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Numerous special days are celebrated worldwide related to various and important aspects of life, culture, causes, and the environment. Commemorating these days is important as they serve as reminders, catalysts of action, and opportunities for education and advocacy. They help bring attention to important issues, promote solidarity, and encourage collective efforts towards positive change.
Forests are an expansive ecosystem dominated by trees and diverse flora and fauna, essential in sustaining life on Earth, providing oxygen, regulating climate, and supporting biodiversity. International Day of Forests is a special day that focuses on the world’s forests. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the 21st of March the International Day of Forests in 2012. This day aims to raise awareness about the importance of forests and trees in our lives, ecosystem and sustainable development. This day encourages efforts to protect, conserve and sustainably manage forests for current and future generations.
Forests; Lungs of Our Planet
Forests are complex ecosystems characterised by a dense collection of trees, plants, animals, and microorganisms that cover a significant portion of the earth’s land surface.
Forest Types and Distribution in the World
Several types of forest ecosystems can be found worldwide. These forests are diverse in their characteristics. There are several reasons for this diversity. Climate is one of the most significant factors influencing forest types. The climate conditions in different areas are not the same. Various temperatures, precipitation, and seasonality result in different climatic zones, each supporting unique forest ecosystems.
Differences in geography and topography, such as altitudes, slope and soil type, contribute to the diversity of forest types. Mountain ranges, coastal plains, river valleys and other geographical features create distinct habitats for various species of plants and animals, forming different forest ecosystems.
Other than those factors, disturbances in the area, biological diversity, ecological interaction and even human activities in the area, historical factors influence the forest type in the area.
There are three major types of forests in the world. They are temperature, tropical and boreal forests. Experts estimate that these forest types cover approximately one-third of the earth’s surface. Here is more about the forest types and their distribution.
Importance of Forests
Edward O. Wilson says, “Forests are the world’s lungs, and if the lungs are gone, we’re gone.” This quote shows how essential forests are for life on Earth. Forests play a vital role in producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide through the photosynthesis process of numerous plants, which act as the central part of a forest. Just like human lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide through respiration, forests perform a similar function on a global scale. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas responsible for climate change and release oxygen to the atmosphere, helping to regulate the earth’s climate and maintain a balance of gasses necessary for life. This analogy underscores the crucial role forests play in sustainable life and mitigating the impact of climate change.
Forests are home to millions of species of plants, animals, insects and microorganisms. They provide habitat and food sources for countless species, contributing to global biodiversity. So, many forests are highlighting biodiversity hotspots in the world. Also, forests provide essential ecosystem services such as soil formation, nutrient cycling, pollination and natural pest control, which are vital for agricultural productivity and human well-being.
Forests help regulate the water cycle by absorbing and releasing water through transpiration and evaporation. They also help regulate local and regional climates, prevent soil erosion, and maintain water quality by filtering pollutants.
Regarding the economy, forests provide various economic benefits, including timber and non-timber forest products such as fruits, nuts, medicinal herbs and resins. They also support industries such as tourism, recreation and ecotourism, contributing to local and national economies. Not only that, but forests hold cultural and spiritual significance for many indigenous communities worldwide. They provide a sense of identity, heritage and connection to the land, serving as sacred sites and places of traditional knowledge and practices.
Connection between Forests and Climate Change
Forests are crucial in mitigating and being affected by climate change.
How do the Forests affect Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation?
Forests have a significant responsibility for both climate change adaptation and mitigation.
In mitigation;
In adaptation;
Here to read more about this.
How does Climate Change affect Forests?
Climate change impacts forests in both direct and indirect ways.
Here to read more on this.
Challenges to the Forests
Here to read more.
International Day of Forests 2024
Just like in the other years, in 2024 also, on the 21st of March, the International Day of Forests is celebrated. In this year, the theme of the International Day of Forests is;
“Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World.”
Forests are essential in mitigating climate change, preserving biodiversity and supporting livelihood. Forest management and conservation innovations are exciting and necessary for a better world. This theme can be introduced promptly, considering the present situation in our world.
Deforestation and damaging forests are happening worldwide, legally and illegally. To fight the battle with these damages, the best solution is using the development of technology. Innovations are the results of developing technology. These innovations are essential for early warning systems, sustainable commodity production, and the empowerment of indigenous people through land mapping and climate finance action.
There are many innovative solutions to solve issues related to forests and improve the health of forests and the environment.
What can we do to Protect Forests?
To protect forests effectively, we can take a few steps towards them.
-With inputs from Mihiri Saparamadhu –
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