International Day of Forests is celebrated every year on March 21st to raise awareness about the importance of forests and plant trees for their conservation. Forests play a critical role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystem, providing habitat for wildlife, and mitigating climate change. The theme for this year’s International Day of Forests is “Forest restoration: a path to recovery and well-being.” One of the best ways to restore and protect our forests is to plant more trees.

Why do we need to plant trees ?

1. Combat Climate Change: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and other harmful greenhouse gases, which helps to mitigate climate change.
2. Clean Air: Trees act as natural air filters, absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere.
3. Water Conservation: Trees help to maintain the water cycle by capturing and storing water, reducing soil erosion and improving soil quality.
4. Biodiversity: Forests provide habitat for a diverse range of species, helping to maintain the natural balance of our ecosystem.
5. Economic Benefits: Forests provide not only environmental but also economic benefits. For instance, they offer valuable resources such as timber, non-timber forest products, and tourism, which in turn create employment and income opportunities for communities.

Here are some alarming statistics that demonstrate the importance to plant trees:

1. According to the World Wildlife Fund, around 17% of the Amazon rainforest has been lost in the past 50 years.
2. Deforestation is responsible for around 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization.
3. The United Nations estimates that by 2050, the world’s population will reach 9.7 billion, which will require 70% more food. Growing more trees can help to meet this demand sustainably.
4. According to the World Bank, the annual net loss of global forest area between 2010 and 2020 was 10 million hectares, an area roughly the size of Iceland.
5. The loss of forests has a significant impact on biodiversity, with around 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity found in forests.

Growing trees is a simple and effective way to contribute to the restoration and protection of our forests. You can plant trees in your backyard, community spaces, or even support reforestation projects through various organizations. By growing more trees, we can combat climate change, conserve water, preserve biodiversity, and create a sustainable future.

Let’s celebrate the International Day of Forests by taking action to grow more trees and protect our planet.

Contribute here below by planting Trees in association with Grow Trees