International Day of Forests -2024 

Numerous special days are celebrated worldwide related to various and important aspects of life, culture, causes, and the environment. Commemorating these days is important as they serve as reminders, catalysts of action, and opportunities for education and advocacy. They help bring attention to important issues, promote solidarity, and encourage collective efforts towards positive change.

Forests are an expansive ecosystem dominated by trees and diverse flora and fauna, essential in sustaining life on Earth, providing oxygen, regulating climate, and supporting biodiversity. International Day of Forests is a special day that focuses on the world’s forests. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the 21st of March the International Day of Forests in 2012. This day aims to raise awareness about the importance of forests and trees in our lives, ecosystem and sustainable development. This day encourages efforts to protect, conserve and sustainably manage forests for current and future generations.

Forests; Lungs of Our Planet

Forests are complex ecosystems characterised by a dense collection of trees, plants, animals, and microorganisms that cover a significant portion of the earth’s land surface. 

Forest Types and Distribution in the World

Several types of forest ecosystems can be found worldwide. These forests are diverse in their characteristics. There are several reasons for this diversity. Climate is one of the most significant factors influencing forest types. The climate conditions in different areas are not the same. Various temperatures, precipitation, and seasonality result in different climatic zones, each supporting unique forest ecosystems.

Differences in geography and topography, such as altitudes, slope and soil type, contribute to the diversity of forest types. Mountain ranges, coastal plains, river valleys and other geographical features create distinct habitats for various species of plants and animals, forming different forest ecosystems.

Other than those factors, disturbances in the area, biological diversity, ecological interaction and even human activities in the area, historical factors influence the forest type in the area.

There are three major types of forests in the world. They are temperature, tropical and boreal forests. Experts estimate that these forest types cover approximately one-third of the earth’s surface. Here is more about the forest types and their distribution.

Importance of Forests

Edward O. Wilson says, “Forests are the world’s lungs, and if the lungs are gone, we’re gone.” This quote shows how essential forests are for life on Earth. Forests play a vital role in producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide through the photosynthesis process of numerous plants, which act as the central part of a forest.  Just like human lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide through respiration, forests perform a similar function on a global scale. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas responsible for climate change and release oxygen to the atmosphere, helping to regulate the earth’s climate and maintain a balance of gasses necessary for life. This analogy underscores the crucial role forests play in sustainable life and mitigating the impact of climate change.

Forests are home to millions of species of plants, animals, insects and microorganisms. They provide habitat and food sources for countless species, contributing to global biodiversity. So, many forests are highlighting biodiversity hotspots in the world. Also, forests provide essential ecosystem services such as soil formation, nutrient cycling, pollination and natural pest control, which are vital for agricultural productivity and human well-being.

Forests help regulate the water cycle by absorbing and releasing water through transpiration and evaporation. They also help regulate local and regional climates, prevent soil erosion, and maintain water quality by filtering pollutants.

Regarding the economy, forests provide various economic benefits, including timber and non-timber forest products such as fruits, nuts, medicinal herbs and resins. They also support industries such as tourism, recreation and ecotourism, contributing to local and national economies. Not only that, but forests hold cultural and spiritual significance for many indigenous communities worldwide. They provide a sense of identity, heritage and connection to the land, serving as sacred sites and places of traditional knowledge and practices. 

Connection between Forests and Climate Change

Forests are crucial in mitigating and being affected by climate change. 

How do the Forests affect Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation?

Forests have a significant responsibility for both climate change adaptation and mitigation.

In mitigation;

1. Carbon sequestration – Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and storing it in trees, plants, soil and other biomass. This helps to remove carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, from the atmosphere, reducing its concentration and mitigating global warming.
2. Carbon storage – Forests store vast amounts of carbon in their biomass and soils. Protecting and expanding forests can help maintain and enhance these carbon stocks, preventing the release of stored carbon into the atmosphere and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Afforestation and reforestation—Afforestation (planting trees on lands that were not previously forested) and reforestation (replanting trees in areas that were previously forested but are now not) initiatives can enhance carbon sequestration and storage, increase forest cover, and contribute to climate change mitigation efforts.

In adaptation;

1. Ecosystem resilience – Healthy forests enhance ecosystem resilience and help communities adapt to climate change by providing natural buffers against extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, storms and wildfires. Forests regulate water resources, stabilise soil and protect against erosion and landslides.
2. Biodiversity conservation
3. Water regulation

Here to read more about this.

How does Climate Change affect Forests?

Climate change impacts forests in both direct and indirect ways.

