Arbour Day in Portugal, known as Dia Mundial da Árvore, is celebrated on March 21st annually. Across the country, municipalities engage in tree planting, reforestation, and awareness events to highlight the significance of preserving trees for environmental balance and citizens’ well-being.
The Forests
Forests cover approximately 30% of the Earth’s surface, where photosynthesis happens. Forests and seaweed produce oxygen from carbon dioxide, known as the “lungs of the world”. They maintain ecosystems and contribute to the economy by producing goods and food.
In mainland Portugal, forests occupy 3500 thousand hectares, and in both the Autonomous Region of the Azores and the Autonomous Region of Madeira, forest cover occupies around 43% of the territory. It is estimated that 1000 adult trees absorb around 6000 kg of CO2 (carbon dioxide).
Origin of the Celebration
The celebration of World Arbour Day or World Forest Day began on the 10th of April 1872, in the North American state of Nebraska (USA). The day was officially proclaimed by Nebraska’s Governor, Robert W. Furnas. But it was the journalist and politician Julius Sterling Morton, who encouraged the orderly planting of trees in the state, promoting the day.
In Portugal, the 1st Arbour Day was on 9th March 1913 and the 1st World Forest Day on 21st March 1972.
Some sentences for the day
How will you be spending Arbour Day? Also, click the link if you’d like to know about other special dates/events during March in Portugal.
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