The UN General Assembly proclaimed 21^st March the International Day of Forests in 2012.

Forests are an important resource but also they are one of the most important habitat on Earth. The organizers and promoters are the United Nations Forum on Forests, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with Governments and other relevant organizations in the field.

The International Day of Forests is aimed in particular at raising awareness about the importance of all types of forests as unique habitat for many species. On each International Day of Forests, countries all around the world are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns. Noteworthy March 21^st is also the World’s Planting Day. The UN World Planting Day is important because it gives the global population an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of the world’s plant species and those who work to protect them. The number of plant species in the world is estimated at nearly 400,000. Ensuring the survival of these species is important to preserve the habitats from where they come, and our ecosystem as well.

Forests and their fragile ecosystems, which host about 80% of world’s biodiversity, are key to combating climate change. They are also contributing to the prosperity and well-being of current and future generations this is why we need to protect them.