Govind Tekale
In India the forests are a part of our daily life. The revered sages used to live in forests. They used to run residential schools. Krishna, whose advice to Arjuna has become an inspiration to millions, was a student of Sandipani sage in such a Gurukula or an academy. So when we think of celebrating an International Day of Forests, it automatically is related to our daily lives even today.
This year the International Day of Forests will be celebrated on 21 March. The UN General Assembly decided to observe International Day of Forests in 2012. The day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of Forests in our lives. Each year it focuses on a unique theme to highlight specific aspects of the importance of Forests.
For 2025, the theme “Forests and Food” underscores the critical contributions Forests make to global security, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods. Forests are a lifeline for millions of people worldwide. They ensure a steady flow of food and resources while protecting our environment.
Forests occupy over 30% of Earth’s surface. They are home for 80% of our terrestrial species. It makes them one of the most biodiverse ecosystems. They act as most natural carbon sinks. Annually they absorb one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions annually. Thus they combat climate change effectively.
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Did You Know?
Forests cover over 30% of the Earth’s land surface and are home to 80% of terrestrial biodiversity.
About 1.6 billion people depend on forests for their livelihood. Forests provide food, medicinal plants and construction materials. Moreover they regulate water cycles, maintain soil fertility, and protect watersheds. Forests hold cultural, spiritual, and recreational value for many indigenous and local communities around the globe.
The UN will host a global panel discussion at its headquarters at New York. It will feature environmental scientists, policy makers and conservation leaders. The event will focus on innovative forest conservation techniques, aligned with food systems.
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Various activities are planned across the globe. They include: Tree planting campaigns led by community leaders. It will restore degraded forests. Art exhibitions and competitions are dedicated to spreading awareness about forest-related themes. Educational workshops will be focused on encouraging youth participation in sustainable forest practices.A notable event is the ‘Forest en Scene Festival’ in France. It will include biodiversity themed activities, workshops on forest preservation and agroforestry, demonstrations to showcase practical solutions. Prominent experts and organizations have emphasized the role of Forests in fighting climate change.
The key highlights of addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include: Research findings indicate that 13 million hectares or more of forest are lost every year, impacting food security and biodiversity significantly. Agroforestry, a sustainable land-use practice, is emerging as a game changer. It offers integrated solutions for agricultural productivity and forest health. Insights from indigenous communities stress their traditional knowledge and sustainable practices as key components of forest conservation.
The latest trends and statistics show: Over 10 million hectares of forests are lost due to human activity every year. An estimated 40% of the global population reliant on forest ecosystems are impacted by forest degradation. Satellite monitoring systems are a new trend in forest management.
Roughly 22% of the Earth’s land surface is managed by indigenous communities. So their contribution is to be taken into account while addressing the SDGs. Products like nuts, resins, and medicinal plants which are Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) can drive economic growth while reducing dependency on deforestation for timber.
Brazil has shown a unique way by reducing Amazon deforestation. Drones and AI are the new devices for better forest management. The UN’s Collaborative Partnership on Forests has called for an integrated approach that links forest conservation with global food systems.
Policy-makers and environmentalists are advocating for increased financial support for community-led reforestation projects. Regulating microclimates and increasing agricultural resilience are advocated by the latest researchers in the field.
In short, while celebrating the International Day of Forests on 21 March, the theme “Forests and Food” is to be our main guiding factor. Forests are an integral part of our lives from times immemorial as seen in the Gurukul system of India where the students went to the teachers who lived in forests. Drones and AI are the new devices used for better forest management. The contributions of aboriginal people are to be taken into account while addressing the UN SDGs. Non-timber products like resin, nuts and medicinal plants are to be encouraged to reduce dependency on timber. Financial support is to be extended to community-led reforestation initiatives.
International Day of Forests: Frequently Asked Questions
International Day of Forests is a United Nations observance celebrated on March 21st each year. The UN General Assembly established this day in 2012 to raise awareness about the importance of forests in our lives. It serves as a platform to highlight the critical role forests play in supporting biodiversity, combating climate change, and sustaining livelihoods worldwide.
The theme for International Day of Forests 2025 is “Forests and Food.” This theme highlights how forests contribute to global food security, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods. It focuses on the vital connection between healthy forests and food systems around the world.
Forests are incredibly important for several reasons:
- They cover over 30% of Earth’s surface
- They provide homes for 80% of land-based plant and animal species
- They absorb one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions each year, helping fight climate change
- About 1.6 billion people depend on forests for their livelihoods
- They supply food, medicine, and building materials
- They help regulate water cycles and maintain soil health
- They hold cultural and spiritual significance for many communities
Forests face several major threats:
Over 10 million hectares of forests are lost every year due to human activities like clearing land for farming, ranching, and development. This is roughly the size of Iceland! Deforestation affects about 40% of people who rely on forest ecosystems for their daily needs. Climate change is also putting pressure on forests through increased wildfires, droughts, and pest outbreaks.
Exciting new technologies are changing how we monitor and protect forests:
Drones now fly over forests to spot illegal logging and track forest health without disturbing wildlife. Artificial intelligence (AI) helps analyze satellite images to detect changes in forest cover quickly. These tools give forest managers early warnings about problems and help them make better decisions. Satellite monitoring systems are also becoming more common in forest management, allowing real-time tracking of forest conditions across large areas.
Agroforestry is a farming practice where trees are grown alongside crops or livestock. Think of it as mixing a forest with a farm! This approach is gaining popularity because it:
Allows farmers to grow food while maintaining tree cover, helps protect soil from erosion, provides habitat for wildlife, creates multiple income sources for farmers (from both crops and tree products), and helps farms better withstand climate challenges like droughts or floods. It’s a practical solution that balances the need for food production with forest conservation.
Indigenous communities play a crucial role in forest conservation:
Indigenous peoples manage about 22% of the Earth’s land surface, including many forested areas. These communities often have generations of knowledge about sustainable forest use. Their traditional practices frequently protect biodiversity while allowing communities to harvest forest resources responsibly. Many conservation efforts now recognize that including indigenous knowledge and leadership leads to more effective forest protection.
Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) are all the useful things we can harvest from forests besides cutting down trees for timber. These include:
Nuts, fruits, and berries for food, medicinal plants for healthcare, honey from forest bees, mushrooms, resins, and materials for crafts and tools. NTFPs are important because they provide income for forest communities without requiring trees to be cut down. This helps preserve forests while still supporting local economies. When communities can make a living from healthy, standing forests, they have strong incentives to protect them.
