International Day of Forests 2024: Theme, History, activities, facts, and much more
A stroll in the forest may do wonders for our mental and physical health. The United Nations has designated March 21 as the International Day of Forests due to the importance of forests to the planet’s future. For a long time now, thanks to this fantastic international event, people all over the globe have become more conscious of the value of forests. They are an invaluable part of our natural heritage that deserves our utmost care.
International Day of Forests 2024 Date
Every year, on March 21, people throughout the world commemorate the International Day of Forests to honor forests and draw attention to the need to protect them. Events are organized all around the globe to celebrate the International Day of Forests and bring attention to the value of forests. Community tree planting projects are a popular way to celebrate Forest Day.
Event name | Day | Date |
International Day of Forests 2024 | Thursday | 21st March 2024 |
Background about International Day of Forest
In 2012, 21 March was designated as International Day of Forests by the United Nations General Assembly. This day was established to honor and educate people about the value of forests of all kinds. It is recommended that countries establish tree-planting programs on the local, national, and worldwide levels.
Together with States, the Cooperative Partnership on Forests, and other important organizations in the area, the UN Forum on Forests and FAO are the event’s primary organizers.
Every year, we lose more than 32 million acres of land. This reduces the ability of the planet to absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, imperils the existence of many plants and animals, and increases the global carbon footprint. In reality, the global transportation sector is second only to deforestation in terms of CO2 emissions. About 30 percent of Earth’s surface is still covered by forests, but sadly, this valuable natural resource is rapidly dwindling.
Why should we celebrate the International Day of Forests?
- All around the world, forests act as gigantic green sponges, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. By consuming carbon dioxide and exhaling oxygen, trees and plants serve as natural air purifiers.
- An increasing number of people need more power to sustain their lifestyles. About half of the world’s renewable energy comes from wood right now. Finding innovative and sustainable methods of producing bioenergy is a priority, and boosting and modernizing this business may assist.
- Carbon sequestered by forests is one of the most effective means of mitigating the effects of climate change. They manage the water cycle, protect watershed regions, moderate air temperatures, and improve soil quality. Furthermore, trees provide many other benefits to society and the planet.
Activities
- Get out into the forest or a state park for some exercise and fresh air. Now that spring has arrived, there is no better time to enjoy the outdoors, reconnect with nature, and shake off the winter blues.
- Make a victory garden or plant some trees. Just do it! You can help make your city greener by doing your part. It’s not too much of an action to purchase a houseplant.
- Teaching youngsters about the many types of trees and their significance might be facilitated by creating a scrapbook and noting fascinating information.
Check: Special days March
Facts to know
- Eighty percent of the Earth’s tree species are found in forests. About 1.6 billion people rely on trees for basic needs including sustenance, clothing, heating, transportation, and medicine.
- You could believe you’re beginning a revolution if you get 30 people to each plant 33,000 trees over the course of 30 years, but in fact, all you’d be doing is imitating the efforts of one exceptional guy we now know as the Father of Trees. It’s possible that Hermann Borg may be a superhero.
- The area of forest lost annually is equivalent to the size of Iceland. In addition to protecting soil from erosion, forests also help stabilize and preserve its quality.
- The forests act as “carbon sinks,” soaking up and storing excess CO2. As a kind of natural aqueduct, forests are essential to human survival. Some 95 percent of the precipitation is recycled by plants in forests.
- Raw resources may be found in forests. Raw materials like lumber and paper are sourced from forests that are maintained sustainably.
- The “Father of the Forest,” a massive redwood tree with a near-ground trunk diameter of 31.1 m (102.6 ft), is said to be older than 3000 years.
FAQs
Q. When was the International Day of Forest in 2022, and what was its topic?
Ans. Each year, the Collaborative Partnership on Forests selects a new topic to celebrate the International Day of Forests.
Q. Exactly why does March 21 celebrate the forest?
Ans. In 2012, 21 March was designated as the International Day of Forests by the United Nations General Assembly. This day was established to honor and educate people about the value of forests of all kinds.
Q. When exactly was the International Day of Forests declared?
Ans. For the benefit of present and future generations, the United Nations has named 2011 the International Year of Forests. This designation aims to increase support for forest conservation, management, and development efforts worldwide.
Q. What is the theme of International Day of Forests?
Ans: Forests and Health