International Day of Forests

Forests and Innovation:
New Solutions for a Better World.

Walking in the woods, along the trails, and being part of nature. Sure, many of us romanticise forests and nature. No wonder forests are called the “Lungs of the Earth”. In 2012, the UN declared March 21 to be observed as the “International Day of Forests”. Forests cover about one-third of the world’s land mass. Brazil, Canada, China, Russia, and the US have over half of the world’s forests, with Russia alone having one-fifth of the global forest cover. India’s total forest and tree cover stands at 24.92%. Year after year, the growth has been positive. India is trying to integrate climate change mitigation measures into forest management practices. Planting trees does not always lead to the restoration of forests. The continued planting of exotic trees and non-native species risks new invasive species. In his poem, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”, Robert Frost says, “The woods are lovely, dark and deep,  But I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep”. The current situation of forests prompts us to tweak this by asking: When I return after keeping my promises, will the forests remain? Humanity has promises to keep ensuring that forests are preserved. No doubt we have miles to go before we keep the promise.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Robert Frost

Walking in the woods, along the trails, and being part of nature. Sure, many of us romanticise forests and nature. For some, it is therapy; for some, it is a mode of recharging their energies. No wonder forests are called the “Lungs of the Earth”. In 2012, the UN declared March 21 as the “International Day of Forests” to celebrate the forests and enhance awareness of the importance of preserving them. The first UN observation started in 2013. Before the UN’s endorsement, the observation of World Forestry Day began in 1971. It is the initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization, which urged the member nations to observe the day on March 21 every year.

Through the forests, our earth breathes.

Forests play an essential role in preventing soil erosion and nurturing it. Plants absorb carbon dioxide, so forests act as significant carbon sinks. They are home to millions of species. They also serve as aqueducts. Sustainably managed forests provide raw materials for multiple uses. Deforestation leads to enhanced greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.

Forests cover about one-third of the world’s land mass. 80% of the biodiversity is in the forests, and 1.6 billion people (many indigenous cultures) depend on forests for their livelihood. Five countries (Brazil, Canada, China, Russia and the United States) have over half of the world’s forests. One-fifth of the global forest cover is in Russia.   Each year, millions of hectares of forests are lost.

Land use change and deforestation have led to new diseases (>30%) reported since 1960. It has started impacting food security, water availability, and the humanities’ survival. Healthy forests also work as a buffer and limit the spread of zoonotic infectious diseases. The battle against deforestation requires new technological advancements. Sustainable methods to manage forests are essential to meeting the 2030 global goals.  

The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.

John Muir

India has made significant strides in afforestation and forest restoration as part of its climate goals. Year after year, the growth has been positive. As per the latest Forest Survey of India report assessment, India’s total forest and tree cover is 24.62%. 17 Indian states have a forest cover of over 33%. Madhya Pradesh has the highest forest cover by area, followed by Arunachal Pradesh. Mizoram has the highest forest cover in terms of percentage of total geographical area. Year after year, the growth has been positive. Like the Green India Mission, forest conservation effortsstarted showing positive results. India is trying to integrate climate change mitigation measures into forest management practices in the draft of the National Forest Policy.  

Planting trees does not always lead to the restoration of forests.

Planting trees does not always lead to the restoration of forests. The continued planting of exotic trees and non-native species risks new invasive species. Well-known examples are Eucalyptus plantations and the destruction of native oak trees by pine. There are success stories, too, in the Gadchiroli district of central India and the Kachchh grasslands of western India communities. Sustainable planting and removing the invasive species have led to restoration success. Benefits to local communities and the environment should be the success of afforestation measures. Historical accounts of the movements to preserve the forests indicate the involvement of local communities like the Chipko movement in the 70’s.

I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.

Henry David Thoreau

In his poem, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”, Robert Frost says, “The woods are lovely, dark and deep,  But I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep”. The current situation of forests prompts us to tweak this by asking: When I return after keeping my promises, will the forests remain? Humanity has promises to keep ensuring that forests are preserved. No doubt we have miles to go before we keep the promise.

Forests are the treasures of nature
that humanity has inherited,
and it is the duty of all to protect them.

Toons: Reema   
Logs: M Sai Baba              
ToonLogs