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International Day of Forests

An environmental advocacy day on March 21 celebrating the importance of all types of forests for biodiversity, climate regulation, water filtration, and providing livelihoods for current and future generations.

Sunday

March 2027

Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMarch 21

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYNature

SUBCATEGORYConservation

ORIGIN

International Body Recognition

FOUNDING ENTITY

United Nations General Assembly

FIRST OBSERVED

2012

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

The UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/67/200 on November 28, 2012, proclaiming March 21 as the International Day of Forests to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. The first observance was on March 21, 2013.

Legislative Recordvia upload.wikimedia.org

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Mark your calendars for March 21 and get ready to celebrate International Day of Forests! This day was established by the United Nations in 2012 to recognize the importance of forests and trees in our lives. Trees play a crucial role in our environment, providing us with clean air, food, and shelter. They also help reduce soil erosion, regulate water flow, and provide habitat for wildlife. This is a great opportunity to learn more about forests and how we can protect them for future generations. So let's come together and pay tribute to these amazing natural resources!

TIMELINE

International Day of Forests Timeline

Early Reforestation Movements

In the 1800s, pioneers of reforestation and forest management champion the importance of forests globally.

Establishment of Arbor Day

Arbor Day, a holiday dedicated to planting trees, gets officially recognized by the UN, laying the groundwork for future forestry-focused days.

Rio Earth Summit

At the Rio Earth Summit, forests gain increased international attention due to their role in biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.

Tree Heroes Recognition

An initiative called Tree Heroes starts, recognizing individuals and organizations making significant contributions to forest conservation and sustainable forestry.

Establishment of UN Forest Day

The International Day of Forests is established by the United Nations to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of all types of forests.

World's Largest Tree Planting

In 2018, Ethiopia aims to break the world record for the most trees planted in one day, emphasizing the global commitment to forests and ecological health.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate International Day of Forests

Visit a forest

Take a day to visit a local forest and explore the nature around you. Take a hike, sit by a stream, or learn about the plants and animals that call the forest their home.

PLANT

Plant a tree

Planting a tree is an easy way to celebrate International Day of Forests. You can plant it in your own backyard or find an event in your community where you can join in the celebration.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a forest

Volunteering at a local forest is another great way to celebrate International Day of Forests. You can help with planting, maintaining trails, and educating visitors about the importance of forests.

ORGANIZE

Organize an educational event

Organize an event in your community to educate people about forests, their importance, and how to take care of them. Invite experts to speak and provide activities like tree planting for visitors.

SUPPORT

Support organizations that protect forests

Search out organizations that are working to protect forests and support them with donations or volunteer work. This is an important way to ensure that forests are protected and celebrated all year round.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love International Day of Forests

Forests reduce soil erosion & improve water quality

The roots of trees and other vegetation act like sponges on the ground, helping to filter out pollutants and reducing soil erosion. And because they increase the absorption of rainfall, forests can improve water quality by minimizing runoff into rivers and streams.

Forests provide us with countless resources

From oxygen to food, forests provide us with essential resources that are crucial for life. They are also home to a diverse array of plants and animals, serving as critical habitats for some of the world's most threatened species. Additionally, forests help to clean the air we breathe by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Forests play an important role in mitigating climate change

Trees and other vegetation absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their leaves and wood, thus playing an important role in mitigating climate change. Forests also help to regulate global temperatures by shading the earth's surface and providing a cooling effect.