International Day of Forests observed with theme Forest and Water

21 March: International Day of Forests

International Day of Forests was observed on 21 March 2016 across the globe with the theme Forest and Water. The theme highlights the importance of forests in sustaining planet’s supply of freshwater, which is essential for life.

To mark the Day, a joint celebration of the International Day of Forests and World Water Day was held on 21 March 2016 in New York. The UNFF Secretariat and UN-Water are organizing the event, in collaboration with the Sweden Government.

The event entitled Forests and Water|Sustain Life and Livelihoods will raise awareness of the interconnections between forests and water, and their contributions to implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Background

• United Nations General Assembly on 21 December 2012 designated 21 March as global celebration to raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests and of trees outside forests.

• Every year International Day of Forests is celebrated by the ways in which forests and trees sustain and protect us.

• Forests cover one third of the Earth's land mass, performing vital functions around the world and are the most biologically-diverse ecosystems on land, home to more than 80 percent of the terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects. They also provide shelter, jobs and security for forest-dependent communities.
Now get latest Current Affairs on mobile, Download # 1 Current Affairs App