International Day of Forests

International Day of Forests History

International Day of Forests is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of all types of forests and trees outside forests. The aim of the day is to celebrate and draw attention to the vital role that forests play in poverty eradication, environmental sustainability, and food security. It also emphasises how forests mitigate impacts of climate change, through their abilities to absorb carbon dioxide.

International Day of Forests was first proposed at the 23rd General Assembly of the European Confederation of Agriculture in 1971 and was then established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. For Australia, a country with diverse forest ecosystems ranging from rainforests to dry eucalypt forests and mangroves, this observance holds particular importance. Australian forests, rich in biodiversity, play a crucial role in the country's habitat preservation efforts and act as a natural carbon sink that helps combat climate change. Furthermore, Australia's forests are important for the economy with productive sectors such as timber and tourism dependent on the sustainable management of these resources.

International Day of Forests is frequently observed in Australia through a variety of events and activities. These initiatives often involve educational workshops, tree planting campaigns, and forest excursions, geared towards spreading awareness of forest conservation. Additionally, efforts to promote sustainable forestry practices are highlighted to encourage responsible use of forest resources in Australia. These activities, in line with the global objective of the day, aim to foster a greater appreciation for forests and inspire actions towards their conservation and sustainable use. International Day of Forests is held annually on March 21st.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 International Day of Forests in Australia

• The theme for the 2026 International Day of Forests is Forests and Economies, a focus that highlights the transition of the timber industry as Australia shifts away from native forest logging toward plantation-based systems.
• A significant driver of environmental discussions in Australia is the recent overhaul of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, which has removed long-standing exemptions for the native logging industry and placed these operations under stricter national environmental standards.
• In regional New South Wales, the month-long Field to Forest Festival in Oberon offers a variety of public events throughout March, including specialized foraging tours and screenings of the film The Giants, which explores the life of environmentalist Bob Brown and the majesty of Australia’s ancient trees.
• On the day of the observance, the Artanica biennial botanical art exhibition begins at Mt Macedon, showcasing contemporary works that celebrate the unique flora of the Victorian highlands.
• For those in Western Australia, the touring exhibition Radical Futures: Fertile Ground examines the evolving relationship between rural communities and the forest landscape through the lens of prescribed burning and bushfire resilience.
• A point of ongoing debate in the Victorian Central Highlands is the proposal for a Great Forest National Park, a project that continues to spark significant public interest despite differing views on land tenure and recreational access.
• The documentary White Rock, directed by Damon Gameau, is a notable recent creative work that draws attention to the ecological and economic importance of Australia’s underwater kelp forests, which face similar threats to their terrestrial counterparts.
• Amateur radio enthusiasts across the country often participate in the day by "activating" various national parks as part of the World Wide Flora and Fauna program, a hobbyist tradition that helps raise awareness of protected forest areas.
• Major reforestation initiatives like the Strzelecki Nature Link in Victoria are currently working to reconnect fragmented landscapes to protect the genetic diversity of the region’s distinct koala populations.
• The Yurol Ringtail project in Queensland remains a key example of how Indigenous Land Use Agreements can provide economic opportunities for Traditional Owners while restoring critical habitat for endangered species like the greater glider.

In the News and Trending in Australia for International Day of Forests

Top things to do in Australia for International Day of Forests

• Watch the 2020 International Day of Forest's virtual program if you missed it.
• Share your favorite photo of a forest or plant with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN by emailing it to idf@fao.org. The UN will add it to a combined gallery of everyone’s pictures around the world!
• Visit the Daintree Rainforest: Also known as the Wet Tropics of Queensland, this is the oldest rainforest in the world and home to a unique array of wildlife and plant species. Most tours of the forest include exploring waterfalls, remote natural swimming spots, and off-beat trails.
• Read a book to learn more about Forests in Australia:
  The Australian Rainforest - by B. J. Grieve
  The Bush: Travels in the Heart of Australia - by Don Watson