International Day of Forests

International Day of Forests History

The International Day of Forests is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of all types of forests and trees. Spearheaded by the United Nations (UN), the purpose of this day is to celebrate and recognise the vital role forests play in maintaining our planet's overall health. This includes providing essential habitats for wildlife, contributing to climate management by capturing harmful carbon emissions, and supporting human life through resources and ecosystem services.

The concept of an international day dedicated to forests was introduced at the 23rd General Assembly of the European Confederation of Agriculture in 1971. It has since grown into a worldwide event, officially established by the UN in 2012. For New Zealand, a country renowned for its diverse and iconic flora, the International Day of Forests holds significant importance. As a nation, New Zealanders have continuously demonstrated their commitment to ecological preservation. The Indigenous Māori approach to forestry, which promotes conservation and sustainable utilisation, shapes this commitment.

New Zealand celebrates the International Day of Forests with numerous local initiatives. Activities range from tree planting events to educational programmes, spreading knowledge about sustainable forest management. While acknowledging the global concerns of deforestation and climate change, this day also provides an opportunity to pay tribute to New Zealand's unique forest ecosystems – from the towering Kauri and Rimu forests in the North to the Beech forests of the South. International Day of Forests occurs each year on March 21st.

Top 8 Facts for 2026 International Day of Forests in NZ

• The 2026 observance of the International Day of Forests centers on the global theme Forests and Economies, emphasizing how sustainable forest management underpins national prosperity and the emerging bioeconomy.
• In Northland, the ambitious restoration of the Kōwhairoa Peninsula Historic Reserve is scheduled for completion at the end of 2026, marking the successful planting of 132,000 native trees led by the Te Komanga Marae Trust.
• Professionals in the sector are focusing on the Environmental Forestry 2026 conference in Rotorua, which will address a major regulatory shift known as the Alt-F Reset following recommendations from the Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.
• The landmark Predator Free South Westland initiative is targeting 2026 for the total elimination of possums, rats, and stoats across 113,000 hectares to ensure the long-term regeneration of the region's ancient podocarp forests.
• Scientists at Scion have recently formalized a specialized definition for a "food forest" within a New Zealand context, requiring a minimum of five hectares managed for multi-layered food production to enhance local food security.
• Forests currently cover approximately 38 percent of New Zealand’s land area, representing nearly 9.7 million hectares of combined exotic and native ecosystems that provide critical habitats for species like the kākāriki.
• Recent forestry initiatives are increasingly integrating mātauranga Māori to ensure that sustainable practices align with indigenous cultural values and long-term environmental stewardship.
• The New Zealand Institute of Forestry is preparing for its upcoming conference titled Back to Business: Forward with Confidence, which aims to showcase innovative partnerships that deliver both ecological health and economic gains for the country.

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

Top things to do in NZ 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 Waipoua Forest: It's one of the best places in New Zealand to celebrate International Day of Forests. Explore ancient Kauri trees and the unique bird species that find shelter here.
• Read a book to learn more about Forests in New Zealand:
  New Zealand Forests and Shrubs - by John Dawson
  Native Trees of New Zealand - by John T Salmon