LJUBLJANA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- In the forests near Apace, a small village in northeastern Slovenia, a group of volunteers, students, and forest rangers gathered on Friday morning with spades in hand, ready to plant a new generation of trees beneath the light of early spring.

This scene marked Slovenia's celebration of International Forest Day on March 21. Though more than 60 percent of the country is cloaked in forest - making it the third most forested nation in the European Union after Sweden and Finland - the need for reforestation has grown urgent.

The planting of 2,000 trees, including oak, linden, wild cherry, wild pear, and wild apple, is part of a broader mission to restore an area ravaged by a powerful windstorm in July 2023. The storm has left behind a wounded ecosystem.

These selected tree species are expected to enhance biodiversity and provide an abundant food source for bees. "Through initiatives like this, we help mitigate the negative effects of climate change," Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar said at the tree-planting event.

"Forests are the lungs of our world, and we must strive to keep them healthy and thriving," she added.

That climate threat has loomed large over Slovenia in recent years. In July 2022, the country experienced its worst-ever wildfire, which burned for days and devastated approximately 2,000 hectares of forest. One year later, in August 2023, Slovenia faced unprecedented floods that claimed six lives and caused immense damage to nearly 8,000 buildings.

In response, Slovenia's Forest Service has been actively working on conservation and reforestation projects. Over the past five years, the agency has overseen the planting of about 5.7 million young trees across the country.

"Effective and sustainable forest management is crucial to preserving biodiversity and ensuring that future generations can benefit from our rich natural heritage," the Forest Service stated.

As part of the celebrations, Slovenia also highlighted the connection between forest and human experience through its network of European paths (E-paths) - long-distance hiking trails that pass through the country's lush forests. Slovenia hosts three of the 12 E-paths, drawing trekkers eager to explore the country's natural beauty on foot.

One of these trails, the E6 European footpath, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025. Spanning approximately 6,400 km, the E6 links Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and Greece. It's a journey that can take months to complete and offers hikers breathtaking scenery from Nordic forests to Alpine peaks and Mediterranean shores.

"European footpaths reflect our relationship with the environment and encourage responsible environmental stewardship," Joze Prah, head of Slovenia's Commission for European Footpaths (KEUPS), said during a lecture in Slovenj Gradec, "They are among the most vital indicators of a society's commitment to sustainable development."

The KEUPS, which has the Forest Service as a key member, oversees the maintenance and promotion of E-paths in the country.

Back in the classroom, Slovenia's commitment to forests is also taking root. Workshops across the country marked International Forest Day by teaching children about the role forests play in sustaining life.

In the dappled woods near Apace, every planted tree, since today, has started its mission by filtering air, storing carbon, supporting wildlife, and anchoring communities in times of change. Enditem

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