Every year on March 21, the world comes together around a common theme—the protection of forests and an awareness of their importance to human well-being and the future of humanity as a whole. International Day of Forests, proclaimed by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, has since served as a reminder of the importance of forest ecosystems for maintaining balance on Earth.
The theme for 2026
This year, the UN has chosen the role of forests in ensuring economic prosperity as the theme for this important date. After all, forests are not only the lungs of our planet and a carbon sink. They are also a resource.
Forests provide biofuel for thermal energy, materials for manufacturing, support agriculture, and protect water systems.
“As many countries strive to transition to a sustainable bioeconomy, forest products offer natural solutions as substitutes for carbon-intensive materials, while simultaneously creating new economic opportunities. Forests are indispensable for a healthy economy today and for future generations,” emphasizes UNEP.
The role of forests in global sustainability
Forests feed entire communities and provide invaluable resources. They are home to countless living creatures and serve as highly effective absorbers of CO2, which is harmful to the planet. Here are just a few important facts about forests:
- during a sunny day, 1 hectare of forest can absorb up to 280 kg of carbon dioxide and produce 200 kg of oxygen;
- according to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, forests cover about 31% of the world’s land area and store approximately 296 gigatonnes of carbon;
- about 2.4 billion people worldwide use forest resources for cooking energy.
Forests also hold strategic importance during military threats. In particular, the European Union recently recognized forest systems as a natural barrier against enemy invasions.
Our planet is increasingly suffering from climate change caused by global warming. Therefore, the restoration and sustainable development of forests are not simply the wishes of environmental activists, but an essential requirement for the well-being of entire regions and the planet as a whole.
Forests in Ukraine
The sustainability of this ecosystem faces various threats. EcoPolitica has identified the following among them:
- the impact of the full-scale war;
- forest fires;
- illegal logging;
- illegal land appropriation from the forest fund.
According to data from the Ministry of Economy, about 3 million hectares of forests have been affected by the war, with 1 million hectares currently under enemy occupation.
An additional challenge is landmines. Around 500,000 hectares of land are contaminated with explosive objects, making any forestry activity dangerous until demining is completed.
According to the State Environmental Inspectorate, total losses from forest fires alone during the full-scale war have exceeded 962 billion UAH.
