International Day of Forests
March 21, Thursday
The International Day of Forests is an annual holiday observed on 21 March to draw attention to the importance of forests and to encourage efforts to protect, restore and sustainably manage them. The day was established by the UN General Assembly in 2012. Forests play a key role in the ecology of the planet, supporting biodiversity, regulating the climate and providing livelihoods for millions of people.Objectives of the International Day of Forests
Raising awareness of the importance of forests. Forests are a vital part of the Earth's ecosystem. They help maintain climate balance, regulate hydrological cycles, absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen that all living things breathe.
Promoting sustainable forest management. Forests are under serious threat from logging, fires, climate change and industrial development. This day focuses attention on the need to protect forest resources and implement sustainable forest management practices.
Protecting biodiversity. Forests are home to over 80% of all terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects. The International Day of Forests highlights the importance of preserving this biodiversity to maintain ecosystem balance.
Supporting Livelihoods. Forests provide livelihoods for over 1.6 billion people worldwide. Many communities depend on forest resources for food, fuel, medicine and building materials. Supporting these communities and their sustainable traditional forest management practices is an important task.
Events
International Day of Forests is accompanied by various events and educational activities carried out by government and international organizations, conservation agencies, schools and community groups. Among them:
Tree planting. One of the most common events is the mass planting of trees. This symbolizes the desire to restore forest ecosystems.
Educational programs. Schools and universities organize lessons, lectures and seminars on the importance of forests and the need to protect them.
Events and campaigns. Environmental organizations are running awareness campaigns to raise awareness of deforestation and the importance of sustainable forest management.
Forest restoration programs. Many countries are launching long-term programs to restore degraded forest areas and protect existing forests.
The International Day of Forests serves as an important reminder of the role of forests in maintaining the health of the planet and people.
International Day of Forests in other years
International Day of Forests in other countries
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