1219. Forests – Ecosystems Essential for Food Security

The theme of the 2025 International Day of Forests (March 21st) is "Forests and Food".

Forests provide essential food, such as fruits, seeds, roots, and wild meat, which are basic resources for indigenous and rural communities. More than 5 billion people around the world rely on forests and non-timber forest products for food, medicine, and livelihoods.

But that's not all. Forests are an important source of energy, with more than 2 billion people relying on wood and other traditional fuels for cooking. In some countries and regions, forests and trees account for about 20% of rural household income. By harboring pollinators, forests play a vital role in agriculture, helping to fertilize the soil, regulating the climate, and conserving biodiversity. In addition, forested watersheds provide freshwater to more than 85% of the world's major cities.

But these ecosystems are at risk: 10 million hectares are lost each year to deforestation and around 70 million hectares are affected by fires. Protecting and restoring our forests is urgent and necessary – the well-being of the planet and future generations depends on them. Let's protect our forests and food.

Contributor: IIYAMA Miyuki, Information Program