Forests are an essential part of an ecosystem 31% area of the world consists of forests. According to the Pakistan Forest Institute, forests in Pakistan cover only 5% of the total land. On the contrary, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization report shows forests cover only 2.2 % area in Pakistan.
Forests are responsible for rains on the land. Due to forests, the clouds get cooled and convert to rain water. So one can notice heavy rainfall in the areas of forests and around. Forests slower the monsoon currents (winds) and let the clouds move slower over land. They also provide suitable low temperature for the water-vapor in the clouds to convert into water droplets and cause rain. Hence there are no rains in the deserts.
Soil erosion is a common natural activity happening due to winds and floods. Growing of forests help minimize this soil erosion in the nearby farms. The importance of soil is too much that we can afford to lose the fertile top layers. This soil is useful to grow crops and trees.
In case of natural disaster like tsunami, floods, hurricanes, cyclonic winds etc. Presence of abundant forests helps us minimize the effects of their tsunamis, floods and cyclonic winds. In case of natural disaster like tsunami, floods, hurricanes, cyclonic winds etc. Presence of abundant forests helps us minimize the effects of their tsunamis, floods and cyclonic winds.
Forest has a great economic importance. Sometimes the economy of a region depends largely on forests. Forests provide many natural resources which are of great value for money. For example in the recent times, the red sandal wood from the forests of Andhra Pradesh have been found to be of immense value and the authorities are planning to capitalize the sale of the wood to run the government welfare schemes for the people. Similarly in Africa and other areas, the forest reserves are found to be of immense wealth to the nation.
Cultural Importance for many communities, forests have special spiritual and cultural meanings that influence their identity and customs. Ecotourism forests draw visitors and nature lovers, raising awareness of the environment and bringing in money for the nation. Forests serve as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing carbon, which aids in the fight against climate change. Forests are the sole reserve for best woods needed for furniture. There are many kinds of woods
Despite knowing the importance of forests in Pakistan, illegal cutting and deforestation is a significant issue. The growth of cities and clearing land for building dams or societies has resulted in large-scale deforestation in Pakistan. The need of the hour is to create awareness among people and start taking the initiative to save forests in Pakistan
The writer is a student of BS Journalism Studies 8 Semester at School of Communication Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore. He can be reached at [email protected]