The theme for each International Day of Forests is chosen by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests.
Celebrating forests and foods
In 2025, forests and foods is the theme for the day, celebrating the crucial roles of forests in food security, nutrition and livelihoods. In addition to providing food, fuel, income and employment, forests support soil fertility, protect water resources, and offer habitats for biodiversity, including vital pollinators. They are essential for the survival of forest-dependent communities, particularly Indigenous Peoples, and contribute to climate change mitigation by storing carbon.
Key messages
Forests provide food, medicine and livelihoods for billions of people
More than five billion people around the world use forest and non-timber forest products for food, medicine and livelihoods. Forests and trees are a rich source of nuts, fruits, seeds, roots, tubers, leaves, mushrooms, honey, wild meat and insects, providing essential nutrients to people’s dietary intake.
Over 2 billion people rely on wood and other traditional fuels for cooking
Woodfuel has been used since ancient times and is still commonly used by rural households as a source of cooking energy to make food edible.
Forests are crucial for agriculture
Forests support farming by providing homes for pollinators, helping keep the soil healthy, retaining water, offering food and shade for livestock, regulating temperatures, and acting as natural barriers against the wind for crops, as well as enhancing rainfall for agricultural needs.
Forests support rural incomes, boosting livelihoods and nutrition
In some countries and regions, forests and trees provide around 20 percent of the income for rural households, enabling access to nutritious food and diverse diets, particularly for the poorest households.
Forests are vital for water, on which ecosystems and our food security and nutrition depend
Forested watersheds provide freshwater to more than 85 percent of the world's major cities and sustainable forest management has the potential to enhance water quality for over 1.7 billion people residing in large urban areas, contributing to their food and water security.
Forests serve as food safety nets in times of crisis
Forests support food security and diversify incomes during shocks, such as failed harvests or conflicts, to help ensure the survival of communities when usual food sources are unavailable.
Wild meat from forests is an essential source of protein and micronutrients
Wild meat is an important protein source for Indigenous Peoples and rural communities particularly in tropical regions.
Over 3,200 species of wild animals are used as food.
How will you mark the day?
- Enter the Forest and Foods photo contest.
- 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 it with us and your friends.
- 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 [email protected] and send us photos so we can add them to the gallery of events happening around the world.
Help us show how forests feed the world!
Enter the Forests and Foods photo contest
Join FAO at the park on 21 March
21 March 2025, Villa Doria Pamphilj park, Rome.
More details coming soon.
News
Forests, trees and wild species key to healthy agrifood systems – FAO
31/10/2024
How agroforestry can help mountain coffee producers build resilience
03/07/2024
Spread the word!
Join the #ForestDay campaign by sharing our free material on digital channels and raise awareness about forests.
Related links
- Key messages
- Forests for food security and nutrition
- FAO Forestry Division
- Collaborative Partnership on Forests
- UN Forum on Forests
Contact us
Email: [email protected]
