Every year on March 21, the world comes together to recognise the invaluable role forests play in sustaining life.
The International Day of Forests, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, highlights the urgent need for conservation and sustainable management.
In 2025, the theme “Forests and Food“ underscores the deep interconnection between forests, agriculture, and human well-being.
Food Security
Forests are more than just vast green landscapes; they are the foundation of food security for billions of people. Over 5 billion individuals rely on forest resources for food, medicine, and income. Beyond their beauty, forests provide essential food sources, nuts, fruits, seeds, mushrooms, tubers, wild meat, and honey, contributing significantly to human nutrition.
Agriculture and forests are inextricably linked. Forests act as natural fertilizers, enriching the soil, supporting pollinators, and regulating water cycles, all of which enhance crop yields. Furthermore, over 2 billion people depend on wood and other biomass as primary cooking fuel, highlighting forests’ role in everyday sustenance.
Deforestation
Despite their irreplaceable benefits, forests are under relentless threat. The world loses approximately 10 million hectares of forest each year to deforestation, while wildfires ravage around 70 million hectares annually. In Nigeria alone, 178,000 hectares of humid primary forests were lost between 2002 and 2023, shrinking the total forest cover by 9.4%.
The loss of forests is not just an environmental concern; it directly impacts food availability. Deforestation disrupts climate patterns, leading to erratic rainfall, soil degradation, and declining agricultural productivity. The situation is further exacerbated by climate change, which intensifies natural disturbances such as invasive species, insect outbreaks, and severe storms.
Climate Defenders
Beyond their role in food production, forests are nature’s most efficient climate regulators. Acting as carbon sinks, they absorb an estimated 7.6 billion metric tons of CO₂ annually, mitigating the effects of global warming. The Amazon rainforest alone produces 20% of the world’s oxygen, illustrating the immense value of global forests in sustaining life.
Forests also influence weather patterns. They create cooling effects by providing shade, releasing moisture into the air, and facilitating cloud formation. These processes help regulate temperatures, prevent droughts, and protect communities from extreme weather events.
Survival of forests
The survival of forests is not just an environmental issue—it is a social and economic imperative. Governments, businesses, and communities must unite to implement policies that promote sustainable forest management and prevent reckless deforestation. This requires a multi-pronged approach:
- Strengthening Conservation Policies – Governments must enforce laws that protect forests from illegal logging, urbanization, and unsustainable agricultural expansion.
- Empowering Indigenous Communities – Many indigenous populations have lived in harmony with forests for centuries. Recognizing their land rights and traditional conservation methods is crucial.
- Promoting Reforestation Initiatives – Large-scale afforestation and reforestation projects should be prioritized to restore degraded lands.
- Encouraging Sustainable Agriculture – Agroforestry and climate-smart farming techniques should be integrated into agricultural practices to reduce deforestation.
community-led initiatives
Nigeria has taken commendable steps toward sustainable forest management through various community-led initiatives:
- Community-Based REDD+ Programme (Cross River State): Focuses on sustainable forest management, reforestation, and alternative livelihood programs such as improved cassava processing and cocoa cultivation.
- Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve (Taraba State): Engages local communities in forest plantation management, providing economic opportunities while preserving natural forests.
- Ukpom Bende Forest Reserve (Abia State): Implements strict regulations to control illegal logging and maintain ecological balance.
Forests and Food
Forests are not just the lungs of the Earth—they are the backbone of food security, climate resilience, and biodiversity. As the world grapples with climate change and food insecurity, protecting and restoring forests must be a top priority.
The 2025 theme, “Forests and Food,” is a powerful reminder that the fate of forests is directly tied to humanity’s survival. Every tree protected, every reforestation effort undertaken, and every sustainable policy implemented contributes to a healthier planet and a more secure future.
The time to act is now. A commitment to forests today ensures a thriving world for generations to come.
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