21st March was designated by the UK as the International Day of Forest in 2000. The theme for this year is Forest Restoration: a path to recovery and well-being”. Forests cover about one third of the world’s land mass. Roughly 1.6 billion people, including more than 2000 indigenous cultures, depend on forests for their livelihood. Forests are vital to the planet for many reasons, mainly for Cleaning our air by turning our waste carbon dioxide into the oxygen we need to survive as well as providing the necessary humidity.
Forests provide shelter for 1.6 billion people and more than half of the earths species of animals, plants and insects.
They protect the watersheds, which supply fresh water to rivers and streams
Forests provide food and medicines and energy.
Our ancient woodlands have been eroded in this country even though there has been more forestry planting and management over the last 100 years or so. Our forests cover about one third of the world’s landmass but globally we are losing approximately 10million hectares of forest every year. As our forests dwindle then so carbon is not transformed and stays in the atmosphere and contributes between 12-20% of the greenhouse gases affecting climate change.
The Covid pandemic which has given many of us more time has re-ignited our connection to nature and if you are lucky enough to live near a forest I am sure you have been taking the opportunity to walk and re-explore this wonderful natural habitat and the wildlife within them.
I must admit I love living by the sea but I miss walking in Epping Forest and watching the rabbits, squirrels, mountjacks, owls, voles, and above all the wild deer. Why not take a walk in the woods today and see what you can find. The daffodils are out, the wild garlic will be up and ready to pick, the bluebells on their way.
What Governments Do
Governments, and community organisations, work with the general public to promote both local and global activities for the International Day of Forests. Activities include:
Tree planting campaigns which something we can all do even if it is just an apple tree for the garden.
Photo exhibits that portray the importance forests and trees.
Sharing infographics, videos, news and messages via social and other media.
International Day of Forests is a global observance and not a public holiday.