International Day of Forests is observed every year on March 21 since 2012. The day aims to raise awareness regarding the importance of all types of forests.
History
The United Nations General Assembly declared March 21 as International Day of Forests in 2012 to honour and promote awareness about the value of all types of forests. All countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international activities involving forests and trees, such as tree-planting campaigns to commemorate World Forestry Day.
Theme
This year’s theme is “Forests and sustainable production and consumption”. The theme for each World Forest Day is chosen by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF).
How do Forests play a crucial role in our survival?
Forests provide the house for many living beings. Thus, it is one of the precious resources provided by nature to human beings. Also, the organisms that live in Forests are independent of each other. Life in Forrest is run by various factors like air, water, and sunlight. Also, there are a variety of plants that are available in Forests. Besides this, various trees, herbs, and shrubs depend on the climate of the forests. Also, there are plants that rely on animals for processes like seed dispersal and pollination.
Moreover, Forests help in maintaining the oxygen and temperature levels of the atmosphere. Plants during photosynthesis release oxygen whereas it consumes carbon dioxide. This is the complete phenomenon that humans do. Also, forests are a huge reserve of trees and plants. Thus, they help by playing a significant role in balancing the oxygen level of the entire atmosphere.
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Additionally, Forests help in preventing the global warming levels of the Earth. The increase in the amount of carbon dioxide which is a greenhouse gas into the atmosphere results in the greenhouse effect on Earth. Thus, it is majorly responsible for causing global warming on Earth.