Forests are among the most popular and effective local recreation areas, where people and nature meet. Forests are places where people can escape from everyday life, relax, exercise, and recharge their batteries. Proximity to a forest therefore often plays a key role in housing searches. Life without forests would simply be unimaginable – and that's why we dedicate International Day of Forests to them.
The International Day of Forests as a response
Forest Day was deliberately set for March 21, the official beginning of spring according to the calendar (although there is debate as to whether it should actually begin on March 20). In response to the massive deforestation since the beginning of industrialization, a United Nations (UN) commission established International Forest Day in 1971 as a response to and to raise awareness of the importance of preserving and protecting the global forest. The beginning of spring was chosen because around this date, the first trees and shrubs begin to don their colorful blossoms and leaves.
Preventive and active awareness and protection
Human-induced and accelerated climate change in recent decades has increased the awareness and importance of World Forest Day on the international stage. Since 2012, March 21 has been the official United Nations Day of Action and Themes. The motto and goals are clear: forests should be protected and sustainably used worldwide, rather than destroyed. One of the largest organizations actively committed to protecting the global forest is PEFC International , based in Geneva. PEFC certifies the use of forest areas and stands for sustainability, credibility, and security of supply.
The global forest is under severe threat
Currently, around 30% of the earth's surface is still covered in forest, but a large part has fallen victim to humans. Overexploitation, i.e. the illegal and unsustainable clearing of forests, is a drastic problem, especially in the countries of the global south. This overexploitation ensures that the world's forest area is shrinking further every day. Fortunately, the Swiss forest is largely spared from illegal logging, but climate change and invasive Neobita, i.e. introduced animals, plants and fungi that reproduce uncontrollably, are also taking a heavy toll on the Swiss forest. This is confirmed by Matthias Ott , who has been maintaining and protecting our local forest in Lenzburg as a forester for several years. Since the 18th century and to this day, the guiding principle of sustainable forest management has been in the DNA of every forester: Never use more wood than grows back.
“This day is intended to highlight to the global community not only the importance of forests as habitats for flora, fauna, and the people living in them, but also their economic, health, cultural, and social benefits for all of humanity.” – PEFC International
The forest gives us so much – it’s time to give something back
Oxygen, food, water, carbon sequestration, recreation, fascination – the list is almost endless. Forests are a crucial factor in stabilizing the local and global climate. Wood from forests serves as a sustainable and climate-friendly building material and fuel and reduces the emission of climate-damaging emissions. Sustainable forest management and the use of domestic wood therefore make active contributions to climate protection. Researchers from various industries have been researching the innovative and sustainable industrial uses of wood for years.
What makes a sustainable forest
Climate change and its direct consequences are largely our own fault. The excessive energy and resource consumption of our consumer society triggers a causal chain that leads to higher temperatures, less precipitation, more frequent extreme weather events, and increased pest infestations. Climate change is real, and now we must address it and adapt the forests to it. This can be achieved, for example, by planting drought- and heat-resistant tree species, implementing soil conservation measures, or maintaining an even more balanced mix of deciduous and coniferous trees.
We all benefit from a healthy forest
Apart from the numerous animals and people (even in Switzerland ) who live in and from the forest, we all benefit from its diversity. The forest has a particularly important meaning for one group of people: the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. The Scouts are the place for children and young people where they can let off steam and experience and get to know nature. The Scout organization is a worldwide association of people who value and love nature. The Scouts teach young generations a variety of valuable skills, interpersonal skills and those related to dealing with and in nature. Incidentally, the two NIKIN founders, Nicholas and Robin, are also long-standing Scouts.
How you can support the forest
Planting trees is definitely a good approach, says Matthias Ott: "Especially when planting in places where no more forests would grow without 'assistance'. Or when, as is often the case here, only tree species grow naturally that unfortunately have a poor future due to global warming." At NIKIN, we are making our small contribution to a greener world and healthy forests by having a tree planted for every single product in our shop , which is then planted in precisely such needy places around the world in collaboration with our long-term partner One Tree Planted . You can donate trees directly on their website. But there are also numerous ways in Switzerland to donate a tree or plant one yourself and thus support the forest. NIKIN organizes its own Tree Planting Days several times a year in Switzerland – perhaps soon in your region too. You can always stay up to date on when and where you can help via social media . We look forward to it!
