International Day of Forests

Category: Nature
International Day of Forests in United Nations in 2025
Image: Sunlight filtered by the leaves of maple trees on a stream. by Luis Vilanova , from Photodune. Royalty Free

About International Day of Forests

How long until International Day of Forests?
International Day of Forests .
Dates of International Day of Forests
2026 United Nations Saturday, March 21stInternational Day of Forests
2025 United Nations Friday, March 21stInternational Day of Forests
2024 United Nations Thursday, March 21stInternational Day of Forests
2023 United Nations Tuesday, March 21stInternational Day of Forests
2022 United Nations Monday, March 21stInternational Day of Forests
Summary
Find out the dates, history and traditions of International Day of Forests

World Forestry Day is celebrated every year to raise public awareness about the importance of the forests to balance the life cycle on the earth. World Forestry Day is also known as the International Day of Forests. It was first celebrated in Europe.

This global celebration of forests provides a platform to raise awareness of the importance of all types of woodlands and trees, and celebrate the ways in which they sustain and protect us.

  • Did you know? There are more trees on Earth than there are stars in the Milky Way.

Forests are incredibly important to the world's ecosystem for several reasons:

  • Carbon Storage: Forests absorb and store large amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas responsible for climate change. Trees take in carbon dioxide and use it in the process of photosynthesis to produce oxygen and store carbon. The world's forests store approximately 650 gigatons of carbon, which helps regulate the Earth's climate.

  • Biodiversity: Forests are home to a large number of plant and animal species. Many species of plants and animals are found exclusively in forests. The loss of forests leads to a loss of biodiversity, which can have far-reaching consequences for the health of ecosystems.

  • Water Cycle: Forests play a critical role in regulating the water cycle. They absorb and store rainwater, which helps maintain the water table and prevents floods and soil erosion. Forests also release water vapor into the atmosphere through transpiration, which helps create rain and maintain regional climates.

  • Soil Health: Forests help maintain soil health by preventing erosion, promoting nutrient cycling, and providing organic matter. Forests are essential for soil health, and soil health is essential for plant growth and productivity.

  • Economic Benefits: Forests provide a range of economic benefits, including timber, non-timber forest products, and ecotourism. Forests also help maintain the livelihoods of millions of people who live in and around forests.

Find out more

Similar Observances

Read more about World Meteorological Day

World Meteorological Day ☁️

Find out the dates, history and traditions of World Meteorological Day

Read More
Read more about Illegal Fishing Day

Illegal Fishing Day

In 2015, the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean of the FAO proposed that an initiative be launched to declare an International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing.

Read More
Read more about World Oceans Day 

World Oceans Day 

On World Oceans Day, people around our blue planet celebrate and honor our ocean, which connects us all.

Read More
Read more about Desertification Day

Desertification Day

Desertification is a phenomenon that ranks among the greatest environmental challenges of our time.

Read More
Explore more Nature holidays

Other Observances on March 21st 2025

Read more about International Day of Nowruz 

International Day of Nowruz 

Novruz celebrates the Persian New Year, and the beginning of Spring. Novruz means 'New Day'.

Read More
Read more about Mother's Day in the Middle East

Mother's Day in the Middle East

The story of how 21st March became Mother's Day in Egypt and other Arab countries.

Read More
Read more about Harmony Day

Harmony Day

Find out the dates, history and traditions of Harmony Day

Read More
Read more about World Down Syndrome Day

World Down Syndrome Day

Find out the dates, history and traditions of World Down Syndrome Day

Read More
All events on March 21st 2025