Forests do countless jobs that people need every day – silently. They clean water. They sequester carbon. They hold the soil in place. They’re wild life houses. These forest ecosystem services also provide food, medicine, farming and forestry based livelihoods to millions of people .
What Are the Ecosystem Services Provided by Forests?
Healthy forests provide ecosystem services for people. Some are obvious, such as fruits, wood and medicinal plants. Some work behind the scenes.Forests absorb carbon dioxide and help to moderate temperature. They stabilize the earth and prevent erosion. Forest floors also absorb rain, helping to regulate water flows and reduce flooding.These services have real economic value, even if they’re not billed directly.
Forests Help Keep Water Clean and Soil Healthy
Forests provide water, which is one of their most important ecosystem services. “Forest vegetation can slow rain and allow water to percolate slowly through the soil. This can help improve the quality of water and help rivers and ground water.
This link is very important in the mountains. Watershed forests safeguard water supplies for farms, towns and cities.Communities living near forests in India, Nepal, Indonesia and other countries rely on these natural systems for water, farming and their daily needs.
Forests: Guardians of Earth’s Climate
Forests are also essential to the global response to climate change. Trees grow and sequester carbon. One of the advantages of conserving existing forests is that it keeps huge amounts of carbon out of the atmosphere.Forests are not infinite carbon sinks. Fires, drought, disease and deforestation can all impact their ability to store carbon.So, there are many benefits to be had from protecting old-growth forests and restoring degraded areas.
Economic value for the local community
Forests provide a living for millions of people. Rural households may harvest fruit, nuts, honey, fuelwood and medicinal plants. Forests also help tourism, small business and sustainable farming.
Community forest management can give a voice to local populations in favour of conservation. “If communities get their fair share of the benefits, they will protect the forests.
Governments can assist by:
• Community forestry initiatives
• Sustainable use rules
• Conservation finance
• Sustainability of Ecotourism
• More protection against illegal deforestation
Why We Need Improved Decision-Making to Protect Forests
We cannot value a forest on the basis of the timber it yields. When we cut down a forest we often lose clean water, wildlife habitat, fertile soil and protection from climate change.The FAO’s forest resources information has shown the need for reliable information to understand how forests around the world are changing.Communities can help too by taking care of their local forests, not producing unnecessary waste and by supporting forest products that come from responsible sources.
Conclusion – Forest ecosystem services
The true value of forest ecosystem services is all that forests give and no bill is ever sent. People around the world feel their benefits, such as clean water, fertile soils, climate regulation and livelihoods.Such information can help inform smarter land-use decisions and better conservation policy.”
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