International Day of Forests

International Day of Forests History

International Day of Forests emphasizes global recognition of the importance of forests and their vital role in human livelihoods and environmental sustainability. Forests are pivotal components of our ecosystem, providing countless economic, social, and environmental benefits, and contributing significantly to biodiversity. Their significance extends from mitigating climate change and fostering water conservation, to preserving wildlife and reducing poverty.

The UN General Assembly proclaimed March 21 as the International Day of Forests in 2012, setting the stage for annual observances globally. For Canadians, forests hold a special significance—Canada’s extensive forests cover over 9%, or 347 million hectares, of the Earth's total forest area. These forests work as “carbon sinks,” thereby playing a crucial role in combating climate change, offering important habitats for diverse species, and supporting many Indigenous and rural communities. Canadian forestry also contributes significantly to the national economy, providing jobs and boosting trade through log, lumber, and pulp exports.

In Canada, International Day of Forests is commemorated through a variety of events and initiatives, focusing on increasing public awareness about the importance of forests. Activities range from educational programs and forest tours, to community tree planting and cleaning initiatives. Canadian residents are encouraged to participate in these events and contribute towards forest sustainability. This day offers an opportunity to reflect on the importance of forests to our lives and our duty to protect and preserve them. International Day of Forests takes place annually on March 21.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 International Day of Forests in Canada

• The 2026 global theme for the International Day of Forests is Forests and Economies, a focus that highlights the transition toward a sustainable bioeconomy where wood-based products act as renewable alternatives to carbon-intensive materials like plastic and steel.
• The City of London, Ontario, has been officially designated as the Forest Capital of Canada for 2026, a national title that will see the city host year-long community events, tree giveaways, and educational programs centered on urban forestry and climate resiliency.
• Canada is a primary steward of the planet’s natural resources, containing approximately 9% of the world’s total forest cover and maintaining the second-largest forested area of any country on Earth.
• As part of the 2026 celebrations, the United Nations is featuring a specialized digital presentation titled Grown by Nature: A 360° online journey from trees to skyscrapers, which includes expert contributions from the Forest Products Association of Canada to demonstrate how sustainable management turns timber into low-carbon urban skylines.
• The Canadian federal government recently launched a significant $500-million investment initiative to retool the domestic forest sector, specifically targeting the transformation of mills and the expansion of the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation program to bolster rural economies.
• One of the most unique biological landmarks in the country is a tulip tree at the Woodside National Historic Site in Kitchener, Ontario, which is widely considered the most legally protected individual tree in Canada due to its historical connection to the family of William Lyon Mackenzie King.
• British Columbia’s 2026 budget has allocated $15 million toward the FireSmart Community Funding and Supports program to help local municipalities and First Nations implement fuel-management activities that protect residential areas from the increasing threat of wildfires.
• Modern ecological data shows that while Canada is home to 10 distinct species of maple trees, nearly 68% of the country's vast woodlands are actually comprised of coniferous trees, which play a critical role in carbon sequestration across the boreal region.
• Statistics Canada has integrated forest health monitoring into the new Census of Environment, the nation's first-ever comprehensive register designed to track the condition of urban forests and the ecosystem services they provide to 73% of Canadians living in major cities.
• For many Canadians, the observance is also a time to track the progress of the federal government's revised tree-planting targets following the recent budgetary adjustments to the 2 Billion Trees program.

In the News and Trending in Canada for International Day of Forests

Top things to do in Canada for International Day of Forests

• Watch the 2020 International Day of Forest's virtual program if you missed it.
• Share your favorite photo of a forest or plant with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN by emailing it to idf@fao.org. The UN will add it to a combined gallery of everyone’s pictures around the world!
• Visit National Parks: Canada is renowned for its vast forests and well-kept national parks. Places like Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve offer various activities from guided tours, hiking, bird-watching, and observing wildlife in their natural habitat.
• Read a book to learn more about Forests in Canada:
  The Global Forest: Forty Ways Trees Can Save Us - by Diana Beresford-Kroeger
  Arboretum America: A Philosophy of the Forest - by Diana Beresford-Kroeger