International Day of Forests events

Join the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations at two events to celebrate the International Day of Forests 2024.

21 March: How innovation is driving change in forestry

13.00-18.00 CET Thursday 21 March, FAO headquarters (Sheikh Zayed Centre), Rome

Join us for this hybrid event to find out about some of the outstanding innovations that are helping to protect forests and unlock the many benefits they bring.

Innovation and technology are revolutionizing the way we protect and use forests as the world faces unprecedented challenges threatening human well-being and nature. New solutions are transforming forestry, allowing more accurate mapping and monitoring, empowering Indigenous Peoples to be the guardians of forests, promoting ecosystem restoration and driving the development of more sustainable wood and forest products.

Programme | Webcast | Zoom webinar

Four technical sessions will highlight outstanding examples of transformative innovations:

13.00-13.30 Opening remarks
13.30-14.30 Innovation and technology have transformed countries’ ability to monitor and report on their forests
14.30-15.30 Innovation is advancing ecosystem restoration as a powerful nature-based solution to multiple global challenges
16.00-17.00 Technological innovations can empower Indigenous Peoples through mapping and securing customary land
17.00-18.00 New technological innovations are needed to halt deforestation and forest degradation

For more details of keynote speakers and panelists, see the programme. Watch the webcast with interpretation provided in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Spanish and Russian.

24 April: Tree planting and guided tours at the Global Library of Trees and Flowers - FAO Park

09.30-11.00 CET Wednesday 24 April, Doria Pamphilj park, Rome

In collaboration with the Municipality of Rome, this high-level event includes tree planting and inauguration of the educational itinerary at the Global Library of Trees and Flowers, in Rome’s Doria Pamphilj park.

Opening remarks by FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu
Mr Roberto Gualtieri, Mayor of Roma Capitale
H.E. Edmondo Cirielli, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Italy
Ms Sabrina Alfonsi, Councillor for the Agriculture, Environment and Waste Cycle, Roma Capitale

FAO forestry experts, each representing one of the seven different geographic areas of the world featured in the Global Library of Trees, will conduct guided tours for students to explore the Park through its dedicated web app.