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Every 21 March the United Nations raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests. This year the International Day of Forests promotes education to Learn to Love Forests, with a focus on Forests and Biodiversity. It underscores the importance of education at all levels in achieving sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation. Healthy forests mean healthy, resilient communities and prosperous economies.

Key messages:

• Forests are home to about 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity.​
• Forests and woodlands are made of over 60,000 tree species.
• More than a billion people depend directly on forests for food, shelter, energy and income.
• Genetic diversity helps forests to cope with climate change and other threats.
• Biodiversity is under serious threat from deforestation, forest degradation and climate change.
• Managing forests sustainably, and restoring them when needed, is crucial for people, biodiversity and climate.

For more information, please visit the event’s website.