International Day of Forests

International Day of Forests History

International Day of Forests is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of all types of forests and trees outside forests. It aims to highlight the vital role forests play in poverty eradication, environmental sustainability, and food security. The day is an opportunity to commemorate the wide array of life they support and herald their intrinsic link to sustainable development, which necessitates the proper management of these precious eco-assets.

International Day of Forests has a palpable resonance in India, a country that is home to diverse forest ecosystems, from the coniferous forests of the Himalayas to the lush Western Ghats. India's history is replete with instances of traditional forest conservation practices and reverence for nature. With the proclamation of International Day of Forests by the UN General Assembly in 2012, the emphasis on the protection and conservation of forests has gained new momentum among the public and private sectors in India, educating and motivating them to contribute actively to this global cause.

In India, International Day of Forests is observed through a multitude of activities. These include tree planting campaigns, nature walks, exhibitions, lectures, film screenings, and environmental education measures that spur interaction with nature and enhance understanding of the forests' significance. Local communities, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations participate and lead these efforts. The day is celebrated annually on the 21st of March, marking the urgency to pursue efforts that safeguard the future of forests and subsequently, the planet.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 International Day of Forests in India

• The theme for the 2026 observance is Forests and Economies, which highlights the critical role that woodlands play in driving economic prosperity and supporting the livelihoods of over 275 million people in India who reside in forest-fringe villages.
• A major highlight for this year is the record-breaking achievement in Varanasi, where a Mega Plantation Drive in the Sujabad Domari area successfully planted 2,51,446 saplings within a single hour to secure a place in the Guinness World Records.
• The literary world is marking the occasion with the release of a comprehensive new volume titled India's Forests: Revisiting Nature and History, edited by noted historians Arupjyoti Saikia and Mahesh Rangarajan, which explores the evolution of India’s relationship with its green cover.
• India continues to hold a prominent global position in environmental recovery, currently ranking third worldwide for the highest annual net gain in forest area according to the latest Global Forest Resources Assessment.
• In March 2026, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is hosting the Living Roots Festival – Soundscapes of Tribal India, an initiative that emphasizes the symbiotic link between indigenous heritage and the preservation of natural forest ecosystems.
• Public interest remains high regarding the legal landscape of conservation following the implementation of the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023, which introduced significant changes to how border infrastructure projects and eco-tourism facilities are regulated.
• The nationwide Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign has entered a new phase with a massive target of planting 35 crore saplings during the 2026 monsoon, building on the earlier success of planting over 80 crore trees across the country.
• Recent scientific findings from an IIT Kharagpur study have sparked critical discussions by revealing a 12% decline in the photosynthetic efficiency of India's dense forests due to rising temperatures, shifting the focus from simply increasing tree numbers to improving forest quality.
• The India State of Forest Report 2025 indicates that while the total forest and tree cover has reached approximately 25.17% of the country's geographical area, a significant portion of this growth is occurring outside traditional boundaries on private and communal lands.
• Urban centers are adopting new models for greening, such as the Delhi Green Action Plan 2026, which prioritizes the creation of sustainable urban forests over ornamental greenery by planting over seven lakh native saplings in the city's ridge areas.

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

Top things to do in India 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!
• Explore Bandhavgarh National Park: Situated in Madhya Pradesh, it is known for high tiger density. It is the perfect place to celebrate International Day of Forests and witness the marvel of nature.
• Read a book to learn more about Forests in India:
  The Vanishing: India’s Wildlife Crisis - by Prerna Singh Bindra: This book provides a detailed account of the diverse wildlife and forests in India, and their current state due to human intervention.