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World Forest Day
Forests are the lungs of the earth. They not only provide us with oxygen, but also maintain climate balance, protect biodiversity and are the basis of livelihood for crores of people. Forests are extremely essential for the survival and development of human life, yet in the modern era, due to rapid urbanization, industrialization and agricultural expansion, forests are being destroyed. Understanding the seriousness of this problem, the United Nations General Assembly decided to celebrate March 21 every year as 'International Day of Forests' in the year 2012. The purpose of World Forest Day is to spread awareness among people about the importance of forests and encourage global efforts to conserve them.
Establishment and objectives of International Forest Day
The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution on 28 November 2012 and declared March 21 as 'International Day of Forests'. For the first time World Forest Day was celebrated on 21 March 2013. It is organized under the leadership of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The main objective of 'International Day of Forests' is:
- Emphasize the need for conservation of forests,
- Underline the role of forests in climate change, biodiversity and sustainable development,
- Inspire people to plant trees and conserve forests.
Importance of forests
Forests are connected to every aspect of our life. Their utility can be understood from the following points:
1. Natural oxygen plants: Forests absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and emit oxygen. An adult tree can produce about 120 kg of oxygen in a year, which meets the breathing requirement of two people for the whole year.
2. Climate balance: Forests are helpful in controlling temperature, bringing rain and maintaining a balanced environment. They protect the earth from heating and reduce the intensity of natural disasters.
3. Conservation of biodiversity: Forests are home to 80% of terrestrial species found on earth. It is a safe habitat for wild animals, birds, insects, bacteria, etc.
4. Soil and water conservation: The roots of forests bind the soil, which prevents erosion and reduces the possibility of floods. Apart from this, forests maintain the underground water level.
5. Economic benefits: Crores of people earn their livelihood from wood, herbs, fruits, flowers, rubber, gum, and other forest products. Millions of tribal communities of India are directly dependent on forests.
6. Human health and spiritual balance: Living in forests provides mental peace. Many medical researches have proved that the greenery of trees, chirping of birds and natural environment relieves mental stress.
Condition of forests at present
The area of forests is decreasing rapidly globally. According to FAO, about 1.1 crore hectares of forests are destroyed every year. This area is almost as much as the United Kingdom.
This problem is also worrisome in India. Although according to government data, about 24% of the total geographical area is covered by forests, the actual dense forests are very less.
Main reasons for forest loss
- Illegal felling (Deforestation)
- Agricultural expansion
- Unscientific mining
- Urbanization and industrialization
- Arson and environmental negligence
Climate change and the role of forests
Today the world is facing serious problems like global warming and climate change. The earth's temperature is increasing due to the emission of gases like carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide. Forests help in cooling the atmosphere by absorbing these gases. They are also called "carbon sinks".
If we want to deal with the climate crisis, then conservation of forests is essential. By stopping deforestation and promoting tree plantation, we can balance the environment.
Measures for forest conservation
1. Strict adherence to laws: To stop illegal felling of forests, laws made by the government like 'Indian Forest Act', 'Forest Rights Act' etc. have to be implemented effectively.
2. Community participation: It is very important to make local communities partners in forest conservation. If people consider forests as their property, then its conservation will be natural.
3. Education in schools and colleges: Children should be made sensitive towards nature from the beginning by including the importance of forests in the curriculum.
4. Natural farming and sustainable agriculture: Indiscriminate felling of forests for farming has to be stopped. For this, natural and organic farming should be encouraged.
5. Reforestation and tree plantation: Reforestation should be given priority instead of deforestation. A policy of planting at least 10 trees for cutting one tree should be adopted.
Our Role – As Citizens
Forest conservation is not the responsibility of only government or global organizations. Every citizen has to contribute towards it. We can contribute in the following ways:
- Planting trees in your home or locality
- Reducing the use of plastic so that forests can be saved from pollution
- Limiting the use of wood-based products
- Keeping forests clean and preventing arson
- Staying away from activities that harm wildlife
India and Forest Policy
The Government of India has launched many schemes for the conservation and promotion of forests such as:
- National Forest Policy (1988)
- CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority)
- Van Mahotsav
- Namami Gange, Green India Mission etc.
The objective of these schemes is to promote tree plantation, improve the quality of forests and ensure public participation.
Final Thoughts
Forests are not just greenery, they are linked to our culture, health, economy and survival. If we do not protect forests today, future generations will be deprived of pure air, clean water and diversity of life.
International Forest Day is not only a day of awareness, but also a day to take a pledge—that we will save forests, plant trees and try to live in harmony with nature.
Let us all take this pledge together:
"Connect with nature, light the lamp of greenery,
Do not cut forests, make them a blessing of life."