International Day of Forests
International Day of Forests was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. Since then, millions of people around the globe have used it as an opportunity to celebrate all types of forests, recognize everything that trees and forests do for us,
Why is the International Day of Forests important
The Day celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests. On this day, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national, and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree-planting campaigns.
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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.
- 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!
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!
- 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 types of trees and their importance.
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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.
Forest sustainable management and their use of resources are key to combating climate change, and to contributing to the prosperity and well-being of current and future generations. Forests also play a crucial role in poverty alleviation and in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yet despite all of these priceless ecological, economic, social, and health benefits, global deforestation continues at an alarming rate.
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Resources
In order to celebrate today effectively, here is a list of resources you can use to make the day special – or to plan ahead
Reference Sites
- UN and other international NGO
- Non-Profits website for the observance
