Also known as World Forest Day, The International Day of Forests is celebrated annually on March 21st.
Every year one important thematic is chosen as focus point of this day.
This year the theme for the International Day of Forests is
"Forests, People, and Planet: Living in Harmony".
This theme emphasizes the need for sustainable forest management practices that balance the needs of people and the planet.
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A little bit of History
The story behind the International Day of Forests begins with the United Nations Forum on Forests, which was established in 2000.
The Forum was created to promote the sustainable management of forests and to address issues related to deforestation, forest degradation, and the conservation and sustainable use of forest biodiversity.
In 2011, the Forum recommended the establishment of a new international day to raise awareness about the importance of forests and to promote sustainable forest management practices.
The proposal was put forward to the United Nations General Assembly, which declared March 21st as the International Day of Forests in 2012.
Each year, the International Day of Forests has a different theme, which focuses on a specific aspect of sustainable forest management.
Past themes have included "Forests and Energy" in 2017, "Forests and Sustainable Cities" in 2018, and "Forests and Education" in 2019.
A symbolic date
The choice of March 21st as the date for the International Day of Forests is significant. March 21st is the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the autumn equinox in the Southern Hemisphere. This day represents a time of balance and harmony in nature, and highlights the important role that forests play in maintaining this balance.
Since its establishment, the International Day of Forests has been celebrated around the world with a range of activities and events. These include tree planting campaigns, forest walks and hikes, seminars and workshops, and educational programs for children and adults.
The importance of forests
Forests play a crucial role in our lives and in the health of our planet.
They are home to millions of species of plants and animals and provide vital ecosystem services such as clean air and water, carbon sequestration, and soil conservation.
Forests also support the livelihoods of billions of people around the world, providing timber, non-timber forest products, and employment opportunities.
The International Day of Forests is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of forests and to promote sustainable forest management practices.
Governments, civil society organizations, and individuals can take action to protect forests by supporting initiatives such as reforestation, forest restoration, and sustainable forest management.
We can also reduce our impact on forests by making sustainable choices, such as choosing products that are certified as sustainably sourced.
The threat of deforestation
Despite their importance, forests are under threat from a range of factors, including deforestation, illegal logging, forest fires, and climate change.
Deforestation, in particular, is a major concern. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), around 10 million hectares of forest are lost each year, with most of this loss occurring in tropical regions.
This deforestation not only affects the health of our planet, but also has social and economic impacts on local communities.
Sustainable Forest Management
One of the key elements of sustainable forest management is the protection of forests.
Forests can be protected through the establishment of protected areas and the implementation of sustainable forestry practices.
Protected areas can help to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services, while sustainable forestry practices can ensure that forest resources are used in a way that is environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable.
Sustainable forest management involves the use of forest resources in a way that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
The importance of Local Communities
Another important aspect of sustainable forest management is the involvement of local communities in forest management decisions.
Local communities often have a deep understanding of the forest ecosystem and can provide valuable insights into sustainable forest management practices.
By involving local communities in forest management decisions, we can ensure that the needs of both people and the planet are taken into account.
Our actions
The International Day of Forests is an important opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of forests and to promote sustainable forest management practices.
Forests play a crucial role in our lives and in the health of our planet, and it is important that we work together to protect them.
By taking action to protect forests, we can ensure that they continue to provide vital ecosystem services and support the livelihoods of millions of people around the world.
That’s why we chose to work with Treedom and actively contribute to plant new trees all around the world.
Join us in this mission! Plant a tree on our Forest!
