2022 Guide to International Day of Forests [with 10 free stock photos]

Are you celebrating International Day of Forests (IDF) on March 21st? Do you know why this day is so important? For ten years, the global community has using IDF as a catalyst to raise awareness about the importance of forest, trees and the earth's biodiversity.

Want to learn more? Keep reading!

In this post, we'll explain what international day of forests is and five reasons why you should celebrate trees!

Looking for more? Scroll to the bottom of this post to find 10 free stock photographs of forests.


What is International Day of Forests?

The International Day of Forests was established in 2012 by the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness about the importance of forests. Global partitioners in this day of celebration are encouraged to organize activities that involve forests or trees, in some capacity. These activities can include everything from tree planting parties to fundraisers for nonprofit organizations who focus on forest regeneration.

March 21, 2022 marks the tenth anniversary of the International Day of Forests. The year's theme for IDF  is "forests and sustainable production and consumption."

5 Reasons to Raise Awareness About Endangered Tree Species & Celebrate How Useful Forests Are

  • Forest contain more the 75% of the world's terrestrial biodiversity, which includes over 50,000 tree species.
  • Billions of people across the global community depend on forests for food and shelter.
  • It is estimated that the world loses more than 8 million hectares of forest each year - a cause for global concern.
  • A tree can sequester carbon dioxide and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which makes them extremely useful.
  • Trees are integral to creating sustainable city centers. In urban environments, trees provide cool air and remove harmful particulates.

10 Free Stock Photos of Forests

1. Sun-lit Forest Trail

the sun illuminates a trail in a forest with tall trees
I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.
- Henry David Thoreau

Download this free stock image by Paul Gilmore.

2. Mountainside Forest in Autumn

a cloud of fog hangs above a mountainside forest
An autumn forest is such a place that once entered you never look for the exit!
- Steven Magee

Download this free stock photo by Marc Wieland.

3. A Natural Landscape with a Lake & Forest

a natural landscape with lake, forest and moutainview
What we are doing to the forests of the world is but a mirror reflection of what we are doing to ourselves and to one another.
- Chris Maser

Download this free stock image by Kristopher Roller.

4. Sunlight On a Lonely Forest Road

a streak of sunlight comes through the trees that line a paved road in the forest
Every forest branch moves differently in the breez, but as they sway they connect at the roots.
- Rumi

Download this free stock photo by John Towner.

5. Young Couple Hugging in the Forest

a young couple leans in for an embrace while standing in the forest surrounded by trees
Time spent amongst trees is never wasted time.
- Katrina Mayer


Download this free stock image by João Silas.

6. Forest Path with Fallen Leaves

a nature path with fallen leaves on the forest floor
It is said that the forest has a certain limit if you look straight ahead, but the sides are boundless.
- Ricardo Bozzi

Download this free stock photo by Markus Spiske.

7. Foggy Nature Scene with Tall Trees

a woodland scene with fog in the air
There is a serene and settled majesty to woodland scenery that enters into the soul and delights and elevates it, and fills it with noble inclinations.
- Washington Irving

Download this free stock image by Filip Zrnzević.

8. Aerial View of a Lush Trees

aerial drone image of a lush, verdant trees
When you are lost in the wilderness, a tree will always point you in the right direction.
- Anthony T. Hincks

Download this free stock photo by Markus Spiske.

9. Guy Sitting in Nature

a man sits in nature on the edge of a large rock
Trees are sanctuaries. Whoever knows how to speak to them, whoever knows how to listen to them, can learn the truth.
- Hermann Hesse

Download this free stock image by Julian Jagtenberg.

10. Person in Red Jacket Hiking Through Woods

a person in a red jacket hikes across a rocky terrain in the woods
Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.
- Rachel Carson

Download this free stock photo by Ali Inay.