Forests play a vital role in sustaining life on Earth. Tomorrow, March 21, the world observes the International Day of Forests (IDF) to encourage actions to protect forests which cover about 31 percent of the planet’s land area.
The increasing threats of deforestation, climate change, and biodiversity loss have made it more critical than ever to recognize forests as one of our planet’s most valuable natural resources.
Forests are disappearing at an alarming rate. According to Earth.org, globally, approximately 10 million hectares of forest are lost every year due to deforestation, largely driven by agriculture, logging, and urban expansion.
Forests, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing about 2.6 billion tons of CO2 annually, helping to slow global warming. Also, forests regulate rainfall patterns, prevent soil erosion, and reduce the risk of natural disasters like landslides and floods.
Beyond their environmental benefits, more than 1.6 billion people depend on forests for their livelihoods, whether through food, medicine, or employment. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the forestry sector provides employment for over 33 million people worldwide, supporting industries such as timber, paper, and non-timber products like nuts, resins, and medicinal plants. Ecotourism in forested areas also generates income for many countries while promoting conservation efforts.
This year’s IDF theme is “Forests and Foods,” a reminder of the importance of forests to human survival and environmental balance. About 80 percent of the world’s terrestrial species, including countless plants, animals, and microorganisms are in the forests, making them essential for biodiversity.
Protecting forests requires a collective effort from governments, businesses, communities, and individuals. Preventing deforestation is the number one item in efforts to protect forests. Government and private corporations must enforce sustainable land-use policies, promote reforestation, and regulate logging activities to prevent large-scale deforestation.
Planting trees in deforested or degraded lands helps restore ecosystems. Many global initiatives, like the Billion Tree Campaign, encourage tree planting to counteract deforestation.
In the Philippines, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is launching the “Forests for Life” initiative on March 21, with an aim to plant five million fast-growing indigenous trees by 2028. The program aims to restore critical forest ecosystems to enhance biodiversity, improve water resources and mitigate soil erosion. It also will quantify carbon sequestration annually from today to 2028, and over the following decade (2029-2038).
The DENR has identified priority areas for planting the five million trees – in the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Rizal, Leyte, Bataan, Bukidnon, and Lanao del Norte.
Another way to protect forests is through sustainable consumption. Consumers can help by choosing eco-friendly products such as certified sustainable wood and paper, as well as reducing their carbon footprint through energy conservation.
The global day for forests was first proposed at the European Conference on Forests in 1971, leading to the establishment of World Forestry Day. In 2012, the United Nations officially declared March 21 as the International Day of Forests to provide a more comprehensive and global approach to forest conservation. IDF activities are led by the FAO.
International Day of Forests is more than just a symbolic event; it is a crucial reminder that forests are indispensable to our planet’s health and our survival. Let us commit to being stewards of these vital ecosystems and ensure that our forests remain thriving for generations to come.
