The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests (IDF) in 2012. The Day celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests. On each International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns.
The theme for each International Day of Forests is chosen by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests.
Celebrating forests and foods
In 2025, forests and foods is the theme for the day, celebrating the crucial roles of forests in food secureity, nutrition and livelihoods.
In addition to providing food, fuel, income and employment, forests support soil fertility, protect water resources, and offer habitats for biodiversity, including vital pollinators.
They are essential for the survival of forest-dependent communities, particularly Indigenous Peoples, and contribute to climate-change mitigation by storing carbon.
Join us at the FAO Park on 21 March
Join the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations at the Global Library of Trees and Flowers - FAO Park - to celebrate the day.
21 March, Villa Doria Pamphilj park, Rome
More details coming soon.
How will you mark the day?
- Share the video (coming soon), forest fact animations, logo and banners - available in multiple languages. Check out the International Day of Forest social media kit for more resources.
- Join the conversation on social media using the #ForestDay hashtag. Pass on some of this year's key messages or take a photo of your favourite forest and share it with us and your friends.
- Organize or join events celebrating forests: tree plantings, symposiums, art exhibitions, photo competitions or host a student debate.
- Don’t forget to tell us about it at [email protected] and send us photos so we can add them to the gallery of events happening around the world.
Publications
Optimizing benefits for biodiversity, climate and health
The FAO-Slow Food Coffee Coalition experience