Mist over lowland rainforest, Danum Valley, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia

© Nick Garbutt/Alam

Long live the trees. Happy International Day of Forests!

March 21 marks the International Day of Forests, a global observance aimed at celebrating the vital role forests play in supporting biodiversity and combating climate change. First established by the United Nations in 2013, this day encourages worldwide efforts, such as tree-planting campaigns, to raise awareness about the importance of forests and trees for future generations. One of the most breathtaking places to observe the richness of forests is the Danum Valley Conservation Area in Sabah on the Malaysian island of Borneo, starring in today's image. This over 400-square-kilometre sanctuary is home to an ancient, 130-million-year-old rainforest, teeming with rare species like Bornean orangutans, clouded leopards and over 270 bird species.

Beyond Borneo's landscapes, forests are integral to daily life in countries like India, serving as both an economic pillar and an environmental shield. As one of the top 10 forest-rich countries, India, along with nine others, accounts for 67% of the world's total forest area. Apart from timber and fuel, it has a flourishing non-wood forest products industry, which includes latex, gums, resins, essential oils, fragrances, incense sticks, handicrafts, thatching materials and medicinal plants. Around 60% of these products are consumed locally and non-wood forest products contribute nearly 50% of the sector's total revenue, highlighting their economic and cultural significance.