International Day of Forests
March 21 is not just an equinox day. On this day we commemorate the International Day of Forests every year worldwide. The forest is an integral part of the landscape, no matter whether it is tropical forest, rainforest, softwoods or hardwoods. Try to imagine the forest in your area, what it looks like and what you can find there. There is no empty or abandoned forest. It is always home to various species of trees, plants, animals, birds, insects, fungi, lichens, … Forests, therefore, have an irreplaceable role in preserving biodiversity.
Besides, the forest is not only an environment where animals and plants live. It is also important in terms of the services and goods it provides to humans. If you do not know what services and goods we have in mind, read the chapter Forest Biodiversity in the HANDBOOK TEACHING GREEN.
And did you know that this World Forest Day has been celebrated since 1971 on the occasion of the autumn equinox in the southern hemisphere and the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere? On this day, events are organized around the world to remind us of the importance of forests, their benefits and their values.
Get out into Nature
If you can’t organize any activities in the forest for students right now, in the current pandemic situation, at least try yourself, or with your family, to go into the nearest forest and listen to the rustling of leaves in the wind and other sounds of the forest – can you imagine a better balm for the soul or a mind reset?