IMPORTANCE OF FORESTS

IMPORTANCE OF FORESTS

We have always depended on forests in many ways but have been careless enough to take them for granted. Our  forests  our  unique and  irreplaceable. They are home to many  species of animals and birds. They hold the soil in place and give us clean air, food, fuel, shade and timber (Wood). Various industries such as lumbering, tourism, beekeeping, etc. are dependent on forests. Forests attract rain, and they are the Earth’s largest productive ecosystem.
Trees provide a protective canopy (a cover lying over something) that lessens the impact of raindrops on the soil. Fallen leaves and dead plants decompose to form humus that increases the fertility of the soil. Forests also produce large quantities of oxygen which is essential for the survival of human beings, animals and plants. Thus, it is extremely important to conserve forests.
In simple terms, Conservation means protecting and preserving the natural environment and using them judiciously so that they do not get depleted. Reducing forests cover is already causing severe problem such as those of   Global Warming. Forests can be conserved by following some simple measures given below:
#  Indiscriminate cutting of trees in any area , whether rural or urban, should be banned completely and made a punishable offence.
#  Local communities should be encouraged to take part in conservation programmes  to protect forests and green belts in their regions.
#  Replanting of trees should be done on a large scale in areas where severe deforestion has taken place.
#  Cutting of trees for commercial purposes should be regulated by the authorities and allowed only in earmarked areas.
#  Awareness about the remarkable work of eminent environmentalists and social activists such as Sunderlal Bahuguna and Medha Patkar should be highlighted in order to raise consciousness and inspire people to take care of their environment.