On 21 March people around the world will celebrate the International Day of Forests. The purpose is to raise awareness about the importance of all types of forests and this year the theme is Forests and Energy...

On each International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns. The theme for each International Day of Forests is chosen by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests.

Incredible facts about forests & wood

Wood provides the world with more energy than solar, hydroelectric or wind power, accounting for roughly 40% of current global renewable energy supply.

Approximately 883 million people in developing countries are employed in the wood energy sector.

Strategically placed trees in urban areas can cool the air by between 2-8 degrees C.

Globally, forests hold an energy content approximately 10 times that of the world's annual primary energy consumption. They thus have significant potential as renewable resources to meet the global energy demand.

Find out more at the FAO's dedicated page HERE and send us news about how you or your organization celebrate the day.

*Story courtesy of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

*Images © Samora Chapman & Chris Chapman