International Day of Forests | United Nations

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Extensive research demonstrates that use of forests contributes to reducing stress and promoting more positive moods and feelings. In children, forests help to get healthy mental and social development.
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Healthy forest for healthy people
When we drink a glass of water, write in a notebook, take medicine for a fever or build a house, we do not always make the connection with forests. And yet, these and many other aspects of our lives are linked to forests in one way or another.
Forest sustainable management and their use of resources are key to combating climate change, and to contributing to the prosperity and well-being of current and future generations. Forests also play a crucial role in poverty alleviation and in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yet despite all these priceless ecological, economic, social and health benefits, forests are endangered by fires, pests, droughts, and unprecedented deforestation.
Forests give us so much to our health. They purify the water, clean the air, capture carbon to fight climate change, provide food and life-saving medicines, and improve our well-being.
It’s up to us to safeguard these precious natural resources.
This 2023 calls for giving, not just taking, because healthy forests will bring healthy people.
REPORT
Forests for human health and well-being
Discover the many linkages of forests and human health and read the recommendations for creating an enabling environment in which people can benefit from them. If you prefer, you can access to a summary of this document.
Background
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests in 2012 to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. Countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns.
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Healthy Forests for Healthy People
Conserving and sustainably using forests is one of the best ways of protecting our planet and ourselves. Healthy forests are vital for all aspects of a healthy planet, from livelihoods and nutrition to biodiversity and the environment, but they are under threat. It’s up to us to safeguard these precious natural resources.
Related links
The final issue of The UNESCO Courier is dedicated to forests. Some of the interested topics include the disappearance of forests, the prevention of jungle deforestation in the Congo Basin, the benefits of learning among the trees in Nordic countries, and the role of indigenous peoples in forest conservation.
Change of environmental conditions due to climate change is a major factor for the emergence of allergen-producing forest species, as well as the emergence of diseases. Yet forests can also help mitigate some of the human health related effects of climate change, by acting as carbon sinks, regulating the planet’s temperature, and mediating water flows. Discover more.
International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.