There are three conflicting aspects of forest resource: conservation measures, development activities, and lives of local community. How can we balance these conflicting interests and aim towards sustainability?
Answers
Forest conservation as the name suggests is the preservation and the protection of forests. It also involves the reversal of deforestation and environmental pollution. The preservation of all natural resources is absolutely essential for the balance of our ecosystem.
Importance of Forests
Let us take a look at why forests are so very important to us and our environment. We are basically dependent on forests for our survival. And so their conservation is of essential importance.
The most important function of forests is that it produces mass amounts of oxygen as a by-product of photosynthesis. Oxygen is the main respiratory gas for all animals, it ensures our survival.
And while photosynthesis, trees also absorb carbon dioxide from the air. This is one of the main pollutants of air pollution. Hence forests also reduce air pollution.
Forests also prevent soil erosion and keep soil pollution in check. Deforestation, in fact, leads to soil erosion on a large scale since the topsoil comes loose.
Forests also play an important part in the water cycle and control moisture levels of our ecosystem.
And finally, forests are the natural home and habitat for millions of species of animals, birds, and insects.
Ways to Conserve the Forest
Controlled Deforestation
While deforestation cannot be avoided completely, we must look to control it. Young and immature trees should not be felled as far as possible. We must look to avoid large-scale commercial deforestation as well. Adapting practices such as clear-cutting or selective cutting will be beneficial in the long run.
Protect against Forest Fires
Forest fires are the most common and deadly cause of loss of forests. They can start due to natural causes or can be accidents caused by man or even intentional in some cases. Once a fire spreads in a forest it is very difficult to control. Precautions must be taken for such incidents. Making fire lanes, spreading chemicals to control fire, clearing out dry leaves and trees etc.
Afforestation
This is the process by which we plant more trees in the area. We try to increase the forest cover by manual transplantation, or fresh plantation of trees. It is an attempt to balance our ecosystem to reduce the effects of deforestation and environmental pollutions of all types.
Better Farming Practices
Slash and burn farming, overgrazing by cattle, shifting agriculture are all farming practices that are harmful to the environment and particularly to forests. We must keep all these practices under control.
Jhoom farming is one such practice we can employ to combat forest pollution. In the North-east areas of India, where the land is kept barren after cutting the crops. Weeds and creepers and wild plants grow on this land and make it fertile again in time. And then the land is cultivated again
Solved Question for You
Q: Write a small note on the Forest Conservation Act 1980.
Ans: India had a commercial deforestation problem, Forest covers were fast disappearing. So the government introduced the Forest Conservation Act 1980. The act helps conserve forests and protects forest land. It restricts the use of forest land for commercial purposes without a thorough regulation process.
Answer:
The concept of sustainable development is based on three main elements: uniform economic growth, protection and preservation of the environment, and respect and improvement of social and human rights