International Day of Forests 2021

OV Digital Desk
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International Day of Forests

The theme of International Day of Forests 2021 | Source: FAO

21 March is observed annually as the International Day of Forests. It is aimed to raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests, and trees outside forests, for the benefit of current and future generations. It also encourages the countries to undertake efforts to organize local, national, and international activities involving forests and trees, such as tree-planting campaigns.

The Secretariat of the United Nations Forum on Forests, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization, facilitates the implementation of such events in collaboration with governments, the Collaborative Partnership on Forests, and international, regional and subregional organizations.

The theme of the International Day of Forests for 2021 is “Forest restoration: a path to recovery and well-being”. The restoration and sustainable management of forests help address climate change and biodiversity crises. It also produces goods and services for sustainable development, fostering an economic activity that creates jobs and improves lives.

This year’s theme fits into the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), a call for the protection and revival of ecosystems around the world.

History of International Day of Forests

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests in 2012 to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. Countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree-planting campaigns.

The organizers are the United Nations Forum on Forests and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with Governments, the Collaborative Partnership on Forests and other relevant organizations in the field.

Importance of International Day of Forests

Sustainable management of forests along with the judicious use of their resources is the primary way to combating climate change and contributing to the prosperity and well-being of present and future generations. Forests have an important role to play in poverty eradication and in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Though plants provide us with unmeasured ecological, economic, social, and health benefits, still global deforestation continues at an alarming rate. Therefore, it becomes necessary for everyone to act in a responsible way and spread consciousness about the importance of saving Forests on global Forests Day 2021.

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