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Blog - World Forestry Day 2025: Forests and Food – Nourishing People, Sustaining the Planet

Blog No. 0825/PI - Written by - 

Ruchira Nigam, Project Coordinator, Prithvi Innovations &

Ms. Anuradha Gupta, Founder & General Secretary, Prithvi Innovations






Introduction

Observed annually on March 21, World Forestry Day (also known as the International Day of Forests) aims to raise awareness about the vital role forests play in sustaining life on Earth. The theme for World Forestry Day 2025, "Forests and Food," highlights the intrinsic link between forests, biodiversity, and global food security.

Forests are more than just trees; they serve as critical sources of food, medicine, and livelihood for millions of people worldwide. They house over 80% of terrestrial species, support indigenous communities, and help regulate the global climate system. Recognizing the role of forests in sustaining food security, Prithvi Innovations has been actively promoting forest conservation and agroforestry practices through community-driven initiatives.


The Role of Forests in Food Security

Forests contribute to food security in numerous ways: 

✅ Edible Forest Products: Fruits, nuts, seeds, mushrooms, and leaves serve as vital food sources. 

✅ Medicinal Plants: Many forest plants have nutritional and medicinal benefits, forming the basis of traditional medicine. 

✅ Livelihoods and Economy: Forest-based agriculture, honey production, and non-timber forest products sustain millions of people. 

✅ Soil Conservation & Water Regulation: Forests maintain soil fertility, prevent erosion, and regulate rainfall patterns essential for agriculture. 

✅ Climate Resilience: Agroforestry systems help mitigate climate change impacts, ensuring stable food production.

📖 Reference: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Report 2024 – Forests, Food, and Nutrition Security.


Threats to Forests and Food Systems

The degradation of forests directly affects food security. Major threats include:

  • Deforestation for agriculture, leading to soil degradation and loss of biodiversity.

  • Climate change, disrupting rainfall and growing conditions for food crops.

  • Illegal logging and land encroachment, reducing the availability of wild food resources.

  • Loss of pollinators, such as bees and birds, impacting agricultural productivity.

  • Overexploitation of forest resources, threatening sustainable food supplies.

📖 Reference: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (2024) Impact of Deforestation on Global Food Security.


Prithvi Innovations' Role in Forest Conservation and Food Security

Prithvi Innovations has been at the forefront of forest conservation and sustainable food production through innovative projects, awareness programs, and community participation. Some of their key initiatives include:

1. Sustainable Farming Practices

Prithvi Innovations promotes:

  • Native tree plantation drives to improve soil health and food production.

  • Training sessions for farmers on sustainable land use and organic farming.


2. Community Engagement in Forest Conservation

Through participatory conservation efforts, Prithvi Innovations has:

  • Established Bal Nurseries and Guthali Banks to promote fruit tree plantations in schools and communities.

  • Conducted eco-awareness programs educating youth and local farmers about forest-food relationships.

  • Launched seed collection and dispersal campaigns to regenerate forest lands with edible native species.

📖 Reference: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) (2023) Community-Based Approaches to Forest Conservation.


3. Food Forests and Urban Greening Initiatives

To enhance food security in urban and semi-urban areas, Prithvi Innovations has:

  • Developed food forests in schools and community lands, integrating fruit trees, medicinal plants, and pollinator-friendly vegetation.

  • Organized kitchen gardening and reducing dependence on conventional agriculture.

  • Collaborated with residential societies and institutions to set up community orchards and green spaces.

📖 Reference: World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) (2024) Food Forests for Climate Resilience.


How You Can Support Forest Conservation and Food Security

🌳 Plant and Protect Trees: Support afforestation programs and native species restoration. 

🥦 Adopt Eco-friendly Practices: Encourage growing food within forests sustainably. 

🌎 Reduce Deforestation-Linked Consumption: Opt for sustainable products. 

🤝 Engage in Community Initiatives: Volunteer in tree plantation and seed conservation drives. 

📢 Spread Awareness: Educate others on the link between forests and food security.

📖 Reference: Global Forest Watch (2024) Citizen Participation in Forest Protection.


Conclusion

Forests are the foundation of our global food systems, and their conservation is essential for a sustainable future. On World Forestry Day 2025, let us pledge to protect forests and promote food security through community-driven action, sustainable practices, and responsible consumption.

Prithvi Innovations’ initiatives offer a blueprint for environmental stewardship, showing how community participation can restore forest ecosystems while ensuring food security.


🌍 Call to Action: Join Prithvi Innovations in their mission! Participate in tree plantation drives, seed conservation projects, and sustainable food initiatives. Share your efforts using #ForestsAndFood2025 and be part of the change!

📖 Final Reference: United Nations FAO (2025) Forests and Food Security: A Sustainable Future.


Referenced Links - 

Video Links Prithvi's Guthli Bank series

  • The Genesis of Prithvi's Gutli Bank by Anuradha Gupta

 
 
 

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