51³Ô¹Ï

Aerial view of Amazon rainforest in Brazil, South America.
Bird's eye view of a green forest in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, South America.
Photo:Adobe Stock/Curioso.Photography

Forests and Innovation

Innovation and technology have revolutionized forest monitoring, enabling countries to track and report on their forests more effectively. A total of 13.7 billion tons of carbon dioxide forest emission reductions or enhancements have been reported to the through transparent and innovative forest monitoring.

The theme for International Day of Forests 2024 is Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World.

The battle against deforestation requires new technological advancements. With 10 million hectares lost annually due to deforestation and approximately 70 million hectares affected by fires, these innovations are essential for early warning systems, sustainable commodity production, and empowering Indigenous Peoples through land mapping and climate finance access.

Additionally, ecosystem restoration, including reforestation efforts, can significantly contribute to climate mitigation and enhance food security while pushing the boundaries of sustainable wood products. and enhance food security while promoting sustainable wood products.

Participate in the celebration of the forests. Join the conversation on social media using the #ForestDay hashtag. You can find more information in the and promotional materials in the Check out the .

Accelerating Innovative Monitoring for Forests

Reducing deforestation and forest degradation and restoring and sustainably managing forests are critical pathways to meet the 2030 global goals. Despite a slowdown in deforestation rates, over 420 million hectares of forest have vanished since 1990, with an annual loss of 10 million hectares. To tackle these challenges, FAO and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland have jointly launched AIM4Forests, a five-year program that aims to enhance forest monitoring through modern technologies, technical innovation, and the utilization of space data and remote sensing.

Accelerating Innovative Monitoring for Forests

Background

The 51³Ô¹Ï General Assembly 21 March the International Day of Forests in 2012 to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. Countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns.

The organizers are the 51³Ô¹Ï Forum on Forests and the , in collaboration with Governments, the Collaborative Partnership on Forests and other relevant organizations in the field.

Did you know?

Image of a frog with the following text: Forests are home to 80% of all known amphibian species..

  • Forest are home to 80 % of all know amphibian species.
  • More than 30% of new diseases reported since 1960 are attributed to land use change, including deforestation.
  • Forests contain over ? the global carbon stock in soils and vegetation.
  • An area roughly the equivalent of 14 million football pitches is lost per year to deforestation.
  • Insect pests damage around 35 million hectares of forest annually.
  • Forested watersheds and wetlands provide 75% of the world?s accessible freshwater.

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Forests and innovation ¨C new solutions for a better world

Innovation is unlocking the forests¡¯ long-kept secrets and allowing us to use trees in ways we never imagined possible. Materials derived from forests and trees are being developed as sustainable substitutes for plastics, building materials, fabrics, medicines and many other everyday items. At the same time, rapidly evolving drone and satellite technology is helping us to monitor and manage our forests, detect and fight fires and safeguard ecosystems.

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More resources

Forests cover nearly a third of the Earth's land surface, equivalent to the combined areas of Brazil, Canada, China, and the United States. These 4 billion hectares of forests are not just vast swathes of greenery. They are critical ecosystems, providing habitats for most of the planet¡¯s species and livelihoods for nearly one billion people. Healthy forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by acting as carbon sinks, absorbing billions of metric tonnes of CO2 annually. However, they are under threat due to deforestation and degradation. In this explains how forest can help mitigate climate change.

Illustration of hands planting a plant

Change of environmental conditions due to climate change is a major factor for the emergence of allergen-producing forest species, as well as the emergence of diseases. Yet forests can also help mitigate some of the human health related effects of climate change, by acting as carbon sinks, regulating the planet¡¯s temperature, and mediating water flows. Discover more.

an abstract illustration of people engaged in an event

International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the 51³Ô¹Ï, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.