UN declares 21 March the International Day of Forests

December 22, 2012: The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests. The day will be observed starting from 2013 in order to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests and trees outside forests. The day captures the spirit of and keeps up the momentum generated by the International Year of Forests 2011, which enabled countries to promote the sustainable management, development and conservation of all types of forests and trees.

On the International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to get involved in local, national and international efforts in favour of forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns.
The governing Conference of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization supported the idea of the day, while the UN General Assembly facilitated the negotiation process for its establishment. FAO looks forward to supporting its members and working with international partners, including the Collaborative Partnership on Forests, to help celebrate the day.