International Day of Forests is celebrated on 21st March 2019. Since being announced by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, this global day of celebration has aimed to raise awareness of the importance of all type of trees and woodland.
The theme for 2018 was ‘Forests and Sustainable Cities’, so this year there is also a particular focus on making cities a greener, healthier, happier place to live.
The key messages of 2019, focusing on the benefits of forests and sustainable cities are:
• The role of trees in mitigating the impact of climate change.
• The positive effects of trees on local climate.
• Urban trees as air filters, removing pollutants and making cities healthier.
• The role of trees in reducing noise pollution in urban areas
• The positive impact of urban green spaces.
• Forests in and around urban areas contributing to water regulating and filtering.
• How urban forests contribute to local economies through city beautification and tourism.
• The provision of renewable energy.
• How trees can provide a source of fruits nuts and leaves to local populations.
Many countries will be marking the day by organising activities such as tree planting campaigns, a list of events can be found at www.fao.org/international-day-of-forests You can also get involved on social media by using the hashtag #intlForestDay.