What are the benefits of social forestry?
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Benefits of Social Forestry
1. Increased Biodiversity
Growing of trees in barren lands within the community helps to increase biodiversity value. As trees grow larger, the nature of the habitat will change. Well managed forests encourage biodiversity as they offer habitation for various animals, plants, shrubs, insects, and birds among others. In nature, wherever there are trees, other plants and wildlife follow.
In social forestry, trees and associated plants become the source of food and shelter for a variety of small animals and birds. Furthermore, mature trees create an environment that encourages the growth of other plants that would otherwise not be existent thereby increasing food varieties for animals and the local people.
2. Carbon removal – trees act as carbon sinks!
In the fight against the global warming effect, trees play an essential role in the removal of carbon from the environment. Trees use carbon dioxide when growing and thus, removing it from the environment.
Social forestry is seen as the best way to reduce carbon dioxide in urban settings. Trees’ energy-saving effect also indirectly lowers carbon dioxide emissions by reducing the demand for power.
It is estimated that planting of 100 million trees would help save 22 billion kilowatt-hours and about 33 million tons of carbon dioxide annually after ten years according to a 1990 study by Akbari and others.
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However, it is worth noting that the actual amount of carbon dioxide removed from the air depends on the types of trees and vegetation in the forest.
On its own, a mature Bradford pear can store up to 306 kg of carbon dioxide in its aboveground biomass. Trees help to reduce carbon dioxide by acting as a carbon dioxide sink and by reducing energy use. Neighborhoods well covered with trees can be up to 6 to 10 degrees cooler than areas without tree cover.
3. Soil conservation
Another critical benefit of social forestry is soil conservation. Communities that embrace social forestry enjoy significant benefits in terms of improved agricultural activities. Tree roots prevent soil erosion by holding soil in place, mitigating the negative effects of soil erosion.
In a medium-sized city, planting trees in parks and along paths and roads can help save up to 10. 886 tons of soil annually. It is also worth noting that trees reduce soil erosion by reducing the impact of raindrops on barren surfaces.
Decaying tree leaves also help form an organic layer on the ground that makes the soil rich while also allowing water to percolate into the soil, reducing the likeliness of runoff and soil erosion.
They also act as mulch reducing evaporation. Roots also reduce soil compaction, increasing the rate at which rainfall infiltrates soil as well as the capacity of soil to store water, reducing the likeliness of overland flow.
of overland flow.
4. Health benefits
The effects of trees and nature on human health are well researched. Trees and nature are natural remedies for stress and anxiety. When people are stressed, they usually take a walk in the parks and other nature trails for the calming effect.
Therefore, bringing trees to human habitats can contribute to better health and improved general wellbeing. It is also becoming common to find hospitals growing trees due to the healing effect of trees.
Studies have shown that hospital patients with a view of trees outside their windows can help them recover faster and with fewer complications.
Trees also absorb tailpipe pollutants that can have a negative effect on people’s health such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter. Traditionally, trees and forests have been a source of medicinal value for communities around the forest.