Description
In 2025, forests and foods is the theme for the day, celebrating the crucial roles of forests in food security, nutrition and livelihoods. In addition to providing food, fuel, income and employment, forests support soil fertility, protect water resources, and offer habitats for biodiversity, including vital pollinators. They are essential for the survival of forest-dependent communities, particularly Indigenous Peoples, and contribute to climate change mitigation by storing carbon.
- Read key messages: https://www.fao.org/international-day-of-forests-2025/events/detail/forests-and-foods--celebrating-the-role-of-forests-in-food-systems/en
- Watch and share this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDb7DYR8lrA&t=2s
FAO is also proudly celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2025 and FAO International Day of Forests events will mark this occasion by showcasing actions and best practices that promote a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food future. https://www.fao.org/world-food-day/80th-anniversary/
Further reading:
Between 2015 and 2023 IUFRO published major global scientific assessment reports in the framework of the Global Forest Expert Panels (GFEP) initiative of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF). These reports address the importance of forests for foods from different angles:
- Forest and Human Health 2023 https://www.iufro.org/programmes/scipol-forests-and-human-health-2023
- Forests and Poverty 2020 https://www.iufro.org/programmes/scipol-forests-and-poverty-2020
- Forests and Water 2018 https://www.iufro.org/programmes/scipol-forests-and-water-2018
- Forests and Food Security 2015 https://www.iufro.org/programmes/scipol-forests-and-food-security-2015
A new report on Forests for Social and Economic Resilience is currently being prepared and shall be launched this in mid-2025! https://www.iufro.org/programmes/scipol-forests-for-social-and-economic-resilience-2025