Forest's contributions are diverse, offering not only a plethora of timber and economic plants but also serving as a livelihood for countless individuals.
According to the Forest Resources Assessment 2020(FRA2020), forests presently cover 30.8% of the global land area, totaling 4.06 billion hectares, with a per capita forest area of approximately 0.52 hectares.
Natural forests constitute 93% of global forests, with planted forests comprising the remaining 7%. Despite a decrease in natural forest area since 1990, the expansion of planted forests has offset some losses. Primary forest loss has slowed over the past decade, with an annual rate of loss more than halving since 1990, although the world has lost 81 million hectares of primary forest since then.
Over the last three decades, the proportion of forests to total land area has decreased from 32.5% to 30.8%, equating to a reduction of about 178 million hectares, roughly the size of Libya.
As you all know, forests play a big role:
Water Conservation and Soil Maintenance: Forests act as natural sponges, mitigating soil erosion and conserving water. Often likened to "green reservoirs," forests play a crucial role in retaining rainwater, replenishing groundwater, and maintaining soil moisture levels.
Wildlife Habitat Protection: Forests provide vital habitats for diverse wildlife species, essential for their survival. Protecting forests ensures the preservation of valuable wildlife resources and biodiversity.
Water Quality Improvement and Air Purification: Forests enhance water quality by reducing runoff and filtering pollutants, while also purifying the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Increased forest cover in urban areas can mitigate the urban heat island effect and reduce noise pollution.
Despite their significance, forests often receive insufficient attention from the international community. While countries pledged to address forest issues at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992, progress has been limited.
In pursuit of global sustainable forest management, poverty eradication, ecological improvement, and sustainable development, the United Nations is spearheading efforts to establish an "International Convention on Forests." Such a convention would raise awareness about the importance of forest resources, prompting increased investment in forestry and facilitating the transfer of advanced forestry technology from developed to developing countries.
Furthermore, international legislation can regulate forestry activities, particularly logging, to conserve dwindling forest resources effectively.
To galvanize global attention towards forest protection and development, the United Nations General Assembly designated March 21 as the "International Day of Forests" on December 21, 2012. This annual observance serves as a reminder of the critical role forests play in sustaining life on Earth and underscores the urgent need for concerted global action to safeguard these invaluable natural treasures.
