Why Are Forests Important?

Arguments are still going on about how to define a forest. But if generally, a forest can be defined as a community, not just of plants and trees but also of the animals which inhabit the place. In fact, it is equilibrium of abiotic (non-living) components like the soil, climate and water etc and biotic (living) things, e.g. trees, animals etc. Around 30% of the land is covered in forests and they are the storehouses of the biological diversity on our planet.

Forests come in all varieties and distribution and that is why they are so important not only for the nature as a whole and their degradation can threaten the survival of our species. Below are listed a few points which tell us why they are so important:


(1) Among the most talked about words in the current times are “global warming”. And the good news is that forests cool the air by releasing water vapors into the air. This phenomenon is called vaporization.


(2) During day time the trees absorb carbon dioxide, which is a green house gas, and release oxygen.


(3) Forests are excellent sound barriers and thus help contain noise pollution.


(4) Their artistic value is beyond what can be put in words.


(5) If forests are well managed, they improve the quality of water in the surrounding areas.


(6) In addition to improving the water quality, forests have also been found to raise the ground water table.


(7) The wood that forests supply in plenty is useful in different ways.


(8) It is not difficult to find as many as 1500 invertebrates on a single tree in a typical rain forest. Some of these species hold the keys to scientific mysteries and they are useful in drug research.


(9) Those who are blinded by the glitter of gold, here is a fact. Forests add to the economy. The tourists, herbs etc are a good source of income.


(10) Forest help limit the damage that a typical flood would cause if the forests were not there.


(11) Twenty-five percent of our modern medicines are a result of studying the forest and so far only 1% of the forests have been studied, so it can only be imagined what the rest of the 99% hold.