Arbor Day in Guatemala and Ecuador Date in the current year: May 22, 2024

Guatemala has one of the most diverse and extensive rainforest systems in Central America. Between a quarter and a third of the country is covered with forest, which is home to over 1,200 species of animals and 8,600 species of plants.

Deforestation is one of the most important environmental issues in Guatemala. Between 1990 and 2005, the country lost 17% of its forests. According to statistics, Guatemala loses about 3% of its forest cover each year. Most of deforestation results from human activity, including agriculture, mining, illegal timber harvesting. Arbor Day was established to raise awareness of this problem and consolidate efforts to solve it.

Arbor Day events in Guatemala are coordinated by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Education. They focus on promoting the National Reforestation Campaign at educational institutions across the country. Educational events held at Guatemalan schools to raise awareness of the importance of reforestation.

In Ecuador Arbor Day is coordinated by the Ministry of Education together with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. They run and promote National Reforestation Campaign in many educational institutions across the country.