- Categories:
- Cause
- Tags:
- AwarenessConservationEnvironment
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every June 22
- Holiday emoji:
- 🌳
World Rainforest Day arrives every June 22, calling global attention to the critical importance of these biodiverse ecosystems. This day encourages learning about their role in climate regulation and supporting efforts to protect them. Join the movement to preserve rainforests, advocate for sustainable practices, and educate others on their vital role.
Want to sponsor World Rainforest Day? Learn how
History of World Rainforest Day
World Rainforest Day is observed throughout the world and aims to educate people about the importance of rainforests — why they are important and the diversity of life that lives in them. By educating people, World Rainforest Day aims to encourage more people to join the effort to protect and preserve rainforests for future generations.
Rainforests are lush forests that have a continuous tree canopy. The entire forest is heavily dependent on moisture. Rainforests do not have any forest fires. Flora, fungi, epiphytes, lianas, and trees forming a closed canopy, are found in rainforests. Many popular houseplants like the Pothos and Monstera, are native to rainforests. A majority of living organisms — birds, animals, plants, and trees — are native to rainforests. A large number of species of mammals, reptiles, birds, invertebrates, and amphibians are found in rainforests.
Rainforests are necessary as they are an important source of freshwater for humans. Additionally, they absorb carbon dioxide and protect the earth from the effects of climate change. They are an important natural resource directly and indirectly. Apart from freshwater and the production of oxygen, several ingredients used in everyday life and manufacturing are derived from rainforests. Timber, meat, animal products, plant derivatives, and tourism are among the other benefits offered by rainforests.
World Rainforest Day timeline
Francisco de Orellana, a Spanish soldier, is sent on an expedition and enters an exploration of the Amazon river, which he sails for a year.
Illegal mining, timber logging, and slash and burn agriculture result in overexploitation of rainforests across the world.
Brazil declares the loss of forests to be a matter of concern and a national emergency.
Rainforest Partnership launches the observation of World Rainforest Day to raise awareness and protect rainforests.
World Rainforest Day FAQs
When is World Rainforest Day?
World Rainforest Day 2026 is observed on Monday, June 22, a global call to action for these vital ecosystems. It’s a day to reflect on their immense value to the planet.
How much rainforest is lost each year?
Globally, an area of rainforest roughly the size of Switzerland is lost every year due to deforestation, primarily for agriculture and logging. This equates to millions of acres, threatening countless species and accelerating climate change.
Why are rainforests important?
Rainforests are often called the ‘lungs of the Earth’ because they produce about 20% of the world’s oxygen. They are also home to over half of the world’s plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else, making them biodiversity hotspots.
What is the difference between a rainforest and a jungle?
While often used interchangeably, ‘rainforest’ is a scientific term referring to forests characterized by high rainfall and dense, diverse vegetation. ‘Jungle’ is a more informal term, often used to describe any dense, tangled tropical forest, sometimes specifically referring to the impenetrable undergrowth.
World Rainforest Day Activities
Learn about rainforests
We think that the first thing everyone needs to do on World Rainforest Day is to educate themselves. Read up about rainforests and all the ways you can contribute to their survival.
Spread the word
Get more people involved in observing this day and protecting the rainforests. Spread the word about World Rainforest Day on social media and share all the information you know about rainforest protection.
Organize an event
Work with the organizers of World Rainforest Day to host a local event. You can host a talk, a discussion, concerts, or sports, to support rainforests.
5 Intriguing Facts About Rainforests
They are dubbed ‘the world’s largest pharmacy’
A quarter of all known natural medicines in the world have been found in rainforests.
40-75% of biotic species are from rainforests
The generally accepted assumption is that over half of the world’s biotic species are from rainforests.
There are millions of undiscovered plants
Rainforests are so dense and thick that they have not been fully explored, and there are likely millions of species of plants to be discovered.
Many species exist in the canopy
The rainforest canopy is not well-explored because of the difficulty in reaching it, but almost a quarter of insect species are believed to live in the rainforest canopies.
The forest floor receives very little light
The canopy of the rainforest trees makes it difficult for light to pass through, which means only 2% of the light reaches the forest floor.
Why We Love World Rainforest Day
We love nature
We think that rainforests are the source of everything fantastic and useful from nature. We love rainforests and want to help preserve them.
We want to ensure our survival
We know that we are all dependent on rainforests for freshwater to medication. We want to make sure that future generations have these advantages as well.
We want to see new species
We know that species are disappearing faster than they can be discovered. We want to ensure that all the undiscovered species have a chance to be discovered.
