On Saturday 21 March, we marked the International Day of Forests.
Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, the day celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests. In 2026, the UN established ‘forests and economies’ as the annual theme, recognising the essential role forests play in driving economic prosperity.
That role goes well beyond income and jobs from forest production and the trade of renewable raw materials and foods. Forests also sustain family and community agriculture, enhance agricultural productivity and safeguard healthy watersheds.
With many countries seeking to move toward a sustainable bioeconomy, forest products offer nature-based solutions as replacements for carbon-intensive materials while generating new economic opportunities. Forests are indispensable for healthy economies, today and for future generations.
At Responsible Wood, we’re proud of the role we play in supporting sustainable forest management, helping forests thrive and to continue to deliver environmental, social and economic benefits, today and for generations to come.
A global celebration
Under the theme “Forests and economies”, PEFC have created a video spotlighting the people behind the forests, from smallholders and Indigenous communities to forest managers and global businesses.
Across the world, one message is clear: when forests are managed sustainably, they deliver long-term value: economically, environmentally, and socially.
🌱 They create jobs and support rural communities
🌱 They provide income and sustain livelihoods
🌱 They enable businesses and global supply chains
And with growing demand for transparency, forest certification plays a key role, helping ensure that forest products come from sustainable sources while supporting market access and better incomes.
Watch the video:
