Hyderabad: 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 forests to people and their vital role in poverty eradication, environmental sustainability and food security.
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. The theme for 2020 is - Forests and Biodiversity.
This year the International Day of Forests promotes education to 'Learn to Love Forests.' It underscores the importance of education at all levels in achieving sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation.
Forests, their sustainable management and use of resources, including in fragile ecosystems, are key to combating climate change and contributing to the prosperity and well-being of current and future generations.
Forests also play a crucial role in poverty alleviation and in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
It is to be noted that forests cover one-third of the earth's landmass, performing vital functions around the world.
The benefits provided by the forest include:
- Goods like lumber, food, fuel, and bio-products.
- Ecological functions such as nutrient cycling, carbon storage, water, and air purification, and maintenance of wildlife environment.
- Social and cultural benefits such as amusement, traditional resource uses, and mysticism.
Around 1.6 billion people - including more than 2,000 indigenous cultures - depend on forests for their livelihoods, medicines, fuel, food and shelter.
Forests are the most biologically diverse ecosystems on land, home to more than 80% of the terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects.
Yet despite all of these priceless ecological, economic, social and health benefits, global deforestation continues at an alarming rate.
It is alarming that over 32 million acres of forests are lost with every passing year. This removes vital habitats for numerous plant and animal species, lowers carbon dioxide absorption and oxygen production, and increases the world’s collective carbon footprint.
In fact, almost as much CO2 is emitted during deforestation efforts as is by the world transportation industry. Forests still cover around 30 per cent of Earth’s landmass, but these important natural resources are shrinking day by day.
On International Day of Forests, efforts are made to raise awareness about the importance of forests in special events held all over the world. One of the most common Forest Day events is that of community tree-planting campaigns.
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