The General Assembly proclaimed 21 March as the International Day of Forests, to be celebrated annually to raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. Each year a theme is chosen by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests.
The theme for 2026 is “Forests and economies”, which celebrates the essential roles of forests in driving economic prosperity. These roles go well beyond income and jobs from forest production and the trade of renewable raw materials and foods; forests also sustain family and community agriculture, enhance agricultural productivity and safeguard healthy watersheds.
With many countries seeking to move toward a sustainable bioeconomy, forest products offer nature-based solutions as replacements for carbon-intensive materials while generating new economic opportunities.
Forests are indispensable for healthy economies today and for future generations.
Countries and people around the world are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree-planting campaigns.
CHF 1,90 – Forests support jobs and act as engines of economic growth by sustaining industries such as forestry, agriculture, ecotourism and non-timber forest products. They are essential sources of medicine, food security and nutrition, especially for rural and Indigenous communities. By supporting millions of livelihoods worldwide, forests strengthen local economies while promoting long-term resilience.
