Roosevelt called them “the lungs of the Earth,” Robert Frost and millions of poets were inspired by them, and Sting is fighting to save them. We’re talking about forests. And celebrities aren’t the only ones who feel a strong connection with them. We all do. Just a simple walk in the woods can calm and invigorate our senses. In fact, the forests are so crucial to the future of our planet that the UN declared March 21 to be the International Day of Forests. For many years now, this amazing global celebration has been creating awareness all over the world about the importance of forests. They are one of our greatest natural treasures that we must preserve and protect.
When is International Day of Forests 2025?
International Day of Forests is observed annually on March 21 to celebrate forests and create awareness about the importance of preserving them.
International Day of Forests timeline
At the 16th session of the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization, the "States members" vote to establish "World Forestry Day" on March 21 of each year.
The International Year of Forests is established by the United Nations General Assembly.
The U.N. passes a resolution to observe March 21 as the International Day of Forests.
The world celebrates this important day dedicated to our Earth for the first time.
How to Observe International Day of Forests
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Plant a tree or start a victory garden
Go ahead! Do your bit to make your city a little greener. Even buying a little plant for your home counts!
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Go hiking in the woods or a state park
There isn’t a better time to get out, bond with nature and drive away those winter blues because spring has just begun.
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Make a leaf scrapbook
A great activity for the entire family. Scrapbooking and recording interesting facts is a great way to teach children about the different type of trees and their importance.
5 Unbelievable Benefits Of Forests
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Forests nurture soil
Forests play an important role in preventing soil erosion, as well as stabilizing and maintaining its quality.
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Forests trap carbon dioxide
Forests are ‘carbon sinks,’ absorbing and trapping carbon dioxide.
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Forests provide sustenance
Forests are home to millions of species, sheltering and providing food for their sustenance.
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Forests are natural aqueducts
Forest trees absorb and redistribute an estimated 95% of water.
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Forests provide raw materials
Sustainably managed forests provide raw materials such as timber and paper.
Why International Day of Forests is Important
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Forests are the lungs of the Earth
Forests are like giant, green sponges all over the globe, through which our Earth breathes. Trees and plants take in carbon dioxide and give us oxygen, cleaning our air.
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The world needs wood
And not just for construction, paper, furniture, etc. As the world’s population grows, with it the hunger for energy. Currently wood accounts for approximately 45 % of the world’s renewable energy supply. Encouraging and modernizing this industry can help find new and sustainable ways to produce bioenergy.
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Healthy forests mean a healthy environment
Forests trap carbon to prevent global warming. They stabilize the climate, control atmospheric temperatures, protect watershed areas, regulate the water cycle, and enrich the soil. And that’s not all that forests do for our environment!
International Day of Forests dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 21 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | March 21 | Thursday |
| 2025 | March 21 | Friday |
| 2026 | March 21 | Saturday |
| 2027 | March 21 | Sunday |
