The activity will take place over the weekend and will explore the role of forest habitats in climate regulation and ecosystem balance.

At Terra Natura Benidorm, International Day of Forests 2026 will be marked with an educational workshop held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The initiative aims to highlight the importance of forest ecosystems and the species that inhabit them, offering visitors an engaging opportunity to learn about the vital role forests play in keeping biodiversity and environmental balance.

The workshop will focus on deer species, large herbivores that are essential of forest ecosystems. Throughout the activity, visitors will discover how these animals contribute to vegetation regeneration and habitat maintenance. Among the featured species are the barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii), chital (Axis axis), sambar (Rusa unicolor) and muntjac (Muntiacus spp.). The educational team will also explain some of their most notable biological characteristics, including the annual growth cycle of their antlers.

In addition, the workshop will address the role of forests as carbon sinks and their key contribution to climate regulation, highlighting their importance in the current context of climate change. Scientific insights will be incorporated into the session to help visitors understand how the conservation of these ecosystems contributes to mitigating the effects of global warming.

As part of the educational content, the workshop will also present a recent study conducted by the University of Alicante and published in 2026 in the journal Biodiversity and Conservation. The research examines the impact of dry forest degradation in Ecuador on communities of scavenger species. Using camera-trap monitoring techniques, the study concludes that better-preserved forests sustain a greater diversity of species, which in turn supports long-term ecological stability.

The study highlights the essential role these organisms play in ecosystem functioning, including the removal of organic matter, nutrient recycling and the reduction of health risks associated with the accumulation of animal remains. In this way, the activity will help visitors understand the connections between different elements of forest ecosystems, from large herbivores to scavenger species.

International Day of Forests 2026 is celebrated under the theme “Forests and Economies”, emphasising not only the biodiversity richness of these environments but also their role in climate regulation, the provision of natural resources and their contribution to territorial balance. The day underlines the importance of conserving forests as essential spaces for both environmental and human well-being.