The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) marked International Day of Forests 2026 and World Water Day 2026 on Thursday with a series of high‑level and technical events at its headquarters in Rome.
The two UN global observances, celebrated annually on 21 and 22 March respectively, underscore the critical role of forests and water in sustaining local economies, resilient agrifood systems and the Sustainable Development Goals.
In a video message opening the celebrations, FAO Director‑General QU Dongyu emphasized the intrinsic connection between forests, water and agriculture.
"Forests need water, water needs forests, and we depend on both," the Director‑General said. "FAO is celebrating these international days together to highlight the powerful linkages between the two natural resources that underpin our agrifood systems."
Sustainably managed forests at the heart of economies
The theme of the 2026 International Day of Forests - Forests and Economies - draws attention to the essential contributions forests make to economic prosperity and livelihoods worldwide. Forests and trees contribute trillions of dollars to the global economy annually and support billions of people who rely on forest products for income, food, energy and well‑being.
Forests sustain family and community agriculture, enhance agricultural productivity, and safeguard watersheds. As natural infrastructure, they filter and infiltrate water, reduce erosion, improve water quality, and mitigate floods - services that are indispensable to rural livelihoods and national economies.
More than half of global GDP - an estimated $44 trillion - depends on nature, including forests. Demand for forest products is at an all-time high, with about 4 billion cubic metres of wood produced per year. Based on current trends, this volume is projected to rise by as much as 1 billion cubic metres of industrial roundwood by 2050 as the population grows and the world seeks to replace carbon-intensive products with renewables - adding to the imperative of ensuring sustainable forest management.
In addition, non‑wood forest products such as foods, medicines, resins and ornamental plants are used by up to 5.8 billion people and are valued at over $9.4 billion annually, with significant potential for expansion.
The many essential products obtained from forests underscores the importance of securing a sustainable supply based on the efficient use of forest resources and meeting goals to halt deforestation, restore degraded landscapes and protect biodiversity.
Investing in forest conservation, restoration and sustainable use delivers substantial returns. Forest loss, by contrast, leads to soil erosion, flooding, climate impacts and long‑term productivity decline.
FAO continues to support countries in scaling up forest‑based solutions. For example, the Forest and Farm Facility assists producer organizations in 15 countries to build value‑added enterprises while restoring landscapes and reducing poverty. The Great Green Wall Initiative has meanwhile generated more than 335 000 jobs for communities across the Sahel, diversifying incomes and strengthening resilience.
Water and Gender
World Water Day shines a spotlight on the 2.1 billion people still living without access to safe water. This year's theme, Water and Gender, highlights the structural barriers that rural women and girls face in accessing and managing water for domestic use, irrigation, livestock, aquaculture and economic activities.
Women are often excluded from water governance bodies and experience limited access to land rights, irrigation and financial services. Climate‑induced water shortages exacerbate workloads, reduce productivity and deepen vulnerabilities.
Promoting gender equality in water access is essential to building efficient, inclusive and resilient agrifood systems. The theme aligns with the International Year of the Woman Farmer and the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, both led globally by FAO.
For example, Dimitra Clubs - active in 13 countries - have supported more than 8 million people, including women in Niger, in securing land rights and gaining access to small‑scale irrigation systems.
"The sustainable, equitable use and management of water and forests is essential for more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems," the Director‑General said.
FAO events
The celebrations at FAO brought together Member countries, technical experts, partners and civil society to explore scientific evidence and practical experiences on the forests-water nexus, with particular emphasis on economic development and gender equality.
The programme included a high‑level opening ceremony, a technical event on Forests and Economies, a live screening of the UN observance of World Water Day in New York, and an exhibition showcasing the strong connections between forests, water, economies and food security.
Renowned Italian singer and songwriter Elisa also attended the ceremony and shared her reflections on the interdependence between forests and water and their importance for future generations.
"We all depend on forests, and we all depend on water. Raising awareness of this deep connection is crucial, because the more we understand it, the more we will care for our planet," Elisa said.
As in previous years, FAO also planned to take part in Sunday's Rome Marathon through its collaboration with ACEA, Rome's water utility company. The collaboration has traditionally been based on an exchange of visibility within awareness campaigns, including FAO branding along the marathon's route through the city.
This year, FAO has also planned a physical presence in the Marathon Village to promote its new MuNe Museum and to highlight its collaboration with ACEA in support of World Water Day 2026.
