CONSERVATION OF FORESTS

Introduction:
There is more to forests than just a massive collection of trees. It is a natural, complex ecosystem,
made up of a wide variety of trees that support a massive range of life forms.

Quiet apart from trees, forests also include the soils that support the trees, the water bodies that
run through them and even the atmosphere (air) around them. Forests of the world are a natural
wonder that humans have sadly taken for granted.

It is estimated that two-thirds of the world's forest is currently distributed among 10 countries:
(http://eschooltoday.com/forests/images/world-distribution-of-forests.jpg)

Forests are hugely important for life on earth. This is because it serves as an ecosystem, and sustains
life for millions of animals, birds and animals that live in the rivers and streams running through
these forests. It also does a lot of good to the atmosphere in climate control, as well as supplying
oxygen for human sustenance.
Importance of forests:
Watershed
Forests 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 Ecosystems
Forests 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 as floods and wildfires.
Economic benefits
Forests 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.
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 including
To 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.
(Insert http://eschooltoday.com/forests/images/deforestation-by-country.jpg)
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 is different from deforestation. Degradation is used to mean the destruction
or reduction in quality of specific aspects of forests. Example, 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.
Effects of deforestation:
Soil erosion destruction.
Soils (and the nutrients in them) are exposed to the suns heat. Soil moisture is dried up,
nutrients evaporate and bacteria that help break down organic matter are affected.
Eventually, rain washes down the soil surfaces and erosion takes place. Soils never get their
full potential back.
Water Cycle
When forests are destroyed, the atmosphere, water bodies and the water table are all
affected. Trees absorb and retain water in their roots. A large part of the water that
circulates in the ecosystem of rainforests remains inside the plants. Some of this moisture is
transpired into the atmosphere. When this process is broken, the atmosphere and water
bodies begin to dry out. The watershed potential is compromised and less water will run
through the rivers. Smaller lakes and streams that take water from these larger water bodies
dry up.
Loss of Biodiversity
Many wonderful species of plants and animals have been lost, and many others remain
endangered. More than 80% of the world's species remain in the Tropical Rainforest. It is
estimated that about 50 to 100 species of animals are being lost each day as a result of
destruction of their habitats, and that is a tragedy.
Many beautiful creatures, both plants and animals have vanished from the face of the earth.
Climate Change
Plants absorb Carbon Dioxide CO2 (a greenhouse gas) from the atmosphere and uses it
to produce food (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that make up trees). In return, it gives off
Oxygen. Destroying the forests mean CO2 will remain in the atmosphere and in addition,
destroyed vegetation will give off more CO2 stored in them as they decompose. This will
alter the climate of that region. Cool climates may get a lot hotter and hot places may get a
lot cooler.
What can I do to help?
Here are a few things you can also do to help.
Make a conscious effort to share information with others (friends at school and family
members) on deforestation and its' effects. Some of your friends may laugh at you and say it
is silly to think that you can solve problems like this. But that is OK, things work better when
responsible people dont give up. Stand up for what you believe in.
Join organizations, forest-preservation societies and pressure groups that aim to help
preserve the rest of our natural resources. When more people work together, the impact is
greater.
Reduce the use of artificial items, recycle more and re-use items. Wood, paper, plastics and
many other things we use everyday at home can be linked to natural resources being
destroyed. This means that if we all recycle more, there will be less dependence on the
environment (and trees). It also means that companies and governments will import less
raw-materials from the forest regions of the world.

There is a fun way to remember the most important points in forest preservation
called TREES which means...
Teach others about the importance of the environment and how they can help save rainforests.
Restore damaged ecosystems by planting trees on land where forests have been cut down.
Encourage people to live in a way that doesn't hurt the environment.
Establish parks to protect rainforests and wildlife.
Support companies that operate in ways that minimize damage to the environment.