The United Nations (UN)s International Day of Forests is annually observed across the globe on 21st March to create awareness about the importance of all types of forests.
The day is annually organised by the United Nations Forum on Forests and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in collaboration with Governments, the Collaborative Partnership on Forests and other organizations in the field.
The theme of the International Day of Forests for 2021 is “Forest restoration: a path to recovery and well-being”.
The 2021 theme calls for the protection of ecosystems across the world.
Every year the theme of International Day of Forest is chosen by the Collaborative partnership on Forests(CPF).
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), adopted the resolution A/RES/67/200 on 21st December 2012 and proclaimed the 21st March of every year as the International Day of Forests.
ii.Every year the members undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities like tree planting campaigns.
Forest cover of India:
i.One-fifth of the Land in India has been under the Forests area despite the increasing population.
ii.According to the biennial India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2019, the forest cover of India has increased by 3.976 sq. Km. since 2017.
iii.For the 2nd consecutive time since 2007 the report has recorded a gain of 1275 sq. km in dense forest.
Additional info:
i.Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) stated that the implementation of the National Action Plan on Climate Change and other measures has reduced the emission intensity of GDP by 24% between 2005 and 2016.
ii.The forest cover of India has increased and currently it around 24.56% of the total geographical area of India.
