International Day of Forests 2022

Since 2012, 21 March has not just marked the arrival of spring in the northern hemisphere and autumn in the southern hemisphere. Today, it is also the date to celebrate the International Day of Forests around the world, an event that was created by the UN (United Nations) to highlight the importance of the planet's forests.

This day presents the perfect chance to learn more about forests and how their conservation positively impacts the lives of all Earth's inhabitants. Did you know that forests cover one third of the earth's surface? These ecosystems function as habitats for millions of living things and are home to 80 % of the planet's terrestrial plant and animal species. 1.6 billion people depend on forests to survive, including more than 2,000 indigenous cultures.

Forests and regenerative sustainability

The theme chosen by the UN for this year is Forests and sustainable production and consumption.

It’s essential, for the survival of forests, that we produce wood responsibly in relation to the environment. Many of our daily acts, from writing in a notebook to taking a pill for a headache, are in some way linked to our forests, even if we’re not aware of it.

Wood is present in a multitude of processes in our lives. This is often positive, but only if we’re conscious that it’s a renewable resource and we manage it sustainably and responsibly so that it benefits people and the planet.

Forests also have a real impact on climate change, improving the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat.

One of the difficulties compromising the survival of wooded environments is deforestation. In the last decade alone, three million hectares of forest have been destroyed across the world:

It is never too late to take action. In fact, there are already several projects that, in collaboration with civil society, institutions and companies, are working to reforest some of the planet's most damaged areas.

These regenerative actions not only allow life to bloom again but are also a key part of the fight against desertification and of reducing atmospheric CO2.

Sources: UN and FAO Forestry.