The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will mark International Day of Forests 2025, on Friday, March 21 with a series of events in Rome.

This years theme is 'forests and foods' and will celebrate the fundamental role forests and trees play in global food security, nutrition, and livelihoods.

Forests and trees provide food, fuel, income, and employment while supporting biodiversity, soil fertility, and water resources, yet the FAO said their contribution to food systems is often overlooked.

FAO stated that this year’s International Day of Forests aims to shed light on the crucial connection between forests and food security, emphasizing how forests contribute to sustainable food production, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation.

Celebrations will take place both at the FAO headquarters near the Circus Maximus in Rome, and at Villa Doria Pamphili, where a ceremony will highlight the essential connection between forests and food security.

Another ceremony, held in collaboration with the municipality of Rome, will take place at the Global Library of Trees and Flowers, FAO Park, a space featuring about 150 trees and other plants from diverse regions around the world. 

International Day of Forests is also set to be the first major celebration of FAO’s 80th anniversary.

The director general of FAO, Qu Dongyu, and councillor for agriculture, environment, and waste cycle, Sabrina Alfonsi will be speaking at the event.

FAO will also be hosting a technical session to explore how forests contribute to food security and nutrition worldwide. Experts will discuss forest-based foods, the role of indigenous knowledge, and innovative solutions for sustainable food systems.

Ireland recently held its National Tree Week (Sunday, March 9) led by the National Tree Council of Ireland, with support from Coillte.

The annual event celebrates the vital role trees, forests, and, woodlands play in building a greener and more sustainable future in Ireland.

Coillte donated 150,000 native tree saplings to schools and community groups nationwide, emphasising the importance of trees as a renewable and sustainable resource.