World Rainforest Day

World Rainforest Day is observed annually on June 22 to raise awareness about the importance of rainforests and promote efforts to protect and preserve these vital ecosystems for future generations.

Purpose of the Day

World Rainforest Day was established in 2017 by the Rainforest Partnership, a nonprofit organization based in Austin, Texas, working with rainforest communities in Latin America. The day aims to:

• Highlight the critical role rainforests play in maintaining climate stability.

• Promote sustainable practices and responsible consumption.

• Inspire action to combat deforestation, illegal logging, and climate change.

Why Rainforests Matter

• Rainforests cover less than 3% of the Earth’s surface but are home to over 50% of the planet’s biodiversity.

• They act as the "lungs of the Earth", absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

• Rainforests help regulate global temperatures, sustain water cycles, and protect against floods and droughts.

• They provide food, medicine, and livelihoods for over 1.6 billion people worldwide.

Key Rainforest Regions

1. Amazon Rainforest – South America (largest rainforest)

2. Congo Basin – Central Africa

3. Southeast Asian Rainforests – Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea

4. Daintree Rainforest – Australia

Threats to Rainforests

• Deforestation (for agriculture, mining, and urban expansion)

• Illegal logging

• Climate change

• Fires and habitat loss

Rainforests are disappearing at alarming rates—over 80,000 acres lost every day.

How to Participate

• Support rainforest conservation organizations.

• Reduce meat and palm oil consumption.

• Choose sustainable, eco-friendly products.

• Educate others about rainforest biodiversity and importance.

• Plant trees or donate to reforestation projects.