Importance of Forests

Forests and biodiversity is key to all life forms. The richer the diversity of life, the greater the opportunity for medical discoveries, economic development and adaptive responses to such new challenges as climate change. 

Below are some more importance of forests:

WatershedForests serve as a watershed. This is because almost all water ultimately comes from rivers and lakes and from forest-derived water tables. Some rivers running through forests are also kept cool and from drying out. "The Amazon is by far the largest watershed and largest river system in the world occupying over 6 million square kilometers. Over two-thirds of all the fresh water found on Earth is in the Amazon Basin's rivers, streams, and tributaries." - RainTree

Habitat and EcosystemsForests serve as a home (habitat) to millions of animals. Think of the many types of reptiles (snakes and lizards) wild animals, butterflies and insects, birds and tree-top animals as well as all those that live in the forest streams and rivers. Animals form part of the food chain in the forests. All these different animals and plants are called biodiversity, and the interaction with one another and with their physical environment is what we call ecosystem.Healthy ecosystems can better withstand and recover from a variety of disasters such asfloods and wildfires.

Economic benefitsForests are of immense economic importance to us. For example, plantation forests provide humans with timber and wood, which is

exported and used in all parts of the world. They also provide tourism income to inhabitants (people living in or close to forests) when people visit to see the best of

nature. 

Climate Control

Climate control and atmosphere purification is key for human existence. Trees and soils help regulate atmospheric temperatures through a process called evapotranspiration. This helps to stabilize the climate. Additionally, they enrich the atmosphere by absorbing bad gases (example CO2 and other greenhouse gases) and producing oxygen. Trees also helps to remove air pollutants.

Did you know...  In many developing countries more than 80% of total energy(fuel wood and charcoal) consumed by people and industry is derived from forests. Trade in timber and other forest products is estimated at almost 330 billion US Dollars /year. Its' value multiplies as it is processed into a range of products used globally every day. Uses of genetic diversity within forests enable the development of new medicines; progress in health care and science

What is deforestation?

Deforestation is when humans remove or clear large areas of forest lands and related ecosystems for non-forest use. These include clearing for farming purposes, ranching and urban use. In these cases, trees are never re-planted.

Since the industrial age, about half of world's original forests have been destroyed and millions of animals and living things have been endangered. Despite the improvements in education, information and general awareness of the importance of forests, deforestation has not reduced much, and there are still many more communities and individuals who still destroy forest lands for personal gains.

Why do humans clear forest lands?

Trees are cut down (deforestation) for many reasons includingTo be used, sold or exported as timber, wood or fuel (charcoal). This is called

logging. To be used for farming purposes (grazing fields for livestock, or large scale farming

activities)To make room for human settlement and urbanization (these include making space

for shelter, industries and roads)To make room for mining. (More on deforestation here)

In all the reasons above, the trees cut are usually very well developed trees that have taken many years to mature. When they are cut, they break down many more younger trees as they fall to the ground, leaving that area heavily degraded. 

Forest degradation and fragmentationForest degradation is different from deforestation. Degradation is used to mean the destruction or reduction in quality of specific aspects of forests. Prolonged degradation can wipe out a forest. Degradation can result in a decrease in tree cover, changes in their structure or a reduction in the number of species that can be found there. If acid rain destroys trees in a vast area, it can be called forest degradation.

Forest degradation is changes within the forest which negatively affect the structure or function of the stand or site, and thereby lower the capacity to supply products and/or services. FAO (2001) – Global Forest Resources Assessment 2000

Forest degradation can be caused by factors such as

Forest fires: In many forests such as in boreal and dry tropical forests, fires are usually expected from time to time. They may be caused by humans, accidents or natural factors. Forests fires wipe out many thousands of acres each year all over the world. This has effects on bio-diversity and the economy as well.

Climate Change: Extreme climates can also cause degradation. Prolonged droughtsand dry conditions reduce the tree cover and dry out water bodies running through them. They force many animals to migrate and reduce the quality of forests ecosystems.

Pests and diseases: Pest or disease outbreak can also destroy the vegetative cover in forest lands.

Degraded forests can often be restored. The Global Partnership on Forest Landscape Restoration (GPFLR, undated) suggested that more than one billion hectares of deforested and degraded forest land worldwide are suitable and available for restoration.

What is forest fragmentation?

Degradation can also result in forest fragmentation, and fragmentation can also result in degradation. This is when a large forest ends up divided into many smaller patches. This is particularly not healthy for larger forest animals, as they thrive well in large areas rather than pieces of forests.

What is deforestation?

Deforestation is when humans remove or clear large areas of forest lands and related ecosystems for non-forest use. These include clearing for farming purposes, ranching and urban use. In these cases, trees are never re-planted.

Since the industrial age, about half of world's original forests have been destroyed and millions of animals and living things have been endangered. Despite the improvements in education, information and general awareness of the importance of forests, deforestation has not reduced much, and there are still many more communities and individuals who still destroy forest lands for personal gains.

Why do humans clear forest lands?

Trees are cut down (deforestation) for many reasons includingTo be used, sold or exported as timber, wood or fuel (charcoal). This is called

logging. 

To be used for farming purposes (grazing fields for livestock, or large scale farming activities)

To make room for human settlement and urbanization (these include making space for shelter, industries and roads)

To make room for mining. (More on deforestation here)

In all the reasons above, the trees cut are usually very well developed trees that have taken many years to mature. When they are cut, they break down many more younger trees as they fall to the ground, leaving that area heavily degraded.