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World Forestry Day – March 21, 2024

World Forestry Day is observed on March 21, and we’re here to show you how you can celebrate the day in the best way possible. Do you know that it has been more than 10 years since the United Nations General Assembly declared March 21 to be celebrated as International Day of Forests or World Forestry Day? Environment campaigns, discussions, and other initiatives are held in over 60 countries for the protection of forests and to ensure sustainable development. People celebrate this day by raising awareness of environmental issues like deforestation and the steps necessary to prevent them. People also visit their nearest forest reserves and get together with other environmentalists.

History of World Forestry Day

The threat to forests and ecosystems was evident. It was noted that 32 million acres of forest land were lost on average every year. Along with the forests, the flora and fauna were also obliterated. Climate change, high emissions of carbon, and pollution were signs that some action needed to be taken immediately. During the 1971 session of the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization, the members proposed March 21 be celebrated as World Forestry Day.

The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) in 2012 initiated six forest days. The first forest day was held in Bali, Indonesia in 2007 at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The second forest day was held in Poland in 2008. It had over 900 participants who discussed climate change. The third Forest Day was held in Copenhagen, Denmark. This time the number of stakeholders was 1,500 which included 500 Nongovernmental Organization members. The fourth Forest Day was held in Cancun, Mexico. The theme was chosen as ‘Time to Act.’ The fifth one was held in Durban, South Africa which was attended by more than 1,000 people from 80 countries. The sixth Forest Day was held in Doha, Qatar in 2012. Issues like financing for adaptation and desertification were discussed.

Following the six International Forests Days, International Day of Forests or World Forestry Day was created at the United Nations General Assembly on November 28, 2012.

World Forestry Day timeline

1970s
The World Forestry Day is Proposed

World Forestry Day is proposed by the members of the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR).

2007
The First Forest Day

The First Forest Day is celebrated in Indonesia.

2012
The Sixth Forest Day

The sixth Forest Day is held in Doha, Qatar.

2012
The International Day of Forests

International Day of Forests is created at the United Nations General Assembly.

World Forestry Day FAQs

Why is International Forests Day celebrated?

It aims to raise awareness about the importance of all types of forests.

What is the difference between Afforestation and Reforestation?

Afforestation is planting trees where none have existed before and reforestation is replanting trees in a place where they were destroyed.

What is the Chipko Movement?

It is a nonviolent protest against the cutting of trees by hugging (chipko) the trees and refusing to let go.

How to Observe World Forestry Day

  1. Raise awareness

    Use this day to raise awareness about deforestation and its effects on the environment. Educate people about the steps they can take to conserve forests.

  2. Share it on social media

    Let everyone know you're celebrating this day. Take pictures of you taking part in World Forestry Day campaigns and share them on social media.

  3. Learn more about forests

    Learn more about different types of forests. Do you have a forest near you? What wildlife is seen in these types of forests? Use this day to improve your knowledge.

5 Amazing Facts About Forests

  1. They filter the air

    Trees can remove pollutants and fine particles from the air.

  2. They provide fuel

    Wood fuel is said to supply 40% of today's fuel needs.

  3. They provide medicines

    Rainforests provide up to 25% of the medicines we use.

  4. They provide water

    Many cities have access to hygienic drinking water because of forests.

  5. They are home to many species

    About 80% of land animals and various insect and bird species all live in forests.

Why World Forestry Day is Important

  1. It gives us a chance to appreciate forests

    This day gives us a chance to appreciate what forests provide us. Most of the things that we use in our life come from forests.

  2. It does something for the environment

    This day gives us an opportunity to do our part in protecting the environment. It gives us a chance to save trees and forests.

  3. It gives us a chance to raise awareness

    This day gives us a chance to raise awareness among people. We get to talk about the importance of protecting our forests and all other ecosystems.

World Forestry Day dates

YearDateDay
2024March 21Thursday
2025March 21Friday
2026March 21Saturday
2027March 21Sunday
2028March 21Tuesday

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