In 2024, the International Day of Forests is centered around the theme “Forests and Innovation: Pioneering Solutions for a Brighter Future.” The main message underscores the role of innovation in aiding the restoration, protection, sustainable management, and utilization of forests.
The International Day of Forests, designated on March 21, was established by the United Nations General Assembly on November 28, 2012, and was first observed in 2013. Since then, it has been an annual event, featuring diverse themes each year.
At present, forests occupy over 30% of the Earth’s landmass and host more than 60,000 tree species. They serve as essential sources of food, fiber, water, and medicinal resources for approximately 1.6 billion of the world’s most economically vulnerable individuals, including indigenous communities with distinct cultural practices.
As a country with “golden forest, silver sea”, Vietnam is one of the countries with a rich and diverse forest ecosystem. According to statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vietnam has more than 10 million hectares of natural forests, 4.7 million hectares of protection forests, 2.2 million hectares of special-use forests and nearly 4.7 million hectares of planted forests.
Recognizing the importance of forest conservation for the current and future living environment and economic development, in recent years, Vietnam has been making many efforts to protect forests. The forest area in Vietnam has been significantly increased through many afforestation programs with the participation of many ministries, branches and localities. However, forest protection still has many challenges, requiring the cooperation of the whole community to protect this valuable resource.
In short, forest conservation is not just a matter of a group or an individual, but the responsibility of the entire society. Only by collective action can we protect this precious resource, ensuring a sustainable living environment for both the present and the future.
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