On the occasion of the International Day of Forests today, Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, urged citizens to pledge to protect forests, safeguarding the life they sustain. In a social media post, the Minister stated that a forest is not merely a resource to be exploited, but rather, it is life itself that must be protected and preserved.
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March as the International Day of Forests (IDF) in 2012. This day celebrates and raises awareness about the importance of all types of forests.
On this day, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national, and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns. The theme for IDF 2026 is "Forests and Economies," celebrating the essential role of forests in driving economic prosperity.