Tree Foundation: 10 things you can do to save forests
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: World Forestry Day
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: home page
• Wikipedia: International Day of Forests
• Center for International Forestry Research: home page
• United Nations: Collaborative Partnership on Forests
• United Nations: International Day of Forests Documents
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: Forests and Innovation. New solutions for a better world
• Springer Link: Forests And Natural Disasters
• Forest Stewardship Council International: forest medicines
• European Environment Agency: aquifer
• Wikipedia: flash flood