International Day of Forests – Mar. 21, 2027

International Day of Forests
Categories:
Tags:
AwarenessEnvironment
Where:
World
Date change rule:
Every March 21
Holiday emoji:
🌳

International Day of Forests champions the critical importance of all types of forests every March 21. Learn about their ecological, economic, and social value, then find ways to support global conservation efforts and engage in local reforestation projects.

Want to sponsor International Day of Forests? Learn how

Expected International Day of Forests Deals

As a global observance focused on environmental advocacy, International Day of Forests primarily drives awareness and fundraising rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the United Nations Forum on Forests, the Arbor Day Foundation, and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) lead campaigns for donations, tree-planting initiatives, and policy changes. Brands committed to sustainability, such as Patagonia and IKEA, often highlight their responsible sourcing practices or partner with conservation groups for donation matches. Look for opportunities to contribute to reforestation projects, support sustainable product lines, or participate in local clean-up events. We will update this page with confirmed live campaigns as March 21 approaches.

Platform Guide for International Day of Forests

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #InternationalDayOfForests. Share photos of local forests, sustainable products, or personal pledges to reduce your carbon footprint.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #InternationalDayOfForests. Post facts about forest benefits, advocate for policy changes, or share news from environmental organizations.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #InternationalDayOfForests. Join discussions in environmental groups, share educational resources, or promote local tree-planting events.

Social Media Tips for International Day of Forests

Individuals

Plant a tree in your community, volunteer for a local forest clean-up, or educate yourself and others on sustainable forestry practices. Support brands committed to responsible sourcing.

Creators

Produce content highlighting the beauty and importance of forests, interview local conservationists, or create a 'day in the life' video showcasing sustainable living practices.

Brands

Showcase your sustainable sourcing policies, launch a tree-planting initiative with a non-profit partner, or run a campaign educating consumers on the environmental impact of their choices.

Organizations & Brands for International Day of Forests

  1. United Nations

    The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 21 as the International Day of Forests in 2012. It serves as the primary global body coordinating international efforts on forest conservation and sustainable management.

  2. The Nature Conservancy

    Founded in 1951, The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental non-profit working to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. They have protected over 125 million acres worldwide.

  3. World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

    Established in 1961, WWF is one of the world's largest conservation organizations, working in over 100 countries. They focus on protecting species and their habitats, including extensive forest conservation programs.

  4. Arbor Day Foundation

    Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation is a non-profit conservation and education organization dedicated to inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They have planted over 500 million trees globally.

  5. Patagonia

    Founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973, Patagonia is an outdoor apparel company known for its environmental activism and commitment to sustainability. They frequently donate to environmental causes and advocate for forest protection.

  6. IKEA

    Founded in Sweden in 1943, IKEA is a global home furnishing retailer. They have committed to responsible forest management, aiming for all wood to be sourced from more sustainable sources by 2020, and partner with forest conservation groups.

  7. Interface

    Founded in 1973, Interface is a global manufacturer of modular carpet tiles. They are a leader in sustainable business practices, aiming for a fully circular economy and actively working to reduce their environmental footprint, including forest impact.

International Day of Forests Hero

John Muir

John Muir (1838–1914) was a Scottish-American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, glaciologist, and early advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the United States. He played a pivotal role in establishing national parks like Yosemite and Sequoia, earning him the moniker 'Father of the National Parks.' His writings and activism significantly influenced the modern conservation movement, emphasizing the intrinsic value of nature, especially forests.

International Day of Forests timeline

November 1971
World Forestry Day is Established

At the 16th session of the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization, the "States members" vote to establish "World Forestry Day" on March 21 of each year.

2011
Year of Forests

The International Year of Forests is established by the United Nations General Assembly.

November 28, 2012
The U.N. Designates March 21

The U.N. passes a resolution to observe March 21 as the International Day of Forests.

2013
The First International Day Of Forests

The world celebrates this important day dedicated to our Earth for the first time.

How Businesses Can Celebrate International Day of Forests

Local businesses can honor International Day of Forests by highlighting their commitment to sustainability. Restaurants can source ingredients from farms practicing agroforestry or promote plant-based menus. Retailers can showcase products made from sustainably harvested wood or recycled materials, offering discounts to encourage eco-conscious shopping. Consider partnering with a local conservation group for a tree-planting event or a donation-matching campaign, demonstrating a tangible commitment to forest preservation.

International Day of Forests FAQs

When is International Day of Forests?

In 2027, International Day of Forests will be observed on Sunday, March 21. It’s a global call to action to protect and restore our vital forest ecosystems.

How much of the Earth is covered by forests?

Roughly one-third of the planet’s land surface is forested, providing habitats for millions of species and essential resources for communities worldwide. This figure is constantly monitored due to deforestation.

Why are forests important?

Beyond their ecological functions, forests offer vital resources like timber, food, and medicine, and support the livelihoods of millions. They also hold cultural and spiritual significance for many indigenous communities.

What is the theme for International Day of Forests?

The International Day of Forests focuses on a new theme annually to draw attention to diverse challenges and opportunities related to forests. The 2027 theme will aim to inspire specific actions for forest health and sustainability.

How to Observe International Day of Forests

  1. Plant a tree or start a victory garden

    Go ahead! Do your bit to make your city a little greener. Even buying a little plant for your home counts!

  2. Go hiking in the woods or a state park

    There isn’t a better time to get out, bond with nature and drive away those winter blues because spring has just begun.

  3. Make a leaf scrapbook

    A great activity for the entire family. Scrapbooking and recording interesting facts is a great way to teach children about the different type of trees and their importance.

5 Unbelievable Benefits Of Forests

  1. Forests nurture soil

    Forests play an important role in preventing soil erosion, as well as stabilizing and maintaining its quality.

  2. Forests trap carbon dioxide

    Forests are ‘carbon sinks,’ absorbing and trapping carbon dioxide.

  3. Forests provide sustenance

    Forests are home to millions of species, sheltering and providing food for their sustenance.

  4. Forests are natural aqueducts

    Forest trees absorb and redistribute an estimated 95% of water.

  5. Forests provide raw materials

    Sustainably managed forests provide raw materials such as timber and paper.

Why International Day of Forests is Important

  1. Forests are the lungs of the Earth

    Forests are like giant, green sponges all over the globe, through which our Earth breathes. Trees and plants take in carbon dioxide and give us oxygen, cleaning our air.

  2. The world needs wood

    And not just for construction, paper, furniture, etc. As the world’s population grows, with it the hunger for energy. Currently wood accounts for approximately 45 % of the world’s renewable energy supply. Encouraging and modernizing this industry can help find new and sustainable ways to produce bioenergy.

  3. Healthy forests mean a healthy environment

    Forests trap carbon to prevent global warming. They stabilize the climate, control atmospheric temperatures, protect watershed areas, regulate the water cycle, and enrich the soil. And that’s not all that forests do for our environment!

International Day of Forests dates

Year Date Day
2027 March 21 Sunday
2028 March 21 Tuesday
2029 March 21 Wednesday
2030 March 21 Thursday
2031 March 21 Friday

Let’s get social

Here are some special hashtags for the day.

#InternationalDayOfForests #DayOfForests #Forests #TreeHugger #EnvironmentalFriendly