International Day of Forests

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.


Watch the 2013 IDF video

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International Day of Forests events

Photo gallery: See how people around the world celebrated the Day.

School children planting pine seedlings, Ukraine

Celebrating the International Day of Forests

FAO headquarters, Rome. March 2013

Rome, Italy

At FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, an opening ceremony and technical seminar provided updated country-based information on the ways in which forests can maximize landscape products and services.  The publication Forests and Water – International Momentum and Action was launched during the seminar. 

Tlemcen, Algeria

In conjunction with the Third Mediterranean Forest Week, the Day was launched with a press conference, release of the publication State of Mediterranean Forests and tree planting activities in Tlemcen, Algeria.