With over half of the global economy, an estimated $44 trillion, dependent on natural resources, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) on Thursday underscored the immense economic and social pressures facing the world’s forests and water supplies.
The statement came as the FAO hosted a series of high-level events at its Rome headquarters to mark the 2026 International Day of Forests and World Water Day, observed annually on 21 and 22 March.
In a video address, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu stressed the symbiotic relationship between the two vital resources. ‘Forests need water, water needs forests, and we depend on both,’ he said. ‘FAO is celebrating these international days together to highlight the powerful linkages between the two natural resources that underpin our agrifood systems.’
This year”s forest observance, themed “Forests and Economies”, draws attention to the trillions of dollars that woodlands contribute to global economic prosperity. Billions of people worldwide rely on forest products for their income, food, and energy.
These ecosystems serve as natural infrastructure, safeguarding watersheds, filtering water, and mitigating floods-services indispensable for both rural livelihoods and national economies. Global demand for forest products is at a historic high, with annual wood production at approximately 4 billion cubic metres. Projections indicate this could increase by another billion cubic metres by 2050, intensifying the need for sustainable management.
In addition to timber, non-wood forest products such as medicines and foods are utilised by up to 5.8 billion people and represent a market valued at over $9.4 billion annually. The FAO stressed that investing in forest conservation and sustainable use yields substantial returns, while forest loss leads to long-term productivity decline and negative climate impacts.
The organisation highlighted its ongoing support for countries through initiatives like the Forest and Farm Facility, which helps producers in 15 nations, and the Great Green Wall Initiative, which has generated over 335,000 jobs across the Sahel.
The focus of World Water Day 2026, “Water and Gender”, shines a light on the 2.1 billion people who still lack access to safe water, paying particular attention to the structural barriers faced by rural women and girls.
Women are frequently excluded from water governance and have limited access to land rights, irrigation, and financial services, with climate-induced water shortages exacerbating their workloads and vulnerabilities. The FAO is promoting gender equality through programmes such as its Dimitra Clubs, which have assisted over 8 million people in 13 countries to secure land rights and access small-scale irrigation.
‘The sustainable, equitable use and management of water and forests is essential for more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems,’ the Director-General concluded.
The celebrations in Rome brought together Member countries, technical experts, and civil society for a programme that included a high-level opening ceremony and an exhibition. Renowned Italian singer and songwriter Elisa attended, sharing her reflections on the interdependence of nature.
“We all depend on forests, and we all depend on water. Raising awareness of this deep connection is crucial, because the more we understand it, the more we will care for our planet,” Elisa stated.
As part of its awareness campaign, the FAO also confirmed its planned participation in the upcoming Rome Marathon, in collaboration with the city”s water utility company, ACEA.