International Day of Forests

The United Nations General Assembly declared the 21st of March as the International Day of Forests in 2012. It is a day to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. It is a day where communities are encouraged to carry out local, national and international activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns.

Why are Forests Important?

Forests cover about a third of the world’s surface and are vital in stabilizing climate, regulating the water cycle, providing habitat to countless animals and insects,  preventing soil erosion, and providing resources, medicines and employment for human communities around the world.

Forests also generate huge amounts of oxygen and absorb and lock up carbon dioxide. They provide homes and habitat for over 1.6 billion people – including over 2,000 indigenous cultures. They provide places for recreation and leisure, art and creativity. They are also important spiritually.

Types of Forest

Rain forest, monsoon forest, wet forest, open forest, sclerophyll forest, coniferous forest, deciduous forest, urban forest, boreal forest, woodland, kauri forest, beech forest, montane forest, pine forest, temperate forest, pecan-elm forest, and many many more…