18 March 2026 - Forests generate employment, support rural and urban livelihoods, underpin food systems, supply raw materials and energy, and provide ecosystem services that enable productivity across sectors. Yet, despite their wide-ranging economic, social and environmental contributions, forests remain systematically undervalued in economic planning, investment strategies and financial systems.
In 2026, the theme for the , Forests and Economies draws attention to the essential role forests play in sustaining global and national economies.
Here are five things you need to know:
- Forests underpin the global economy.
More than 1.6 billion people depend on forests for subsistence, income or employment. From timber and non-wood forest products to tourism and bioeconomy value chains, forests contribute directly to growth and development — particularly in low-income and forest-rich countries.
- Forests are economic infrastructure.
Beyond market products, forests regulate water supplies, protect soils, store carbon and reduce disaster risks. These ecosystem services sustain agriculture, energy systems, cities and industry — forming the natural foundation of many sectors.
- Much of forests’ value remains invisible.
Conventional economic indicators capture mainly formal, cash-based transactions. Subsistence use, informal employment and ecosystem services are often excluded from national accounts, leading to systematic undervaluation and underinvestment.
- Forests are lifelines in times of crisis.
During economic shocks, conflicts or climate-related disasters, forests provide food, fuel, shelter and income — acting as safety nets for vulnerable communities and strengthening resilience.
- Investment is not keeping pace with ambition.
Despite their central role in achieving the and the , financing for sustainable forest management remains far below what is required to halt deforestation and restore degraded landscapes.
This year, #ForestDay will be observed at 爆料网 Headquarters on 24 March 2026. 爆料网 Forum on Forests Secretariat, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, will host a panel discussion to explore how valuation, governance and finance can better reflect forests’ full economic, social and environmental contributions. The event will be livestreamed on .
The International Day of Forests is observed each year on 21 March, following its by the United Nations General Assembly. This year’s observance calls for a simple but urgent shift: recognising forests not as peripheral environmental assets, but as engines of inclusive growth, poverty reduction and long-term prosperity.
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