What is a forest? Pines to the sky
Birches and oaks, berries, mushrooms…
Animal paths, hillocks and lowlands.
Soft grass, like an owl.
Silver lily of the valley, the air is clean, clean
And a living spring with spring water.

This little poem by an unknown author perfectly captures the very essence of the most beautiful landscape that has ever existed on earth. The forest is a whole ecosystem, all links of which are interconnected with each other by the interweaving of biological connections. It is a separate world, functioning according to its own laws. But every nature lover who is interested in flora protection is welcome here. March 21 residents of many countries the globe celebrate the holiday.


The history of the holiday on March 21

Honoring forests in the form of holding specific events on the International Day of the Forest, informing the society about the need to protect green areas, began in the 20th century.


The year 1971 became decisive in this matter - it was then that the holiday was established as the International Day of the Forest. Representatives of the European Confederation came up with the idea to add a new significant environmental date to the list of existing holidays Agriculture. The initiative was shown by them within the framework of the agriculture conference at the 23rd General Assembly. The FAO association - the World Food and Agriculture Organization at the UN - supported this brilliant idea.

The date of celebration of the International Day of the Forest was chosen as the day of the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the autumn equinox in the Southern. It falls, as a rule, on the month of March, on the 20th or 21st of its day. This is not surprising, because the beginning of spring represents the awakening of nature from a long winter sleep and the autumn slumber preceding it: the forest is dressed in fresh foliage as well.

The holiday of March 21, International Day of the Forest, is especially needed today by the world community, much more than in the 70s. the last century. At present, the destruction of green spaces has reached its climax: every second the planet is irretrievably losing 1.5 hectares of forest land, and there is every reason to believe that this trend will develop exclusively upward.


An elementary question arises: why is this happening? Indeed, what, in fact, is the reason for such a disrespectful attitude to the gifts of nature? There is no secret here. Firstly, in pursuit of satisfying their own greed, interested parties organize the sale of timber abroad, while not thinking at all about the reproduction of green areas. Secondly, the number of people on Earth is increasing due to the fertility of the peoples of Africa and Asia. Accordingly, the needs of society are growing. Well, the third factor is the disappearance of forests, regardless of human activity - as a result of fires, weather conditions, diseases and pests.



In celebration international forest day All member states of the United Nations participate. The versatility of their activities makes it possible to achieve the goal set for the environmental date as much as possible. On this day, March 21, activists focus on the reproduction of forests by planting new tree crops in the ground, arrange discussions, conferences to discuss current problems and find the right solutions, hold exhibitions, competitions in order to interest visitors, to awaken the will in their hearts to victory over the inhuman treatment of green spaces. Most of the events are held in the presence and with the support of representatives state power. Certain countries that are members of the UN conclude certain agreements in order to work towards the conservation of forests through joint efforts.


forest types

Green areas cover a little more than 1/3 earth's surface. This type landscape is diverse: nature has tried to provide us, her children, with numerous plant resources to extract from them maximum benefit for myself.

Coniferous forests have unique bactericidal properties, the carriers of which are phytoncides. When inhaling the aroma of pine needles in certain doses, a person is able to forget about a predisposition to sore throats, colds, and low immunity for a long time. His nervous system becomes stronger, more resilient and will not give up so easily in the face of stress. Improves metabolism, digestion, endocrine glands, cardiovascular system. Who would have thought that a simple walk among pines or spreading spruces brings so much benefit?

Broad-leaved forests - formed by species deciduous trees. The basis of such an array is oak, elm, linden. Together with already voiced pines, spruces and other coniferous beauties broadleaf forests become mixed.


There is such a variety of green areas as small-leaved forests. In them you can find the symbol of Rus' - birch, and also aspen, alder. Very beautiful forests, consisting exclusively of a certain type of tree species. For example, pine forest, spruce forest, oak forest, linden forest, Birch Grove etc.

An interesting category of green areas are floodplain forests. Their base is poplar, black alder, willow. Such accumulations of woody vegetation are located in places where flood waters spill. However, in such areas both broad-leaved forests and conifers often grow.

From time immemorial, forests have been the national pride of Russia. Today they are concentrated mainly in Siberia and much less in the European part of the country. Unfortunately, many green areas are destroyed by forest fires. And no one canceled the cutting either ...


What gives us the forest?

