Forests are the main resource of all the life forms on earth. In some way or another, we all are dependent on forests. Forests give us fresh air to breathe, food, medicines, and other necessary things like wood, fodder and other raw materials for the industries. Forests also help in preventing major natural calamities, like a flood.
What is a forest?
Forest is a thick land or a complex ecosystem consisting of valuable biodiversity and sustains a variety of life forms. Forest is the dwelling place for various living organisms. The organisms residing in forests are interdependent on each other. Life in forests is administered by factors like air, water and sunlight. The variety of plants like herbs, shrubs, creepers and climbers help in maintaining the ecological balance of the ecosystem.
Artificial forest
Forests are beneficial to us in many ways. But, due to the globalisation and modernisation, humans have started to deplete the forest and utilise the land for other purposes. Now, it’s high time to preserve and maintain the forests. Maintaining such huge forests is difficult and hence it is better to opt for an alternative measure like silviculture,which is the practice of regulating the growth, health, composition, and quality of forests to meet distinct needs and values. This acts like an artificial forest. Forests are also referred to as the lungs of the Earth. They consume carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen into the atmosphere which we breathe in through respiration. They even play a significant role in promoting the clouds and in turn the rainfall, humidity, climate balance, and air quality
Forest prevents natural calamities
We all know natural calamities like flood, drought, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption etc. Many of us do not know what is landslide and it is also considered a natural calamity. Few of these calamities can be prevented by planting trees and conserving forests. Soil erosion is also prevented to a major extent by forests and trees. Forests can grasp excess rainwater, prevent excessive run-offs and reduce the damage from flooding. By discharging water in the dry season, forests can also help store clean water and decrease the effects of droughts.
Uses of forests
Forest furnishes us with an infinite amount of things and protects us from many disasters. Listed below are the advantages of forest
- They maintain and control oxygen levels in the atmosphere, facilitating the breathing of humans and other animals.
- Forests help balance the climate.
- They help the ground assimilate during floods, reducing soil loss and property damage by slowing the flow.
- Forests are the main source of the economy. For instance, the plantation of forests provides humans with wood and timber, which can be exported and can be used in various industries and other applications.
- Forests serve as a home for millions of animals.
Conservation of Forest
Conservation of forest is the tradition of planting more trees and maintaining the forested areas for sustainability for upcoming generations. Forests are a valuable natural resource and are advantageous to humans and other life forms in several ways. But due to deforestation activities, it has become mandatory to conserve forests throughout the world. Deforestation is the constant destruction or loss of forests for the expansion of lands for agriculture, livestock, etc. Hence, being a responsible human being and concerned towards one has to take an initiative in conserving forests.
Forests are the backbone of our environment and help us in each and every step of our day to day activities. Without forests, the world would come to a standstill. Planting more trees, maintaining and preserving forests must be the main aim of every person.
