International Day of the Tropics is celebrated every year on June 29. The celebration sheds light on the challenges and opportunities that nations of the tropics face. It equally creates the opportunity to assess progress across them, and share stories and expertise about the region’s diversity and potential. The goal of the holiday is to promote tropical regions around the world and raise awareness about conservation strategies. The tropics are the region located between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer. These areas experience seasonal variations in day-to-day temperature and are warm.
History of International Day of the Tropics
The International Day of the Tropics originated in 2014 as a result of the collaboration between 12 leading tropical research institutions. The report provided a unique perspective on tropical areas and regions. On the second anniversary of the report’s release in 2016, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution declaring June 29 as International Day of the Tropics.
Typically, rainfall in the tropics can reach nearly nine feet per year in some areas. Other parts of the world, such as the Sahara Desert, receive only two to 10 centimeters of rain per year. The nature of the weather in the tropics determines which plants and animals can be found there. The tropics are significant because they produce a large number of economic exports. Approximately 40% of the world’s population resides in the tropics.
The tropics are distinguished by the prevalence of rain in the moist inner regions near the equator. While the tropics have higher biodiversity, they also have higher biodiversity loss than the rest of the world. Climate change, urbanization, deforestation, logging, and demographic changes are a few of the issues confronting the tropical region. On International Day of the Tropics, United Nations (UN) bodies, non-profits, governments, and other stakeholders gather to create awareness of these issues and discuss ways and means to combat the tropics’ threats.
International Day of the Tropics timeline
French geographer Pierre Gourou published “Les Pays Tropicaux” (The Tropical World).
The International Day of the Tropics was introduced in June 2014.
The United Nations General Assembly declares June 29 as International Day of the Tropics.
The International Day of the Tropics hits its five-year mark.
International Day of the Tropics FAQs
What are the names of the two tropics?
The tropics of Cancer and the tropics of Capricorn.
Is Hawaii a tropical country?
Hawaii is in the tropics, where the length of the day and temperatures are consistent throughout the year.
Why is international tropics day observed?
The International Day of the Tropics was established to raise awareness of the unique challenges tropical areas face as well as the far-reaching implications of issues affecting the world’s tropical zones.
How to Observe International Day of the Tropics
Participate in Seminars
Conservation organizations and tropics-related groups hold educational seminars, workshops, and presentations. Participate in these programs and learn more about the tropics and the dangers they face.
Make donations
Donate to a worthy cause, such as the Amazon Conservation Association. These organizations help tackle the challenges that occur in tropical regions.
Share on social media
Share your favorite tropics and tropical destination images on social media. If you have no pictures, you can still participate with the hashtag #InternationalDayOfTheTropics.
5 Facts About The Tropics
It covers over one-third of the Earth
The Tropics cover about 40% of the Earth’s surface area.
Humans are destroying them
According to the UN, the world’s tropical rainforests have been degraded by humans.
Greatest biodiversity and biodiversity loss
Compared to the rest of the world both are greater in the tropics.
It’s home to mangroves
The tropics have 95% of mangrove forests and 99% of mangrove species.
Renewable water resources
The tropics have about half of the world’s renewable water resources (54%).
Why International Day of the Tropics is Important
It creates environmental awareness
National Day of the Tropics creates awareness of the issues affecting the many species of plants and animals in the Tropics. These species are facing extinction and are at risk of becoming endangered.
It promotes tropical countries
The day is observed internationally to identify the developmental scope in tropical regions, highlight challenges, and ensure that sustainable development goals are on track. The celebration highlights the role of tropical countries.
It educates
National Day of the Tropics educates people about how deforestation, urbanization, climate change, demographic changes, and global warming are wreaking havoc on tropical biodiversity. It also encourages practices that can reverse these effects.
International Day of the Tropics dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | June 29 | Thursday |
| 2024 | June 29 | Saturday |
| 2025 | June 29 | Sunday |
| 2026 | June 29 | Monday |
| 2027 | June 29 | Tuesday |
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