What a pleasure it is to be in the woods! Here the air is simply the purest, not for nothing that green areas are called the “lungs” of our planet. This is the main function of forests - neutralization chemical compounds, dust, dirt, CO2 present in the atmospheric air, enrichment of the latter with oxygen. But this ability is not the only one. Forests have a positive effect on the formation of weather conditions, in particular, they reduce the air temperature (because it is not so hot on a hot day near green areas and directly under the crowns of trees), they trap wind and snow. The forest provides shelter for wild animals, many of which play the role of natural orderlies. Green areas provide us with wood, food resources (berries, mushrooms, nuts), medicinal herbs. It was not for nothing that they said about him in antiquity: "The forest is richer than the king." By the way, about wood: natural cellulose gives us the opportunity to write on paper, read books, wear clothes made of hypoallergenic fabric - viscose, produced from wood fibers, furnish our homes with chic furniture, even build a house for someone. The forest is very useful in terms of wood energy.

Around the world, or the World Day for the Protection of Forests, which was founded in 1971 and has been celebrated every year since then, is celebrated. The Day was initiated by the European Confederation of Agriculture at the 23rd General Assembly in 1971, and this idea was supported by the UN World Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Moreover, it was initially decided to celebrate this day on the day of the autumnal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere and the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere (the latter, according to tradition, is considered the first day of spring and is a symbol of new life and new beginnings).

And in 2012 General Assembly In its resolution No. 67/200 of 2012, the UN approved the International Day of Forests to be celebrated annually on March 21 as an occasion to inform society about the importance of forest conservation and to raise awareness of their significance. And every year the events within the framework of the Day are devoted to a certain theme.

The problem of preserving the forest and its riches is today one of the most important environmental tasks for all countries of the world. IN last years The trends associated with the deforestation of the Earth are alarming not only for environmentalists, but for the entire international community.

Currently total area forests on the planet is approximately 38 million square meters. km (this is about a third of the land area), of which 13% are protected natural areas. Forests are the lungs of our planet, they have an invaluable ecological, social and economic importance- participate in the formation of the planet's climate, provide oxygen, process harmful emissions, preserve water resources, provide habitat for many plants and animals, provide food and a healthy environment for people, help maintain the fertility of soils and landscapes…

However, every day the world's forest area is steadily declining, every second the Earth loses more than 1.5 hectares of virgin forest. First of all, this is due to population growth and the transformation of forest areas for various human needs. For some expert opinion, over the past 10 thousand years, man has destroyed 26 million square meters. km of forests. Along with this, forests are dying from fires, illegal logging, natural disasters, insect pests, diseases and other causes. But the reduction in the area of ​​forests leads to irreparable negative processes that have global value for all nature and the life of all mankind.

In this regard, the main task of the International Day of Forests is to attract the attention of the inhabitants of the planet to the problem of forest conservation, to inform about the importance forest ecosystems, their original condition, the main measures for their protection and restoration.

Since the processes of deforestation and degradation have become international issues requiring a joint decision by all countries, the UN called on all UN member states to support the celebration of this day with special events. On this day, various actions and events are held throughout most countries of the world aimed at protecting forests and green spaces, including information events, various contests and exhibitions, tree planting campaigns, and various flash mobs.

Many of these public and environmental organizations are supported by government officials. In particular, the UN member countries have reached relevant agreements and are now implementing a number of measures as part of a targeted policy of reforestation and afforestation.

It should also be said that the International Day of Forests is actively celebrated in our country. After all, forests national wealth Russia, which accounts for almost a fifth of the world's forest area and about the same part of the world's timber reserves. What determines the global importance of forests for the country, not only as a source of valuable raw materials, but also as an important component of the biosphere, which largely determines the conditions of life on Earth. Interestingly, in some countries, along with the International Day of the Forest, the Day of the Tree is also celebrated.

Take care of the forest guys!
He gives us oxygen
Animals still live in it
Different types and breeds
Birds sing to us in the morning
And the foliage will cover in the heat
And the pollen of flowers on their faces
Leaves its scent
Take care of the forest guys!
And do not burn fires in it
Animals will be grateful
Both trees and bushes.

Our planet is a single organism in which, as in human body, there is absolutely nothing superfluous, and each of its elements harmoniously supports and fills everything around with life, and with its unique diversity. Forests on our Earth occupy a whole third of the entire landmass of our planet. While performing vital ecosystem functions, they are also the home and source of livelihood for many people. According to modern statistics, there are more than 1.6 billion people in the world who are directly dependent on the healthy state of forests, including about 2 thousand indigenous peoples and nationalities who have inextricably linked their way of life, culture and worldview with unique wealth forests.

Unfortunately, the dynamics of technological and economic progress of the 20th century had a negative impact on this priceless heritage of our humanity. Global deforestation, like the most powerful hurricanes and catastrophes, began to crowd and destroy this natural potential. As of the beginning of the 21st century, deforestation has continued at an alarming pace and the problem of their conservation has become international level demanding urgent action and effective practical solutions as soon as possible.

