International Day of Forests | 21 March

 

International Day of Forests 2024

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Key messages

Innovation and technology have transformed countries’ ability to monitor and report on their forests

13.7 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide forest emission reductions or enhancements have been reported to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, thanks to innovative and transparent forest monitoring. 

New technological innovations are needed to halt deforestation and forest degradation

With 10 million hectares of forest lost to deforestation and approximately 70 million hectares affected by fires annually, technological innovations are needed for early warning systems for fires and forest loss, and to enable sustainable commodity production. 

Technological innovations can empower Indigenous Peoples through mapping and securing customary land

Indigenous Peoples are custodians of much of the world’s remaining intact forests, and mapping and securing customary lands and enabling access to climate finance can help ensure their crucial role in biodiversity conservation and carbon storage. 

Innovation is advancing ecosystem restoration as a powerful nature-based solution to multiple global challenges

Innovative approaches under the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration – including restoring forests and planting trees on degraded land – can contribute one third of the total climate mitigation needed to limit warming to below 2°C by 2030, while boosting food security and livelihoods. 

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News and stories

International Day of Forests: FAO, Google and partners launch solutions to monitor and protect forests
21/03/2024

Showcasing transformative innovations that are being used to help countries halt deforestation and forest degradation.

Harnessing technology and innovation to transform our forests
21/03/2024

Find out how innovation and technology have transformed countries' ability to monitor and report on their forests in this digital story.

Winners of International Day of Forests 2024 photo contest announced
21/03/2024

Six photographs from Austria, Finland, Honduras, Lebanon, Slovenia and the United States of America have won the International Day of Forests 2024 photo...

Innovating tradition to protect ancient forests in Papua New Guinea
21/03/2024

Supporting an Indigenous Peoples’ community to monitor forests with satellites and tablets.

Videos and publications

Harnessing innovation: Papua New Guinea's role in AIM4Forests programme

21/03/2024

AIM4Forests: Accelerating innovative monitoring for forests
21/03/2024

FAO and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland have launched AIM4Forests, a five-year programme that aims to support forest monitoring...

Events

Rome (Italy)

Tree planting and guided tours at the Global Library of Trees and Flowers - FAO Park
24/04/2024

In collaboration with the Municipality of Rome, this high-level event includes tree planting and inauguration of the educational itinerary at the Global...

Hybrid Event, Rome (Italy)

Rome 21 March 2024: How innovation is driving change in forestry
21/03/2024

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...