International Day of Forests

International Day of Forests is celebrated on 21st March every year. In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed this day with the aim of informing people about the significance of forests and the imminent dangers they are in, as well as about possibilities and ways of aiding the forests´ existence. 

One third of Earth´s surface is covered in forests which are home to 80% of animal, plant, and fungi species. On top of these, forests provide habitat for more than a billion people while at the same time serving as sources of food and energy. Thirteen million hectares of forests are eradicated on a yearly basis, which significantly contributes to climate change as it is responsible for up to 20% of greenhouse gas emissions. The genetical variety of tree and animal species, however, helps the forests to adapt to climate change and other impending dangers to some extent.  

Slovenia is one of the most densely forested countries in the European Union since 58% of its area is covered in forests, which in turn are home to 70 different indigenous tree species. In Slovenia, the majority of trees are beech and spruce, followed by other hardwoods, such as fir, oak and Scots pine. The diversity of species demonstrates the excellent preservation of Slovenian forests, their immense biodiversity is made up of 950 different plants, 95 bird, 70 mammal, 17 amphibian and 10 reptile species, as well as numerous other small organisms.     

Let us not forget that without trees and woods there is no life! Forests are the lungs of the Earth; therefore, we need to take care of them as best we can.