Every year on the 21 March the United Nations raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests. This year the International Day of Forests promotes education to Learn to Love Forests. It underscores the importance of education at all levels in achieving sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation. Healthy forests mean healthy, resilient communities and prosperous economies.

At Elewana, we're committed to protecting and conserving our environment. Most recently, we've partnered with SeedballsKenya, allowing our guests at Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp and Elewana Tortilis Camp, to learn more about the indigenous shrubs and trees in the regions, and participate in reforesting these areas.

At Elewana Elsa's Kopje we encourage guests to plant trees during their stay with us and, students enrolled in our Wildlife Warrior program run by our charitable arm Land & Life Foundation, also learn about conservation efforts and how they can participate in making changes that are beneficial for the future generations. It's, therefore, fitting that this year's theme is 'Forests and Education' as understanding our forests and keeping them healthy is crucial for our future.

We love planting trees at Elephant pepper Camp - in 2018 we have planted nearly 200 trees in and around the camp. Trees were planted by our staff, guests and the local community. This year we have expanded our tree planting project to 5 different species of indigenous trees to Mara North Conservancy. We keep on planting...

As we celebrate the International Day of Forests, we recall Dr. Jane Goodall, who was recently here with at Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge, and planted a tree with children from the neighbouring local schools. Education is a central part of conservation, and she has spent her life inspiring others to conserve the natural world we all share.

The team at Elewana The Manor at Ngorongoro donated some trees and hedge saplings to Ganako Primary School to add some green to the school playground and celebrate World Forest Day, their main focus was Forests and Education – Learn to Love Forests!

Elewana Tarangire Treetops are proud of the work done by Randilen Wildlife Management Area, whose rangers not only protect wildlife, but are also responsible for protecting the woodlands from deforestation.

Forests, their sustainable management and use of resources, including in fragile ecosystems, are key to combating climate change, and to contributing to the prosperity and well-being of current and future generations.

Forest Facts;

• Forests cover one third of the Earth's land mass, performing vital functions around the world. Around 1.6 billion people - including more than 2,000 indigenous cultures - depend on forests for their livelihoods, medicines, fuel, food and shelter.
• Forests are the most biologically-diverse ecosystems on land, home to more than 80% of the terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects.
• Yet despite all of these priceless ecological, economic, social and health benefits, global deforestation continues at an alarming rate - 13 million hectares of forest are destroyed annually. Deforestation accounts for 12 to 20 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.