The UN works with governments, community organisations, and the general public to promote both local and global activities for the International Day of Forests. Activities include: tree planting campaigns, photo exhibits that portray the importance forests and trees, and sharing infographics, videos, news and messages via social and other media.
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, including: providing shelter for more than half of the terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects, contributing to the balance of oxygen, carbon dioxide and humidity in the air, and protecting watersheds, which supply fresh water to rivers.
The UN first celebrated the International Day of Forests on March 21, 2013. This initiative follows from the International Year of Forests.