Recall that according to the project site, this issue was raised the international community back in the early 70s of the last century. The emerging trends of large-scale deforestation had already brought the problem to the fore, as happened at the sixteenth session of the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, held in November 1971. Then the member states of this organization expressed their support for holding an annual action world day forestry, which was agreed to be held on March 21st. Repeatedly addressing the problems of conservation of forests around the planet, at the UN level, on December 21, 2012, by General Assembly resolution No. A / RES / 67/200, the International Day of Forests was established. Again, forests are the common property of mankind. They represent the most biologically diverse ecological system the entire land, in which more than half of all terrestrial species of animals, insects and various plants live and grow.

In the history of our state, considerable attention was also paid to this problem. So, for example, on September 18, 1977 in former USSR for the first time, a separate target “Forest Legislation” was adopted, in which an attempt was made not only to streamline uncontrolled logging forests, but also laid down direct mechanisms for its restoration and the most rational use. Later, on October 1, 1980, assessing the contribution and achievements of a whole branch of forestry specialists, in order to raise the prestige of the professions professional workers forest, a professional holiday was established - “Forest Workers Day” (Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR “On holidays and memorable days” No. 3018-X). Celebrating it professional holiday was set for the third Sunday in September. Then, after the collapse of the USSR, this holiday remained a popular national holiday in many new formed countries. sovereign states, for example, in Ukrainian legislation, the Day of Forest Workers is fixed by Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 356/93, signed on August 28, 1993.

A third of the inhabited land area is covered by forests. The forest is the cradle and breadwinner of most peoples of the world. It is also called the "lungs of the planet", a natural reservoir that provides rivers and lakes. fresh water. Alas, the area of ​​forest plantations annually noticeably decreases due to their predatory felling on a huge scale. Therefore, this problem has attracted the attention of the public and international organizations. This is the theme of the International Day of Forests.

Story

The International Day of Forests has changed its name and status several times. It was first established by a very influential organization - the European Confederation of Agriculture in 1970. In parallel, in 1971, World Forestry Day was established. The founder was another international structure - the Food Organization of the United Nations. In addition, from 2007 to 2012, the Center for International Forestry Research organized an annual Forest Day celebration.

And only in 2012, on December 21, the UN General Assembly, by a special resolution, eliminated all previous dates and announced the establishment of the International Day of Forests, referring its celebration to the day of the autumn equinox for the southern hemisphere of the planet and the spring equinox for the northern one. The celebration has been held annually since 2013. Its purpose is to preserve forests and inform the public about the current state of the problem.

Traditions

The date is widely celebrated in most states of the planet, both at the official and at the household level. Mass events on this day are mainly associated with the planting of new tree plantations in clearings and areas suitable for growing new forests. This important work is being done official institutions, and volunteers from among ordinary citizens on their own initiative.

On this day, agitation, information and educational activities are significantly activated:

  1. There are mass campaigns designed to convey to the masses the state of affairs in the forest sector and the importance of preserving green spaces on the planet.
  2. Lectures are given in educational institutions.
  3. Featured articles are published in the media.

If each of us plant at least one tree on this day, the holiday can be safely considered to have taken place.


International Day of the Forest has been celebrated since 1971. The holiday falls on March 21st. The initiator of its holding was the European Confederation of Agriculture, and the UN General Assembly confirmed the official status of this day. The choice of date was not accidental. For the Southern Hemisphere, it coincides with the day of the autumn equinox, and for the Northern Hemisphere, with the day of the vernal equinox.
The purpose of the holiday is to remind all the inhabitants of the Earth about the importance of preserving forest and any other green spaces, the need for their rational and reasonable use. To this day, most countries of the world date public events related to tree planting, various promotional and awareness campaigns. And this is of very serious importance. After all, the protection of forests is one of the fundamental postulates of the Earth's ecology and the key to preserving life on the planet. The problem of cutting down green spaces is acute in every corner of the planet. With the development of industry and the growing demand for furniture, paper, wooden houses and other products made from solid or recycled wood, there is a threat of destruction not only certain types flora, but also the transformation of once beautiful green places into endless deserts. So let the International Day of the Forest be an occasion to change the approach to consumption. Starting this year, let people begin to pay attention to such “little things” as an indication that office paper packaging is made from recycled waste paper, and similar things. Let everyone think about what can be abandoned in favor of preserving nature for posterity, because by limiting yourself in small things you can succeed in more.