1. Altered species composition – Changing precipitation and temperature patterns can favour some tree species over others, leading to shifts in forest composition and distribution. This can result in biodiversity and ecosystem structure changes with implications for wildlife habitat and ecosystem function.
2. Increased forest mortality—Climate-related stresses such as drought, heatwaves, and pest outbreaks can weaken trees and increase their susceptible mortality. 
3. Changes in forest productivity—Climate change can affect forest productivity by altering photosynthesis, nutrient cycling, and water availability. Changes in temperature and precipitation can also influence tree growth rates, carbon sequestration, and the availability of forest products such as timber, fuelwood, and non-timber products.
4. Influence natural disturbances – Climate change can influence some natural disturbances that are threatening to the health of forests, such as insect outbreaks, wildfires, and invasive species. These disturbances can damage or unbalance the ecological value of the forest.
5. Loss of ecosystem services—Climate change can compromise forests’ ability to provide essential ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water regulation, soil stabilisation, and biodiversity conservation. Degraded forests may be less capable of supporting human livelihood and well-being.

Here to read more on this.

Challenges to the Forests

1. Climate change 
2. Deforestation – With developing technologies and an increase in population growth, the lifestyles of humans have become complicated. Urbanisation, infrastructure development and many other activities are increasing to complete this complicated lifestyle. This results in deforestation and damage to forests. 
3. Natural hazards – Increasing the number of extreme events that a forest faces decreases the resilience of the forest and damages its structure. Floods, droughts, storms and wildfires are examples of such extreme events.
4. Human factors – Agricultural, industrial and many other reasons related to humans challenge forests, especially sensitive forest ecosystems. 
5. Economic efficiency – To grab the economic value of the forests, people sometimes are harming forests. Significantly, if people try to infuse all the monetary values without a limit, it may harm forests thoroughly or destroy forests. Illegal logging is one example of such activities.

Here to read more.

International Day of Forests 2024

Just like in the other years, in 2024 also, on the 21st of March, the International Day of Forests is celebrated. In this year, the theme of the International Day of Forests is; 

“Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World.”

Forests are essential in mitigating climate change, preserving biodiversity and supporting livelihood. Forest management and conservation innovations are exciting and necessary for a better world. This theme can be introduced promptly, considering the present situation in our world. 

Deforestation and damaging forests are happening worldwide, legally and illegally. To fight the battle with these damages, the best solution is using the development of technology. Innovations are the results of developing technology. These innovations are essential for early warning systems, sustainable commodity production, and the empowerment of indigenous people through land mapping and climate finance action.

There are many innovative solutions to solve issues related to forests and improve the health of forests and the environment.

• Remote sensing and AI – Utilizing satellite imagery and artificial intelligence to monitor forest health, detect deforestation and access biodiversity. Here to learn more on that.
• Blockchain technology—Implementing blockchain to track and verify the origin of forest products, ensuring they are sustainably sourced, and combating illegal logging. Click here for more on blockchain technology.
• Agroforestry – Integrating trees into agricultural landscapes to improve soil health, increase carbon sequestration and enhance biodiversity while providing an additional income stream for farmers.
• Bioeconomic innovations – Developing new bio-based products and materials derived from sustainable forest resources, such as bioplastics, biofuels and sustainable wood products.
• Community-based forest management: Empowering local communities to manage and protect forests sustainably, fostering social equity, and enhancing conservation outcomes.
•  Restoration initiatives – Implementing large-scale reforestation and afforestation projects to restore degraded ecosystems, enhance carbon sequestration and improve water quality.
• Climate-smart forestry practices—Adopting sustainable forestry techniques that promote resilience to climate change, such as assisted tree migration and climate-informed forest management.
• Green finance mechanisms—Mobilizing investments in sustainable forest management through mechanisms like carbon finance, eco-tourism, and payment for ecosystem services.

What can we do to Protect Forests?

To protect forests effectively, we can take a few steps towards them.

• Support sustainable practices – Choose products sourced from sustainably managed forests certified by organisations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).
• Reduce consumption – Reduce overall consumption of paper, wood products, and other forest resources through recycling, digitisation, and conscious purchasing decisions.
• Advocate for policies – Advocate for policies that promote forest conservation, sustainable management, and the enforcement of anti-deforestation laws at local, national, and international levels.
• Participate in reforestation efforts – Support reforestation and afforestation projects by volunteering, donating to organisations involved in tree planting, or participating in community-based restoration initiatives.
• Combat illegal logging – Raise awareness about the impacts of illegal logging and support efforts to combat it through increased law enforcement, monitoring technologies, and consumer awareness campaigns.
• Engage communities – Support and empower local communities, indigenous peoples, and stakeholders in forest management decisions, ensuring their rights, knowledge, and perspectives are respected and integrated into conservation efforts.
• Invest in Conservation—Support organisations and initiatives dedicated to forest conservation, research, and sustainable development through donations, volunteering, or partnerships.
• Practice sustainable tourism – When visiting forests or natural areas, choose eco-friendly and responsible tourism operators that prioritise conservation and minimise negative environmental impacts.
• Educate and raise awareness – Educate others about the importance of forests, their ecological value, and the need for collective action to protect and preserve them for future generations.
• Promote technological innovations in forestry

-With inputs from Mihiri Saparamadhu –