- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- AppreciationAwarenessEducational
- Where:
- International
- Date change rule:
- Every June 29
- Holiday emoji:
- 🌎
International Day of the Tropics is observed annually on June 29, acknowledging the extraordinary variety and critical importance of tropical regions. This day sheds light on their distinctive challenges and opportunities. Learn more about these vital ecosystems, support conservation efforts, and raise awareness about their role in global well-being.
Want to sponsor International Day of the Tropics? Learn how
Expected International Day of the Tropics Deals
As a cause-driven observance, International Day of the Tropics focuses on awareness and fundraising rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the World Wildlife Fund and Conservation International often highlight campaigns for tropical forest preservation and sustainable development. Brands committed to ethical sourcing, such as Patagonia and Starbucks, may promote their efforts to protect tropical ecosystems and support local communities. Look for opportunities to donate to reputable conservation groups or participate in educational initiatives. We encourage you to visit the official websites of these organizations to find direct ways to contribute and learn more about their ongoing work.
Platform Guide for International Day of the Tropics
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #DayOfTheTropics. Share stunning photos of tropical landscapes, wildlife, or sustainable products.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #DayOfTheTropics. Share facts about tropical biodiversity or news on conservation efforts.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #DayOfTheTropics. Post about local events or educational resources related to tropical ecosystems.
International Day of the Tropics Hero
Alexander von Humboldt
History of International Day of the Tropics
On June 14, 2016, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution designating June 29 as International Day of the Tropics. The United Nations chose June 29 to honor the anniversary of the first ‘State of the Tropics Report.’ Myanmar’s Nobel Laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi, launched the report in 2014.
The tropics are a geographic area of the Earth that roughly corresponds to the area between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Although topography and other factors influence the climatic variation, tropical areas are typically warm with little seasonal variation in day-to-day temperature.
The presence of rain in the moist inner zone near the equator is an important feature of the Tropics and the seasonal patterns of rainfall rise with distance from the equator. Climate change, deforestation, logging, urbanization, and demographic changes are all threats to the tropical region.
On June 29, 2014, the first State of the Tropics Report was believed to be the result of collaborative efforts among twelve leading tropical research facilities. The report provides a unique perspective on this rapidly growing region. To commemorate the report’s launch anniversary, the United Nations General Assembly passed resolution A/RES/70/267 in 2016, declaring June 29 as International Day of the Tropics.
The International Day of the Tropics is intended to raise awareness of the particular problems that tropical areas face, the far-reaching impacts of issues affecting the world’s tropical zone, and the need, at all levels, to raise awareness and highlight the critical role that tropical countries will play in achieving sustainable development.
While the tropics encompass some of the best vacation destinations, these areas also play critical roles in achieving sustainable development. The tropics, however, face several challenges, including climate change, urbanization, demographic shifts, and deforestation.
International Day of the Tropics timeline
French geographer Pierre Gourou publishes “Les Pays Tropicaux,” and the concept of tropicality resurfaces in geographical discourse.
On June 29, the first ‘State of the Tropics Report’ is released.
The United Nations General Assembly passes Resolution A/RES/70/267, commemorating the report's publication anniversary, designating June 29 as International Day of the Tropics.
For the 2021 International Day of the Tropics, the theme is ‘The Digital Divide in the Tropics.’
International Day of the Tropics FAQs
When is International Day of the Tropics?
International Day of the Tropics 2026 is observed on Monday, June 29. This annual observance highlights the unique ecosystems and communities found in the world’s tropical regions.
What percentage of the Earth's surface do the tropics cover?
The tropics encompass roughly 40% of the Earth’s land area. This vast region, located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, is home to about 80% of the world’s biodiversity.
What are the main environmental challenges facing the tropics?
The tropics face significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, climate change impacts (such as rising sea levels and extreme weather), biodiversity loss, and unsustainable resource extraction. These issues threaten both ecosystems and human livelihoods.
What defines the tropical climate?
Tropical climates are characterized by consistently high temperatures (averaging above 64°F or 18°C year-round) and significant rainfall. They typically lack a cold season and often experience distinct wet and dry seasons, supporting lush vegetation.
How to Observe International Day of the Tropics
Visit a tropical location
The best way to celebrate this day is to spend it in the tropics. There are thousands of islands in the tropics you can explore, as well as many different cultures.
Watch a related media
Watch movies or television shows set on tropical islands or about the tropics, such as "Earth's Tropical Islands." “Swept Away,” “The Island,” and “The Pirates of the Caribbean” are a few other examples.
Promote the event
Spreading information is a small task in today's world. Once you've gathered some useful information, you can use social media to share it with your network.
5 Interesting Facts About The Tropics
Richly endowed but vulnerable
Despite having slightly more than half of the world's renewable water resources (54%), the tropics' population is considered vulnerable to water scarcity.
Tropical weather
Tropical weather is found in areas near the equator.
Forests provide a living for most people
According to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, nearly 1.6 billion people (more than 25% of the world's population) rely on forest resources for a living, with 1.2 billion of them using trees on farms to generate food and income.
Chocolate delight
The rainforest provides us with a variety of resources, including materials and food like chocolate, pineapples, and cinnamon.
Production of medicines
Many plants found in the Tropics are used to make medicines.
Why International Day of the Tropics is Important
Protecting trees
From oxygen to food and clothing, the list of things we get from trees is extensive. Simply put, we would perish if trees did not exist.
Increasing awareness
This observance highlights some of the specific challenges confronting tropical areas. It reveals the far-reaching consequences of issues affecting the world's tropical zone and the need for a mindset change in preservation efforts at all levels.
Reintroducing people to nature
We often forget how much natural systems contribute to our overall well-being, but we are part of nature and rely on it. Tropical conservation is even more critical because it can help reduce global warming.
Social Media Tips for International Day of the Tropics
Individuals
Creators
Brands