GuruIntroduction
Forests are commonly known as the Earth's lungs and are vital for ecological balance, biodiversity, and climate regulation. In the face of environmental challenges, the preservation of forests is essential. This blog explores the importance of forests, the threats they encounter, and the need for united conservation efforts.
Important of forest in our life
- Forests house a remarkable variety of plant and animal species, some exclusively found there. These biodiversity hotspots hold genetic diversity crucial for ecosystem resilience and adapting to environmental changes.
- Forests function as carbon sinks by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide, converting it into oxygen through photosynthesis, and thus playing a critical part in combating climate change. It is crucial to protect forests to ensure global climate balance.
- Forests offer a variety of ecosystem services that are beneficial for the environment and people alike, such as water purification, soil stabilization, flood prevention, and the supply of timber and non-timber forest products crucial for livelihoods.
The Forest Policy of the Government of India (1952) laid down that one third i.e., 33 percent of our land should be under forest cover. However, this has not been seriously followed with the result that at present the forest cover is barely 12 per cent. We have almost reached a critical state which must be remedied now before it is too late for our own survival. The remedial measures have been suggested as follows:
- Conservation of Reserve Forests: These are areas where our major water resources are located viz. the Himalayas, Eastern and Western Ghats and also areas such as reservoirs, National Parks, Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves etc. These must be protected and commercial exploitation not allowed in these areas. This is an important conservation strategy.
- Limited Production Forests: These are less fertile areas at high altitude (more than 1000 metres) with hilly environment. Here the health of the forests should not be damaged and only limited harvesting with utmost care be allowed.
- Production Forests: These are forests on the plains and their productivity can be enhanced by proper management. These should be maintained to make up for the losing forest cover.
- Social/commercial Forestry: Such forestry is meant for supplying goods and services to meet the very increasing demand for firewood, fodder, food, fertiliser, fibre,timber, medicine etc., or for industrial purposes such as timber, plywood,matchwood, fibre board, paper and pulp, rayon etc. The main idea is to remove pressure on natural forests for these requirements.
Social forestry is based on public and common (private) land to produce firewood,fodder, fruit and small timber for rural people. The programme should be conducted by a co-operative system including farmers, tribals, panchayats and NGOs (non-government organisations). Degraded lands should be utilized for social forestry for firewood whereby the quality of land improves in course of time.
Dangers to Forests
- Deforestation, caused by logging, agriculture expansion, and infrastructure development, is a major threat to forests, leading to loss of biodiversity and contributing to climate change.
- Illegal logging driven by the need for timber and wood products causes the depletion of forest resources, with severe impacts on ecosystems and communities relying on forests for their livelihoods.
- Forests are impacted by climate change with changes in rain patterns, higher temperatures, and the spread of pests and diseases, which can disrupt ecosystems and lead to degradation.
- Preserving Biodiversity: Forest conservation constitutes a sine qua non for the securement of the most beautiful species that contribute their share to forest's diversity of plant and animal life. This way we create conditions for permanent existence of many species and help nature to maintain the fragile and stable balance of species and ecosystems.
- Climate Change Mitigation: Forests assume a leading position in the fight against the phenomenon of climate change due to their role in the process of capturing carbon dioxide. Forest conservation projects, wood plantation and natural regeneration contribute to the global endeavor of reducing air pollution and mitigating the would be climate change impact.
- Sustainable Management: Sustainable forestry cultivation practices are the platform based upon which forest the resources are supplied for the needs of conservation. Responsibly managing forestry, agroforestry, and community-governed forest projects may help to engage forest resources, responsibly.
- Community Involvement: Activation of local residents as co-creators of conservation programs is the key to success of these initiatives. The promotion of local communities policing and using the forest by its benefits as well as by having conservation strategies that meet local needs stimulates the sense of stewardship which makes conservation to be a go it alone program.
Conclusion
Preserving forests is not just about the environment; it is a shared duty to protect our planet's essential life force. Amid a swiftly evolving world, appreciating forests' importance and acting decisively to preserve and manage them sustainably is a pledge to safeguard nature and future descendants. By finding a harmonious equilibrium between human requirements and ecological conservation, we can guarantee the longevity of our planet's diverse forest landscapes for the advantage of everyone.