International Day of Forest

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.

Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World.

The theme for International Day of Forests 2024 is Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World.

Innovation unlocks the forests’ long-kept secrets and allows us to use trees in ways we never imagined possible. Materials derived from forests and trees are being developed as sustainable substitutes for plastics, building materials, fabrics, medicines, and many other everyday items. At the same time, rapidly evolving drone and satellite technology is helping us to monitor and manage our forests, detect and fight fires, and safeguard ecosystems.

Innovation and technology also have revolutionized forest monitoring, enabling countries to track and report on their forests more effectively. A total of 13.7 billion tons of carbon dioxide forest emission reductions or enhancements have been reported to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change through transparent and innovative forest monitoring.

The battle against deforestation requires new technological advancements. With 10 million hectares lost annually due to deforestation and approximately 70 million hectares affected by fires, these innovations are essential for early warning systems, sustainable commodity production, and empowering Indigenous Peoples through land mapping and climate finance access.

Additionally, ecosystem restoration, including reforestation efforts, can significantly contribute to climate mitigation and enhance food security while pushing the boundaries of sustainable wood products. and enhance food security while promoting sustainable wood products.

#DYK that:

  • Forest are home to 80 % of all know amphibian species.
  • More than 30% of new diseases reported since 1960 are attributed to land use change, including deforestation.
  • Forests contain over ½ the global carbon stock in soils and vegetation.
  • An area roughly the equivalent of 14 million football pitches is lost per year to deforestation.
  • Insect pests damage around 35 million hectares of forest annually.
  • Forested watersheds and wetlands provide 75% of the world´s accessible freshwater.
  • Watch

From cutting-edge drone and satellite technology for forest monitoring to sustainable substitutes derived from trees for plastics, building materials & fabrics, innovation can help us

✅ restore
✅ protect
✅ manage, &
✅ use our forests sustainably.

#ForestDay #ClimateAction