International Day of the Tropics

Did you know that nearly half of the world’s forests are located in the tropics? The Tropics have just over half of the world’s renewable water resources (54%), yet almost half their population is considered vulnerable to water stress. The Tropics are a region of the Earth, roughly defined as the area between the tropic of Cancer and the tropic of Capricorn. As of mid 2026, the global population living in the tropics is estimated at around 3.3–3.5 billion people, representing roughly 40% of the world’s total population of 8.3 billion. This share is expected to keep rising as demographic growth in tropical regions (Asia, Africa, Latin America) outpaces that of temperate zones. Although topography and other factors contribute to climatic variation, tropical locations are typically warm and experience little seasonal change in day-to-day temperature. An important feature of the Tropics is the prevalence of rain in the moist inner regions near the equator, and that the seasonality of rainfall increases with the distance from the equator. The tropical region faces several challenges such as climate change, deforestation, logging, urbanization and demographic changes. The International Day of the Tropics observed annually on June 29 celebrates the extraordinary diversity of the tropics while highlighting unique challenges and opportunities nations of the Tropics face. It provides an opportunity to take stock of progress across the tropics, to share tropical stories and expertise and to acknowledge the diversity and potential of the region. The United Nations states that The International Day of the Tropics was designated in 2016 to raise awareness to the specific challenges faced by tropical areas, the far-reaching implications of the issues affecting the world’s tropical zone and the need, at all levels, to raise awareness and to underline the important role that countries in the tropics will play in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Tropical nations have made significant progress but face a variety of challenges that demand focused attention across a range of development indicators and data in order to achieve sustainable development. The State of the Tropics report 2021 states that people across the globe are more connected than ever. Digital technologies, mobile phones, the internet and other forms of digital information exchange have changed the way business and education are conducted and how knowledge is shared. In the Tropics, access to mobile phones has increased dramatically since the turn of the century but still trails behind the rest of the world. In 2000, there were fewer than five mobile phones per 100 people in the Tropics. By 2019, this number had grown to more than 97 per 100. In 2019, estimates suggest just 37.1% of people used the internet in the Tropics indicating that the gap between the Tropics and the rest of the world has actually widened since previous State of the Tropics reports. A lack of access to Information Communication Technology (ICT) at school and home limits the ability of students to learn digital skills that would allow them to participate in the global digital economy, which many see as essential for ongoing sustainable development. Beyond awareness, the International Day of the Tropics can be observed through concrete actions like supporting conservation projects, promoting sustainable consumption, amplifying tropical voices, and organizing educational or cultural events that highlight the richness and challenges of tropical regions. This important day requires bold leadership both at the community level and that of governments to ensure the day is not just symbolic but impactful for communities and ecosystems. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo ©