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.
€1,45 – Forests drive sustainable development by providing livelihoods for millions of people through forestry, agriculture and forest-based industries. They support local economies while maintaining ecosystems that communities depend on for daily life. When managed sustainably, forests help reduce poverty and ensure long-term environmental and economic resilience.
