21st March - International Forest Day
On 21 March each year, at the initiative of the United Nations General Assembly, we mark the International Day of Forests, a day devoted to promoting and raising awareness of the importance of sustainable and caring use of the forest as one of the most important natural resources. The theme of this year's international day of forests around the world is "Forests for sustainable cities".
Urban and suburban forests and urban trees offer numerous positive effects to the inhabitants, among which we emphasize:
- Trees improve the local microclimate and can help us save between 20 and 50% of the energy for heating.
- Strategic positioning of trees in urban space can reduce urban air temperatures by up to 8 ° C, and consequently reduce the need to use air conditioners by up to 30%.
- Forests and trees store carbon that helps mitigate the effects of climate change.
- Trees act as an "air filter" to remove harmful pollutants and particles from the air.
- Trees reduce pollution by noise and protect our homes from nearby roads and industrial areas.
- Forests in and around urban areas retain water, prevent flooding and act as a filter.
- Properly managed urban forests represent an important habitat, source of food and protection for many plant and animal species. They help to maintain and increase the biotic diversity of cities.
- Urban and suburban forests have a positive impact on tourism and create green jobs.
- Urban and suburban forests promote an active and healthy lifestyle and are very useful for the physical and mental health and well-being of the inhabitants. They also represent an important environment for socializing and social contacts.
