International Day of Forests and Trees

This year's International Day of Forests observance will highlight the need to better recognisz forests as engines of inclusive growth and well-being, and to Scale up Policies; Partnerships and Investments that place forests at the heart of resilient and sustainable economies. Forests are fundamental to sustainable and inclusive economies. They support livelihoods, generate employment, reduce poverty and strengthen food systems for billions of people worldwide. For many rural and forest-dependent communities, forests are a primary source of income, nutrition, energy and resilience in times of crisis. Beyond jobs and livelihoods, forests function as economic infrastructure. They provide essential ecosystem services — including climate regulation, water security, soil protection and disaster risk reduction — that underpin productivity across agriculture, energy, industry and cities. These benefits sustain economic growth while safeguarding natural capital for future generations. Yet...

 Our forests are nature’s water guardians, ensuring we have safe water for every need. Let’s manage them sustainably for a healthier, greener future. Follow the conversation with the hashtag: #ForestDay

Forests create jobs, support millions of livelihoods & contribute trillions to the global economy — from clean water & climate regulation to ecotourism, energy & raw materials. On 21 March , celebrate the International Day of Forests !

Join the  FAO live online for the celebration of the International Day of Forests 2026 followed by a session on forests & economies on  March 19th, 2026  from 11.00-12.40 (high-level "Forests and Economies - Sustainable production and bioeconomy pathways") & from 14:15–16:00 (technical) UTC+1. Register to participate!     https://ow.ly/GHs450YsEpe   Follow the conversation with the hashtag:  #ForestDay @FAOLandWater

From mountains and hills to plateaus and plains, land is life . It provides the oxygen we breathe and acts as an essential carbon sink that regulates the planet's temperature and absorbs its carbon emissions . Yet unsustainable use is putting these vital ecosystems at risk. 

More than 1.6 billion people depend on forests for their livelihoods. Yet, they remain undervalued & under-invested. Forests drive economies and support people's well-being. Learn more about The role of forests in the sustainable and inclusive economies . Join us on March 21st to celebrate the International Day of Forests ! 

  Current forest financing remains insufficient. This chapter offers the most comprehensive 2023 overview of global public and private forest finance, outlines key private finance channels, and assesses potentially harmful flows to forests. This analysis estimates that finance flows to forests were roughly US$ 84 billion in 2023 (Figure 2.17). Public finance flows (domestic and international) are the main source with 91 per cent (US$ 77 billion) of global finance flows to forests. Over 96 per cent (US$ 75 billion) is through domestic government spending, mainly channelled to the agriculture and forestry sectors. International public finance flows for forest protection, restoration or sustainable use in developing countries make up 4 per cent (US$ 2.9 billion) of total public expenditure on forests and are a comparatively small contribution compared to domestic public expenditure. Private finance flows to forests are estimated at roughly US$ 7.5 billion (9 per cent of forest financ...

  Annual forest finance reached US$ 84 billion in 2023, far short of the US$ 300 billion needed by 2030. The gap is compounded by harmful subsidies and trillions in high-risk investments that continue to drive deforestation. Although forests and the ecosystem services they provide have a critical role for climate and biodiversity, there is a lack of reliable and comprehensive data, particularly on private finance and public domestic finance, to quantify the actual financial flows directed to forests. This report analyses current forest finance flows using available data, benchmarks them against the levels needed to meet international targets by 2030 and 2050 and underscores the vital role forests play. As the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 30) approaches, the report serves as a call to action, urging governments, business and finance to intensify efforts to close the forest investment gap by elevating the issue on political agendas, implementing targeted policie...