International Day of Forests is observed annually on 21 March to celebrate forests and create awareness about the importance of preserving them. The theme for 2023 is "Forests and health."
Forests provide, important health benefits for all people, not only those whose lives are closely intertwined with forest ecosystems, but also people far from forests, including urban populations. Recognition of the importance of forests for food security and nutrition has increased in recent years. When addressing linkages with forests, it is essential to address health and nutrition at the same time. Nutrient deficiency is a critical challenge to human health.
Fast facts:
- Forests are a vital source of food and nutrition.
Nearly one billion people globally depend on harvesting wild food such as herbs, fruits, nuts, meat, and insects for nutritious diets. In some remote tropical areas, the consumption of wild meat is estimated to cover between 60 - 80 percent of daily protein needs. - Forests are natural pharmacies.
Around 50 000 plant species have medicinal value. Local communities use forest-derived medicines for a wide array of ailments and many common pharmaceutical medicines are derived from forest plants, including cancer-treating drugs from the Madagascar periwinkle and malaria medication quinine from cinchona trees. - Healthy forests protect us from diseases.
Forests have traditionally served as a natural barrier to disease transmission between animals and humans. - Forests boost mental and physical health.
Spending time in forests increases positive emotions and decreases stress, blood pressure, depression, fatigue, anxiety and tension. - Forests play a role in combating the biggest health threat facing humanity - climate change.
Forests and trees also help buffer exposure to heat and extreme weather events caused by climate change.
On each International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national, and international efforts to organise activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns.
Join the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations at a high-level event to celebrate the International Day of Forests 2023. The day will highlight three important roles that forests play in ensuring environmental health and the many ways they contribute to healthy societies.
Tuesday, 21 March 2023
10.00–11.30 CET online and at the Sheikh Zayed Centre, FAO Headquarters, Rome
International Day of Forests Poster 2023
