World Forest Day 2014

Article by: Jeannette Victor

                        Forestry Department

Birds sing their lovely melody, a cool fresh breeze embraces your body and mind, makes you feel refreshed, tranquil! What a wonderful experience you are graced with in the forest. But many may ask, what is a forest?

Millet Rainforest

A forest is a densely vegetated piece of land where a variety of living things; trees, wildlife, shrubs, ferns, mosses and lichens occur naturally. This area can provide a range of goods and services to human beings. However, it is continually being destroyed by the same people that it benefits. Thus it was deemed necessary by the United Nation Food and Agriculture Organization that every year March 21 be designated as World Forest Day. 

  

The importance of the forest is usually disregarded. The forest is home to

Amazona versicolor

many species of plants and animals which includes our national bird, Jacquot. The trees are converted into timber and used to build homes, furniture and other wood products. The rivers that we rely on for a steady supply of water all originate from the mountainous forested areas of the island interior.

Very dense leaf litter formed by fallen leaves act as a barrier to reduce the impact of raindrops which cause soil erosion, while the roots bind the soil to prevent land slippage. The trees filter the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen as a by-product of photosynthesis. This also regulates the atmosphere’s temperature and plays a vital role in climate control. The forest can also be used for studies by scientists as they carry out research in many areas including on the cure for many diseases.

Tree planting, Monchy

Many activities are being held to commemorate the importance of this significant natural resource. These include sharing information on the benefits that we stand to gain through forest conservation, tree planting activities - done to replace lost forest which due to natural disasters or deforestation. 

  

Make a wise decision today and help in conserving our forest, as the benefits are unlimited. Remember; take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time when enjoying our forest reserve.