Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest, Uganda (© Art Wolfe/DanitaDelimont.com)
Today we're branching out and rooting for woodlands to celebrate the International Day of Forests! Established by the UN 11 years ago today, this day draws attention to the need to preserve and appreciate these essential ecosystems. Covering over 30% of the land on Earth, woodlands around the world contain an incredible variety of trees; there are thought to be over 60,000 species in total. Forests play a crucial role in supplying essential resources like food, water and medicines. Featured here is the Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest in Uganda, which is home to 160 species of trees and 100 species of ferns, as well as an extraordinary 50% of the world's mountain gorilla population. The forest has thickets of bamboo growing between the trees, making access on foot difficult, giving this Impenetrable Forest its name.