World Forestry Day commemorated the contribution and value of forests and forestry to the community. The concept of having a World Forestry Day originated at the 23rd General Assembly of the European Confederation of Agriculture in 1971. March 21st, the autumnal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere, and the vernal equinox in the Northern, was chosen as a day dedicated to increase public awareness on three key facets of forestry: production, protection and recreation.

World Forestry Day was increasingly recognised, and promoted, by the FCV from the mid-1970s.

An International Day of Forests was subsequently established on the 21st day of March, by resolution of the United Nations General Assembly on November 28, 2012.