International Day of Forests 2026

A worker harvests palm fruit in a lush, green landscape beside a calm waterway. The scene includes vibrant clusters of fruit, with a wooden boat visible in the background.

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Forests and prosperity: helping people and nature thrive.

The International Day of Forests on 21 March offers an opportunity to celebrate the essential role forests play across the world and to honour the communities and individuals whose livelihoods rely on them. This year, the day’s theme of ’Forests and Economic Prosperity’, is designed to focus on demonstrating how well-managed forests drive both ecological resilience and shared development.

At Givaudan, we see this in action every day through our sourcing activities. Forests are the origin of many of our natural ingredients, from resins and leaves to wild‑harvested extracts, and the communities who manage these resources are essential partners in protecting them. As part of our ambition to source all materials and services in a way that protects people and the environment by 2030, we work hand in hand with local communities and partners to ensure that forests remain healthy, livelihoods are strengthened, and prosperity is shared.

Creating shared value in forest landscapes

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Creating shared value in forest landscapes

In the Philippines, our elemi supply chain demonstrates how responsible trade can bring sustainable income and protect fragile ecosystems. Through partnerships with our key supplier partner, local cooperatives and FairWild certification, resin collectors are trained on sustainable tapping techniques that protect trees while improving yields. Transparent pricing and long‑term relationships support local incomes and security, helping hundreds of families thrive while keeping forests standing.

In Indonesia and Malaysia, our palm sourcing initiatives show how collaboration transforms entire landscapes.

Working with Earthworm Foundation and multiple industry partners, we are creating traceable supply chains that balance productivity with conservation.

Landscape projects support more than 12,000 smallholders and workers, enhance forest monitoring, and promote respect for human rights across communities that depend on palm cultivation.

Hands hold a collection of bright red and orange palm fruit, showcasing their glossy skin and vibrant colours. The setting appears natural, with a hint of soil on the palms, suggesting recent harvesting.

Further west, in Spain, our sourcing of cistus; a Mediterranean shrub prized for its resin; protects traditional livelihoods and regional biodiversity. In partnership with the Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT), we ensure living‑income prices and long‑term contracts for local collectors, many of whom have depended on cistus for generations. The result is sustainable prosperity anchored in ethical trade, cultural heritage, and nature preservation.

Two individuals wearing bright yellow high-visibility vests work in a grassy field, one bending down to gather cuttings while the other manages a blue rope nearby. Surrounding them are sparse shrubs under a clear blue sky, indicating a sunny day.

A green tractor carries a large load of freshly harvested Cistus plants along a dusty path. Surrounding the scene are patches of dry grass and sparse bushes under a clear blue sky, evoking a sense of agricultural productivity.

Forests, prosperity, and our 2030 ambitions

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Forests, prosperity, and our 2030 ambitions

Across these different supply chains and parts of the world, one common thread unites our efforts: forests flourish when people do. By working directly with communities, experts and customers, we are helping to build supply chains that strengthen both ecosystems and economies; reflecting the commitment to sustainable growth with our customers which sits at the heart of our 2030 business strategy.