The United Nations General Assembly has declared March 21 as the International Day of Forests.
The day, to be observed from 2013, is to raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests and trees outside forests.
This was contained in a press statement on Saturday from the Media Relation Office of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to the Ghana News Agency.
According to the statement, the day captures the spirit of and keeps up the momentum generated by the International Year of Forests 2011, which enabled countries to promote the sustainable management, development and conservation of all types of forests and trees.
"On the International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to get involved in local, national and international efforts in favour of forests and trees such as tree planting campaigns," it said.
The statement said the Governing Conference of the FAO supported the idea while the United Nations General Assembly facilitated the negotiation process for its establishment.
"FAO looks forward to supporting its members and working with international partners, including the Collaborative Partnership on Forests, to help celebrate the day," it said.