In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests (IDF). The day is dedicated to the world's forests and promotes awareness of their importance. Each year, on every International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organise forest-related activities, such as tree-planting campaigns.
The theme of the International Day of Forests for each year is chosen by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests.
In 2025 the theme of the day is “Forests and Foods”, marking the essential role of forests in food security, nutrition and livelihoods.
Forests not only provide food, fuel, income and employment, but also improve soil fertility, protect water resources and provide habitats for biodiversity, including important pollinators, while their carbon storage helps mitigate climate change. They are crucial to the survival of forest-dependent communities.