International Day of Forests 21 March 2018: Forests and Sustainable Cities

Thursday, January 04 , 2018 8276

During the International Day of Forests, 21 March, we celebrate the ways in which forests and trees sustain and protect us.

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.

The theme for each International Day of Forests is chosen by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests.

​In 2018, the theme is: Forests and sustainable cities.

Forests and trees store carbon, which helps mitigate the impacts of climate change in, and around, urban areas.

Local populations use the fruits, nuts, leaves and insects found in urban trees to produce food and medicines for use in the home, or as a source of income.

Urban green spaces, including forests, encourage active and healthy lifestyles, improve mental health, prevent disease, and provide a place for people to socialize.

Trees reduce noise pollution, as they shield homes from nearby roads and industrial areas.

Please, follow this link to have a look at the FAO web site about this day: http://www.fao.org/international-day-of-forests/en/

UEF invites you to join all foresters and forest organizations to celebrate this International Day of Forests, created by the UNO all over the world..

The UEF Presidency