About International Day of Forests
The International Day of Forests is observed on 21 March. Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2012, it raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests and trees for people, wildlife and the climate.
The UN General Assembly proclaimed 21 March as the International Day of Forests in 2012. The day celebrates every kind of forest, from tropical rainforests to mangroves, dry forests and mountain woodlands.
Forests clean the air, protect soil and water, store carbon and give a home to a huge share of the world's land animals and plants. Millions of people depend on them for food, fuel, medicine and income. Yet forests are still being lost, which is why the day calls for their protection and restoration.
How it is marked
Communities, schools and forest departments organise tree planting, nature walks, talks and art activities. Conservation groups highlight efforts to restore degraded land. Offices and residential societies often plant saplings or adopt trees in their neighbourhood.
In India, forests hold deep cultural meaning, from sacred groves protected by local communities to the long tradition of honouring trees. Forest departments and schools often mark the day with plantation drives and awareness programmes.
What to write
Keep your message green and grateful, with a gentle call to protect trees.
- Happy International Day of Forests. Still thinking about that walk through the sal forest last winter.
- Thank you for watering the neem saplings in our lane all summer. Most of them made it.
- Thank you for being as steady and generous as a big old tree. Happy Forest Day.
How to wish someone on International Day of Forests
gratitude for trees and forests, and simple ways to plant, protect and care for green spaces
Write a few lines in your own words, pick a design and share it as one link on WhatsApp, Instagram or anywhere else. They open an animated card made just for them, with no app and no sign-up.
Language tip: English, Hindi + recipient language.
Frequently asked questions
Who declared the International Day of Forests?
The UN General Assembly proclaimed 21 March as the International Day of Forests in 2012 to raise awareness of the value of forests and trees.
Why are forests important?
Forests clean the air, protect soil and water, store carbon and shelter wildlife. They also support the food, fuel and livelihoods of many people.
How can schools celebrate the International Day of Forests?
Schools can plant native saplings, organise a nature walk, ask students to identify trees on campus, or hold an art activity inspired by forests.
When is International Day of Forests in 2026?
International Day of Forests 2026 falls on Saturday, 21 March 2026.
What is International Day of Forests?
The International Day of Forests is observed on 21 March. Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2012, it raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests and trees for people, wildlife and the climate.
Is International Day of Forests a public holiday?
Holiday status for International Day of Forests varies by state, employer and community in India, so check your local holiday list.
How do I wish someone on International Day of Forests?
Focus on gratitude for trees and forests, and simple ways to plant, protect and care for green spaces. On Kehdoo you can write a short message, pick a design and share a free animated International Day of Forests card as a single link, with no app or sign-up needed.
Sources
Last verified by the Kehdoo team on .