International Day of Forests 2024- History, Theme, Significance

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International Day of Forests

The International Day of Forests, also known as World Forest Day, is celebrated every year on March 21. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of forests for the survival of animals, humans, and our planet. Moreover, it also educates people about their diversified role in our lives, starting from providing us with oxygen and shade from scorching sunlight to providing homes to birds. In this blog, we will explore its history, theme, significance, and how you can celebrate this day with your children. 

Name of the dayInternational Day of Forests
Observed onMarch 21
Reason To raise awareness about the role and importance of forests. 
Theme 2024Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World.

History of International Day of Forests

Before going any further, let’s first take a look at the history of this important day in March. 

  • In the year 2012, the United Nations General Assembly declared 21 March as the International Day of Forests or IDF. 
  • Since then, the annual observation has been dedicated to encouraging citizens and governments to take the necessary steps towards environmental conservation.
  • Similarly, in 2011, the UN proclaimed the years 2011 and 2020 as the International Decade of Forests. 

Also Read: Environmental Conservation: Definition, Importance, UPSC

What is the Theme of the International Day of Forests 2024?

The Collaborative Partnership on Forests is responsible for deciding the theme for the International Day of Forests. The theme for 2024 is “Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World”. It subtly highlights the importance of opting for better and more modern innovative approaches to address the global challenges being faced by forests around the world. 

What is the Significance of the International Day of Forests?

The International Day of Forests is significant for numerous reasons such as:

  • It raises awareness about the importance of forests and the alarming issues being faced by them on a global scale.
  • The day aims to encourage individuals and communities to take effective action against the degradation of forests to protect and preserve the rich biodiversity of our planet. 
  • It also promotes the adoption of sustainable development and practices to encourage the long-term health of forests worldwide.

Also Read: World Environment Day: Theme, History, Importance

What is the International Day of Forests Hashtag?

Netizens around the world can extend their support to the global celebration of International Day of Forests or World Forestry Day by joining social media celebrations. You can post images, videos, and stories with the #ForestDay hashtag.

How to Celebrate International Day of Forests?

There are different ways to celebrate the International Day of Forests with your children by undertaking activities such as:

  • Tree planting events: You can teach your children about how to combat deforestation and its negative effects on the environment by planting new saplings with them.
  • Educational programs: Another effective way to celebrate World Forest Day is to organize educational programs in schools and colleges. This will not only make learning a fun activity but also achieve the end goal. 
  • Attend or organize workshops: You can also attend workshops and seminars with your children or organize one for their entire friend’s group. Do not forget to make presentations to make it more interesting. 
  • Interactive games: You can organize forest or environment-related interactive games, quizzes, debates, and speech competitions.
  • Nature walks: Nature walks are a great option to help people reconnect with nature, enjoy bird sightings, or take a stroll in fresh air. 

What are the Issues Faced by Forests?

In today’s age, forests across the globe face a plethora of challenges that threaten not only their sustainability but their biodiversity as well. The most commonly faced issues include:

Also Read: World Earth Day 2023

Quotes on International Day of Forests 

Another way to celebrate World Forest Day is to post related graphics, videos, or quotes on social media platforms. Here are 5 amazing quotes to make your task a piece of cake:

On this day, let’s take a pledge to protect our forests and not just be spectators of their destruction. 

Forests are the lungs of our planet, breathing life into every living creature.

Forests teach us about the art of being courageous and resilient amidst every storm and obstacle. 

The International Day of Forests, let us all plant one tree each and give our future generations the most wonderful blessing.

On this important day, let us remind ourselves that protecting forests is not just a one-day celebration but a collective effort. 

National Forest Martyrs DayInternational Day of Biological Diversity
National Wildlife DayWorld Nature Conservation Day
World Animal Welfare Day World Wildlife Day

FAQs

Why is International Day of Forest celebrated?

The International Day of Forest is celebrated to raise awareness about the importance of conserving forests around the world. Moreover, it also educates people about the negative impact of urbanization on the flora and fauna of our planet as well as to take actions to protect them from being endangered. 

Who started International Forest Day?

International Forest Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in the year 2012. 

Why 2011 is the International Year of Forest?

The United Nations General Assembly declared the year 2011 as the International Year of Forests. This action was taken to raise awareness about sustainable development and conservation of forests worldwide. The opening event was held on February 2 at the Ninth Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests.

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