The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests in 2012. The Day celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests.
On each International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organise activities involving forests and trees. The Secretariat of the United Nations Forum on Forests, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization, facilitates the implementation of such events in collaboration with governments, the Collaborative Partnership on Forests, and international, regional and subregional organizations.
Join in celebrating the International Day of Forests 2023 ‘Healthy Forests for Healthy People’ on Tuesday 21 March.
Forests and human health
The UN International Day of Forests celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests, and this year’s theme focuses on forests and human health.
The theme highlights the important role that forests and forest products play in contributing to healthy societies, and ensuring environmental health. Forests provide natural barriers to disease transmission and vital sources of food and medicine. The presence of forests and timber in our daily lives also boosts mental health.
The day will see the launch of the Global Forest Expert Panel’s Assessment on Forests and Human Health, and the awarding of the ‘Tree Cities of the World’ title from the FAO. Last year, Canberra and several other Australian cities earned this designation.
Tune in to events across Australia and the world to celebrate International Day of Forests 2023:
Webinars
Forestry Australia event
Capacity building in Australian forestry, forest products & carbon
13:00 – 14:00 AEDT
University of the Philippines Webinar
Women in community forestry
16:30 – 20:00 AEDT
MDPI Researcher Presentations
Forests & human & ecological health, forest fires
19:00 – 21:00 AEDT
UN FAO event
Health & forests & next-gen foresters panels, Tree Cities of the World Award
20:00 – 21:30 AEDT
IUFRO event
Launch of the Global Forest Expert’s Panel Assessment on Forests & Health
01:00 – 02:00 AEDT (22 March)
UN Forum on Forests event
Forests & health panel, short films on forests restoration
Webinar: 01:00 – 04:00 AEDT (22 March)
