“Amidst the bustling rhythm of urban life, let us pause to the embrace the tranquil symphony of nature on International Day of Forest, celebrating the heartbeats of our planet’s green lungs.” International Day of Forests is commemorated on March 21^st and The theme for International Day of Forests 2024 is Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World.

Home to some 80 per cent of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity, more than a billion people depend directly on forests for their food, shelter, income and energy. Forests are one of the key pillars for maintaining biodiversity globally, nationally and locally. Forest growth

sequesters and stores carbon from the atmosphere, contributing to regulation of the global carbon cycle and climate change mitigation. 

Encompassing approximately a third of the Earth’s land surface, forests sprawl across an expanse equivalent to the combined territories of Brazil, Canada, China, and the United States. Yet, these 4 billion hectares transcend mere expanses of verdant foliage; they represent intricate ecosystems of unparalleled significance. Serving as vital havens for a substantial portion of the Earth’s species and sustaining the livelihoods of nearly one billion individuals, forests stand as indispensable pillars of biodiversity and human prosperity.

The pivotal role of healthy forests in the global battle against climate change cannot be overstated. Functioning as formidable carbon sinks, forests annually absorb billions of metric tons of CO2, thereby serving as invaluable agents of climate regulation. However, the integrity of these vital ecosystems is imperiled by the dual threats of deforestation and degradation, underscoring the urgent imperative for concerted conservation efforts.

The battle against deforestation requires new technological advancements. With 10 million hectares lost annually due to deforestation and approximately 70 million hectares affected by fires, these innovations are essential for early warning systems, sustainable commodity production, and empowering Indigenous Peoples through land mapping and climate finance access.

Moreover, these are the innovations for protect forests.sustainable video platform offsets carbon emissions by planting trees, flooring solution uses hemp as a substitute,world’s first nature-backed financial instrument, brewery buys a forest to offset carbon, first-ever ‘carbon-positive’ packaging made from cork, charcoal balls tackle Kenyanreforestation, employee exercise leads to planted trees through an app. 

Innovations in digital technologies could play an enabling role to support the efforts of various stakeholders. For example, blockchain technology could be used to track exported products, improving traceability and ensuring that the entire batch has been sourced from sustainable jurisdictions. Also, consumer insights via Internet of Things technology could help e-commerce companies engage in targeted messaging about specific deforestation products, thereby improving consumer awareness. Finally, precision-farming technology which accounts for the variability of soil attributes could boost production efficiency and reduce the need for more land.

As we reflect upon the significance of the International Day of Forests in 2024, we are compelled to acknowledge the profound interconnectedness between humanity and the world’s forests. Amidst the myriad challenges facing our planet, from climate change to biodiversity loss, forests stand as resilient bastions of life and biodiversity, offering both sanctuary and sustenance to ecosystems and communities alike.

In this era of unprecedented global change, the observance of the International Day of Forests serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to redouble our efforts in forest conservation and sustainable management. It is a call to action for governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals to forge collaborative partnerships and implement innovative solutions that safeguard the integrity of our planet’s forests for future generations.

As we look towards the future, let us draw inspiration from the resilience and adaptability of forests, recognizing them not merely as repositories of resources, but as irreplaceable reservoirs of life, culture, and wisdom. Let us commit ourselves to fostering a harmonious relationship with nature, where the preservation of forests is not merely a duty, but a collective responsibility and a testament to our shared commitment to a sustainable and flourishing planet.

Written by: Rtr. Rashmi Hasanjalee

Graphic design by: Rtr. Keshani Weerasekara