Tomorrow is International Day of Forests!

Tomorrow (Friday 21 March) is the International Day of Forests, which was officially proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 2012.

The Day celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests. On each International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organise activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns.

The theme for each International Day of Forests is chosen by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests, and this years theme is "Forests and Food".

Forests and food

In 2025, forests and food is the theme for the day, celebrating the crucial roles of forests in food security, nutrition and livelihoods.

In addition to providing food, fuel, income and employment, forests:

• support soil fertility;
• protect water resources; and
• offer habitats for biodiversity, including vital pollinators.

They are essential for the survival of forest-dependent communities, particularly Indigenous Peoples, and contribute to climate-change mitigation by storing carbon.

The International Day of Forests is important, because:

• more than five billion people around the world use forest and non-timber forest products for food, medicine and livelihoods;
• forests and trees are a rich source of nuts, fruit, seeds, roots, tubers, leaves, mushrooms, honey, wild meat and insects, providing essential nutrients to people's dietary intake;
• over two billion people rely on wood and other traditional fuels for cooking;
• forests support farming by:
  • providing homes for pollinators,
  • helping keep the soil healthy,
  • retaining water,
  • offering food and shade for livestock,
  • regulating temperatures,
  • acting as natural barriers against the wind for crops, and
  • enhancing rainfall for agricultural needs;
• in some countries and regions, forests and trees provide around 20% of the income for rural households, enabling access to nutritious food and diverse diets, particularly for the poorest households;
• forested watersheds provide freshwater to more than 85% of the world's major cities and sustainable forest management has the potential to enhance water quality for over 1.7 billion people residing in large urban areas, contributing to their food and water security;
• forests support food security and diversify incomes during shocks, such as failed harvests of conflicts, to help ensure the survival of communities when usual food sources are unavailable;
• wild meat is an important protein source for Indigenous Peoples and rural communities, particularly in tropical regions.

How can I mark the day?

There are many ways to get involved on International Day of Forests, including:

• share this video created by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN providing further information on the theme, or the logos, banners, and posters available;
• join the conversation on social media using the #ForestDay to pass on some of this year's key messages, or take a photo of your favourite forest;
• organise or join events celebrating forests, such as tree plantings, symposiums, art exhibitions, photo competitions, or host a speaker/webinar;
• join the online webcast on the day.