United Nations day · March 21
International Day of Forests
Forests clean our water, cool our streets, and shelter most land-based life. Care for the trees near you, from the woods to the sidewalk.
Every year on March 21
About the day
The International Day of Forests is a United Nations day held every year on March 21. The UN General Assembly proclaimed it in 2012, and it was first observed in 2013.
The day covers every kind of forest and every kind of tree, including the ones on city streets and in schoolyards.
Why it matters
Nearly a third of the land
Forests cover nearly a third of the world’s land area, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Home to most land life
Forests hold most of the plant and animal species found on land.
Water and cooling
Forests protect drinking-water sources, and street trees shade and cool neighborhoods on hot days.
Ways to take part
Pick one action that fits your place and your people. Small, local, and repeated beats big and once.
- PlantPlant the right tree in the right place, and plan for its care.
- WaterAdopt a young street tree and water it through its first summers.
- Remove invasivesHelp clear invasive plants that crowd out native trees.
- Use wiselyChoose recycled paper and responsibly sourced wood.
- MapRecord trees in your neighborhood and where more are needed.
- ExploreTake a forest walk, and leave no trace.
From awareness to action
Environmental Alliance applies Spatial Social Design, which pairs geodesign with community-based social marketing, so this day connects people to specific actions in specific places.
Map the place
Start with the land, water, and habitat around you.
Understand the people
Learn what helps people act and what gets in the way.
Design the action
Choose steps that fit both the place and the community.
Measure the change
Track what happened so next year builds on this one.
Coming soon
Map your place: a free tool to map the places you care for and the actions you take. No login required.
Questions
When is the International Day of Forests?
It’s held every year on March 21.
Who started the International Day of Forests?
The UN General Assembly proclaimed it in 2012. The first one was held in 2013.
Do city trees count?
Yes. Street trees, park trees, and backyard trees are part of the urban forest, and they matter for shade, water, and wildlife.
Plan something for March 21
Schools, agencies, businesses, and local groups are welcome. Tell us what you’re planning and where.