Forest Conservation

Ever since humans evolved, we have changed the land cover of the earth gradually. Consequently, one of the most pressing issues today is the conservation of forest. However, we need to understand the definition of the forest first:

There are over 800 definitions of forest that are used around the world. And it is not necessary that an area has to be populated with trees for it to be deemed as a forest. And in some cases, an area can be legally designated as a forest, regardless of the type of local vegetation.  Overall, forests are the natural habitat of large scale wildlife, growth of trees, shrubs and different variety of plants which, unfortunately, are dwindling every year. Hence, conservation of forest is an important responsibility that all of us have to undertake.

Almost 31% of the earth’s land surface is covered by forests. According to a 2015 report, 23% of India’s land cover consists of the forest region. Trees and plants in the forest are an integral part of the ecosystem. It sustains life on the planet, provides clean air and shelter. Also, forests help conserve biodiversity.

Forests provide many resources such as food, medicine, fabric, and raw materials. Apart from keeping a check on the global temperature, forests also contribute towards preventing soil from getting eroded and shelters more than 80% of the animal species and terrestrial biodiversity. They also aid in improving the socioeconomic aspects of a country.

People are talking about the importance of forests more, especially in the context of climate change, which is the main reason forest conservation is thought to be essential.

However, it’s also crucial for humankind’s survival and halting biodiversity loss. As is often the case in nature, these three things are closely linked.

​​We cannot protect the earth’s biodiversity without protecting our forests. They harbor most of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity and support food security, jobs, and livelihoods for millions of people.

In this article, the following is discussed:

• What is forest conservation and why is it important?
• What are some methods of forest conservation?
• Why is forest conservation crucial for humankind’s survival?

What is forest conservation?

Forest conservation is the protection and preservation of forests. This can include:

• Planting and maintaining forested areas for the benefit and sustainability of future generations
• Preserving the forest ecosystem, including plant and animal species

“In most places of the world, forests are the last stage of the vegetation process. The ultimate goal of forest conservation should be to get as close to complete naturalness as possible: restore the primary forest’s dynamics, biological richness, and ecosystem services.” —Remy Poncet, Chief Research Officer at Single.Earth

Some examples of forest conservation are silvicultural practices that are oriented toward biodiversity conservation, creation of protected areas with participatory forest management (a sustainable land management form), and generating as much profit as possible with different cutting methods.

“Forest conservation is a broad and complex concept. Differences in the ecological state of woodlot make it impossible to identify one-size-fits-all measures and practices. Usually intact forests need to be protected from logging and no other management interventions are needed. The situation is different for a young forest that is the result of a reforestation project. Climate change is altering the conditions to which tree species are adapted, which is making the discourse on forest conservation even more complex. Is it necessary and acceptable to apply specific management interventions to relatively intact forests to help them adapt to climate change? Researchers are trying to find an answer.” —Massimiliano Sanfilippo, Senior Carbon and Natural Climate Solutions Expert at Single.Earth

According to the UN Environment Program forest conservation aims at preservation of the forest ecosystem, including species and the environmental benefits deriving from it. This makes it clear: forest conservation isn’t just about forests, but also about the biodiversity connected to it and the effect forests have on the environment all around the world.

Importance of forest conservation

Ecosystem services are a big part of why forest conservation is important. It’s amazing how much of our everyday lives and how the planet works are affected by the health of the earth’s forests. Protecting forests is crucial for keeping ecosystem services going.

In addition, forest conservation is about Indigenous peoples’ rights. Indigenous peoples have been living in forests for tens of thousands of years and there’s evidence that when Indigenous peoples’ rights to traditional lands and self-determination are respected, forests stay standing.