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Forest are important renewable renewable natural resources. Trees, shrubs and herbs dominate forest ecosystem. 33% of the world’s area consists of forest lands. Insects, birds and animals live there. Native forest has naturally growing plants and trees. Man-made forest consists of species of trees, shrubs, etc., grown by man. Boreal coniferous forests are found around the Arctic Sea, 550 to 650 north latitude .Temperate forests are found on either side of the earth 300 to 550 latitude north. Tropical rain forests are found between 300 north latitude and 300 south latitude.
Uses of forests
- Productive function: Forests provide raw materials like pulp for paper industry and ingredients for pharmaceutical industry. They also provide fuel, fruits, nuts , timber, turpentine, gum, paints herbal oil, honey and alkaloids.
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Protective function: Forests provide shelter for insects, birds, animals etc., and aid in their reproduction, provide food and ensure their free movement. They prevent drought soil erosion and loss of water.
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Regulative function: Regulation of environmental equilibrium is successfully achieved by forests. For example , regulation of Carbon-di-oxide (CO2), Oxygen (O2) ,water (H2O)
and minerals is very essential for a healthy environment. Solar energy is absorbed, retained and released by forests. During photosynthesis by green plants, starch is formed from carbondioxide and water in the presence of sunlight and it is stored . In this process, Carbon-di-oxide (CO2) is taken in and Oxygen (O2) is released to maintain equilibrium in atmosphere and aid in reducing the global temperature. An increase in global temperature poses a threat to human beings throughout the world.
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One acre of forest absorbs 4 tons of Carbon-di-oxide (CO2) and releases 8 tons of Oxygen (O2), thereby regulating carbon cycle, flood and drought . It is the forest which helps in economic development and maintenance of land value.
Abuses of forests
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In India, in the olden day (Period of Mauriya and Gaudilya), there was more forest cover and less deforestation. During the period of Ashoka, many trees were planted. In the beginning of 20th century, there was 30% of forest cover; but by the end of 20th century, there was only 19.4% of forests left. This is mainly due to over exploitation of forests for commercial purposes like timber, food, etc.
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According to the National Forest Act recommendations (1988), 33% of total area and 67% of hilly area must be preserved as forest area. We should not destroy forest for our short-term benefits as it would lead to permanent loss of forests in an area forever.
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