International Day of the Tropics

International Day of the Tropics History

The International Day of the Tropics is celebrated annually to highlight the important role of tropical regions in global issues such as economic growth, social inequality, environmental sustainability, and human well-being. In Australia, the day serves as an opportunity to showcase the country's tropical regions, which include parts of Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia. These regions are home to a diverse range of ecosystems, from rainforests and savannas to coral reefs and wetlands. The day was first observed in 2016 by the United Nations General Assembly, which recognized that over 40% of the world's population resides in the tropics, which are characterized by their unique biodiversity, natural resources, and cultural heritage.

The importance of these regions was underscored in a 2018 report by the Australian government, which noted that tropical Australia generates over 60% of the nation's agriculture and mining exports, while also supporting Indigenous culture and livelihoods. However, the report also acknowledged that tropical regions face significant challenges, such as climate change, land degradation, and invasive species. These challenges require multidisciplinary solutions that take into account both the ecological and social dimensions of tropical development.

The International Day of the Tropics serves as a call to action for governments, organizations, and individuals to work together towards a sustainable and equitable future for tropical regions worldwide. The International Day of the Tropics is observed annually on June 29th.

International Day of the Tropics facts

• According to the UN, almost half of the world's population lives in the Tropics.
• More than 80% of the world's biodiversity lives in the Tropics.
• The State of the Tropics Report pointed out an interesting fact that by the late 2040s, the Tropics will be more populous than the rest of the world combined.
• Located in the Wet Tropics of Queensland, the Daintree Rainforest is one of the oldest surviving rainforests in the world, dating back more than 135 million years.
• The Tropics account for nearly 40% of Australia's total land area.

In the News and Trending in Australia for International Day of the Tropics

Top things to do in Australia for this observance

• Read a first-hand account about Carmen Rodríguez and her family's efforts to preserve Colombia's tropical dry forest.
• Browse the 2020 report on the state of the tropics. It covers a wide variety of topics including the environment, human impact, and the application of science and technology.
• Watch a documentary to learn more about the tropics in Australia. Here are our top picks:
  1. Australia's Northern Wilderness (2004) - This documentary series explores the beauty of the tropical wilderness found in Northern Australia.
  2. Kakadu: Australia's Ancient Wilderness (1994) - A documentary taking you on a journey through the tropical wetlands of Kakadu National Park.
  3. Nature's Wonderland: Australia's Great Top End (2015) - A nature documentary covering the diverse landscapes and natural wonders of Tropical Australia.
• Read a book to learn more about the tropics in Australia. Here are our suggestions:
  1. A Guide to the Tropical Rainforests of Australia by Nigel Halle
  2. Australian Tropical Rainforests: Science - Values - Meaning by Geoffrey D. Williams
  3. Tropical Rainforests of North Queensland: Their Conservation Significance by Helen T. Murphy and Peter Doughty