International Day of the Tropics

International Day of the Tropics History

The International Day of the Tropics is celebrated annually on June 29th to raise awareness about the unique challenges and opportunities faced by countries located within the Tropics. The Tropics are defined as the area between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, where the sun is directly overhead at least once during the year. South Africa has a rich biodiversity of over 23,000 plant species, of which approximately 10% are found nowhere else in the world. The country also has a diverse population of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros).

The United Nations designated International Day of the Tropics in 2016 on the recommendation of the State of Queensland in Australia. The Day aims to promote sustainable development in the Tropics, build resilience, and encourage collaboration between tropical regions worldwide. South Africa, located in the southern part of the Tropics, participates in the annual celebration of the International Day of the Tropics. It is an opportunity to showcase the country's unique tropical flora and fauna, promote sustainable tourism, and highlight the importance of conserving the natural environment.

Through various events and awareness campaigns, South Africa celebrates the International Day of the Tropics to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the country's unique tropical environment and promoting sustainable development. The International Day of the Tropics is observed annually on June 29th.

Top 8 Facts for 2026 International Day of the Tropics in South Africa

• The International Day of the Tropics was officially established by the United Nations to mark the anniversary of the launch of the inaugural State of the Tropics Report, which was introduced by Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi to highlight the growing global importance of this region.
• Although much of South Africa lies just south of the tropical zone, the country’s northern reaches are defined by the Tropic of Capricorn, a geographical boundary that heavily influences the unique biodiversity found in local landmarks like the Kruger National Park.
• Research indicates that by the year 2050, the tropical regions are projected to host the majority of the world's population and approximately two-thirds of its children, making the region’s sustainable development a primary focus for the future of the African continent.
• While the tropics are home to nearly 80 percent of the planet's terrestrial biodiversity and over 95 percent of its coral reef and mangrove species, these ecosystems are increasingly threatened by climate-driven changes that have seen rainfall intensity in Southern Africa increase by 40 percent since the pre-industrial era.
• The tropical zone is a critical economic engine for the world, producing a vast majority of the global supply of non-ubiquitous resources such as cocoa, natural rubber, and many medicinal plants found nowhere else on Earth.
• Despite possessing more than half of the world’s renewable water resources, nearly half of the population living within the tropics is considered vulnerable to water stress, a paradox that remains a central theme for international environmental policy discussions.
• The observance often draws attention to the State of the Tropics findings, which examine how rapid urbanization and demographic shifts are transforming tropical nations into the fastest-growing economic hubs on the planet.
• Educational programs often feature creative works like the television mini-series Earth's Tropical Islands to illustrate the delicate balance between the diverse cultures and the extreme weather patterns that define life near the equator.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for International Day of the Tropics

Top things to do in South Africa for this observance

• Read a first-hand account about Carmen Rodríguez and her family's efforts to preserve Colombia's tropical dry forest.
• Browse the 2020 report on the state of the tropics. It covers a wide variety of topics including the environment, human impact, and the application of science and technology.
• Watch The Endless Summer (1966) - A documentary about two American surfers who travel the globe in search of the perfect wave, focusing on the tropics and the warm waters of South Africa.
• Read a book to learn more about the tropics in South Africa. Here are some suggestions:
  1. Fynbos: Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation of a Megadiverse Region edited by Nicky Allsopp, Jonathan F. Colville, and G. Anthony Verboom.
  2. The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland by L. Mucina and M. C. Rutherford
  3. Wildlife of Southern Africa: A Field Guide to the Animals and Plants of the Region by Vincent Carruthers