Forests Day

International Day of Forests is observed on 21 March every year.  Every 21 March the United Nations raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests. This year the International Day of Forests promotes education to Learn to Love Forests . It underscores the importance of forest education at all levels. This is aimed at achieving sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation. Healthy forests mean healthy, resilient communities and prosperous economies. Indiaart is happy to present beautiful paintings of forest by late master artist H. C. Rai and forest paintings by child artists Ananya Aloke and Vidisha Ajmera.

Importance of Forests

Forests cover 80% of all terrestrial biodiversity. They act as world primary carbon sinks. Today, forests cover more than 30% of the world’s land. They house more than 60,000 tree species, many as of yet unidentified. They provide food, fiber, water and medicines for approximately 1.6 billion of the world’s poorest people. This includes indigenous peoples with their unique cultures. (source : Wikipedia)

Forests are key to combating climate change. Their sustainable management, conservation of fragile ecosystems and judicious use of resources, are key factors to prosperity and well-being of current and future generations. Furthermore, they play a crucial role in poverty alleviation, in addition to achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). (source : un.org)

Key messages on International Day of Forests

Understanding our forests and keeping them healthy is crucial for our future.

You’re never too young to start learning about trees.

Both modern and traditional knowledge are key to keeping forests healthy.

Investing in forestry education can change the world for the better.

Women and men should have equal access to forest education.

(source : fao.org)

See paintings of forest by artists

See forest paintings by children from Khula Aasmaan

Blog post of forest painting by Ananya Aloke