The United Nations (UN) International Day of Forests (IDF) is annually observed across the globe on 21 March to celebrate and raise awareness of the significance of all types of forests.
The theme for International Day of Forests 2024 is “Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World”.
- The theme highlights the role of technology and innovation in the conservation of forest ecosystems.
- The theme for each International Day of Forests is chosen by Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF).
Note: The Day is annually organised by the UN Forum on Forests (UNFF) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN (FAO), in collaboration with Governments, the CPF, and other organisations in the field.
Objective:
i.International Day of Forests 2024 aims to underscore the importance of leveraging innovation to safeguard the world’s forests.
ii.It also emphasises the crucial role of innovation in science and technology in supporting sustainable forest management.
Background:
i.On 21st December 2012, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/67/200 and proclaimed the 21 March of each year as the International Day of Forests.
ii.The 1st ever International Day of Forests was observed on 21 March 2013.
Technological Advancements:
i.Innovative forest monitoring technologies facilitate precise tracking and reporting of forests.
ii.These advancements have led to reporting 13.7 billion tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) forest emission reductions or enhancements to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Ecosystem Restoration:
i.Ecosystem restoration efforts, including reforestation, play a significant role in climate mitigation and enhancing food security.
ii.Promoting sustainable wood products contributes to both environmental sustainability and economic development.
Key Facts:
i.Forests cover nearly a third of the Earth’s land surface, equivalent to the combined areas of Brazil, Canada, China, and the United States of America (USA).
ii.Forests serve as habitats for approximately 80% of all known amphibian species.
iii.More than 30% of new diseases reported since 1960 are linked to land use changes, such as deforestation.
iv.Forests store over half of the global carbon stock in their soils and vegetation, playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change.
v.Insect pests cause damage to around 35 million hectares of forest annually, impacting ecosystem health and biodiversity.
vi.Forested watersheds and wetlands contribute to 75% of the world’s accessible freshwater.
2024 Events:
A celebration of the International Day of Forests event took place on 21 March 2024, in the Trusteeship Council Chamber, UN Headquarters (UNHQ) in New York, United States of America (USA).
