Forests cover approximately 4.14 billion hectares, or nearly 32% of the world’s land area, but deforestation continues at an alarming rate of around 10.9 million hectares each year^[1]. At a time when the climate and biodiversity crises demand urgent action, raising awareness and encouraging positive choices has never been more important, says Forest Stewardship Council.

“By supporting responsible forestry, we can all play a role in protecting forests, wildlife and the communities that depend on them.”

Highlighting the importance of caring for the world’s forests, the FSC Forest Week campaign returns from 21-27 September, bringing together brands, manufacturers, forest managers, consumers, NGOs, and industry groups and more to raise awareness of responsible forest management and its vital role in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.

Since its launch, FSC Forest Week has grown into a powerful global movement. From community engagement activities and workplace initiatives to forest walks and FSC-certified product launches, participants continue to find new and engaging ways to connect people with forests and amplify the campaign’s impact every year.

“Under this year’s theme ‘Do one thing for Forests’, everyone is encouraged to take one positive action for forests and inspire others to do the same,” said the Forest Stewardship Council. “By getting involved, businesses and individuals help raise awareness of responsible forest management and encourage their community to consider the one thing they can do to support the world’s forests while strengthening the impact of FSC’s work together.

“Positive action for forests can start with the materials and products we choose every day. Many products we regularly rely upon, from paper and packaging to furniture and building materials, come from forests, and responsible sourcing is a crucial consideration across supply chains and purchasing decisions. Research indicates that consumers are increasingly seeking to make a positive impact, with three out of four preferring products that do not harm plants and animals, and two out of four wanting to protect forests by buying independently certified products^[i]. By choosing responsibly sourced forest-based products, businesses and consumers alike can help support healthy forests, protect wildlife and contribute to thriving communities.”

What is FSC?

The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) runs a globally trusted and recognised forest certification system and works to mitigate the climate and biodiversity crises by advancing sustainable forest management worldwide. Built on independent standards, FSC helps ensure forests are managed in ways that respect people, nature, and future generations.

FSC offers robust certification to verify that forest products are responsibly sourced and a proven platform to measure intangible forest benefits like carbon storage and thriving biodiversity. This holistic approach drives forest stewardship, recognising and harnessing the true benefits that forests offer for the planet and society at large.

[1] Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, 2025 https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/2dee6e93-1988-4659-aa89-30dd20b43b15/content/FRA-2025/key-findings.html

[i] Global Consumer Awareness https://fsc.org/en/consumer-awareness