When is International Day of Forests?
International Day of Forests 2027 is on Sunday
Sunday, March 21, 2027
March 21 every year. That's in 168 days.
until International Day of Forests begins, in your time zone
The International Day of Forests is a UN observance that celebrates forests and trees of every kind and raises awareness of their value to people, wildlife and the climate. It encourages tree planting and forest protection.
About International Day of Forests
The International Day of Forests highlights the many jobs forests and trees do: they are home to many of the world's land plants and animals, protect soils and water supplies, store carbon, and provide food, fuel, medicine, timber and income for people around the world. The day covers every type of forest, as well as trees that grow outside forests, such as on farms and in towns and cities.
The UN General Assembly proclaimed March 21 the International Day of Forests in resolution 67/200, adopted on December 21, 2012, and the first observance took place in 2013. The resolution encourages countries to organize activities about forests and trees, such as tree-planting campaigns, at the times that suit them best. It asks the secretariat of the UN Forum on Forests to work with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to carry out the day with governments and partner organizations.
The theme for each observance is chosen by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests, a group of international organizations that work on forests. Recent themes have covered forests and health in 2023, forests and innovation in 2024, forests and foods in 2025, and forests and economies in 2026.
Sources: FAO: International Day of Forests, United Nations: International Day of Forests, General Assembly resolution 67/200 (2012). How we check dates.
How to mark International Day of Forests
- Plant a native tree, or support a local group that plants and looks after trees in your area.
- Take a walk in a nearby forest or park and learn to identify a few tree species.
- Choose wood and paper products certified as coming from responsibly managed forests.
- Cut paper waste at home or work by going digital where practical and recycling what you do use.
- Learn about the main causes of deforestation, such as clearing land for farming, and how everyday buying choices connect to them.
International Day of Forests dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Friday, March 21, 2025 |
| 2026 | Saturday, March 21, 2026 |
| 2027 | Sunday, March 21, 2027 |
| 2028 | Tuesday, March 21, 2028 |
| 2029 | Wednesday, March 21, 2029 |
| 2030 | Thursday, March 21, 2030 |
| 2031 | Friday, March 21, 2031 |
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Frequently asked questions
When is International Day of Forests 2027?
International Day of Forests 2027 is on Sunday, March 21, 2027. It falls on March 21 every year. In 2028, it is on Tuesday, March 21, 2028.
Is the International Day of Forests the same as Arbor Day?
No. The International Day of Forests is a UN observance on March 21 that covers forests worldwide. Arbor Day is a tree-planting holiday that started in Nebraska and is observed in the US mainly on the last Friday in April.
Who chooses the theme for the International Day of Forests?
The Collaborative Partnership on Forests, a group of international organizations working on forests, selects the theme for each observance.
Is International Day of Forests a public holiday?
No. International Day of Forests is an observance, not a public holiday, so schools, banks, government offices and most businesses keep their normal hours.