International Day of Forests

Established by the United Nations General Assembly, International Day of Forests is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of all types of forests and trees outside forests. It aims to highlight the vital role forests play in poverty eradication, environmental sustainability, and food security. The day is an opportunity to commemorate the wide array of life they support and herald their intrinsic link to sustainable development, which necessitates the proper management of these precious eco-assets.

International Day of Forests has a palpable resonance in India, a country that is home to diverse forest ecosystems, from the coniferous forests of the Himalayas to the lush Western Ghats. India's history is replete with instances of traditional forest conservation practices and reverence for nature. With the proclamation of International Day of Forests by the UN General Assembly in 2012, the emphasis on the protection and conservation of forests has gained new momentum among the public and private sectors in India, educating and motivating them to contribute actively to this global cause.

In India, International Day of Forests is observed through a multitude of activities. These include tree planting campaigns, nature walks, exhibitions, lectures, film screenings, and environmental education measures that spur interaction with nature and enhance understanding of the forests' significance. Local communities, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations participate and lead these efforts. The day is celebrated annually on the 21st of March, marking the urgency to pursue efforts that safeguard the future of forests and subsequently, the planet. Ensuring the health of forests is paramount in a country like India, which relies significantly on forest resources for livelihoods, climate regulation, and biodiversity conservation.