The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests (IDF) 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 organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns.
The theme for each International Day of Forests is chosen by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests.
Celebrating forests and economies
Forests and economies is the theme of the 2026 International Day of Forests, celebrating the essential roles of forests in driving economic prosperity. These roles go well beyond income and jobs from forest production and the trade of renewable raw materials and foods: forests also sustain family and community agriculture, enhance agricultural productivity, and safeguard healthy watersheds.
With many countries seeking to move toward a sustainable bioeconomy, forest products offer nature-based solutions as replacements for carbon-intensive materials while generating new economic opportunities.
Forests are indispensable for healthy economies – today and for future generations.
How will you mark the day?
- Share the video, forest fact animations, logo and banners – available in multiple languages. Check out the International Day of Forest social media kit for more resources.
- Join the conversation on social media using the #ForestDay hashtag. Pass on some of this year’s key messages or take a photo of your favourite forest and share online.
- Organize or join events celebrating forests: tree plantings, symposiums, art exhibitions, photo competitions or host a student debate.
- Don’t forget to tell us about it at IDF@fao.org and send us photos so we can add them to the gallery of events happening around the world.