Write a note on functions of forests.
Answers
Answer:
The forest performs a great number of functions, both as a natural formation and as a product of skilful human activity, when nature is harnessed to fulfil people's own needs. The value of particular functions of the forest is limited - an increase of one may occur at the expense of others. At the same time, many roles are either co-dependent or linked together and they change in time and space. The forest has three major functions:
1. Protective function - the forest has a stabilising effect onthe natural environment (water circulation, precipitation, aircirculation, temperature, global and micro-climate, soil erosion prevention). It creates the conditions sustaining biodiversity and enhances the conditions of agricultural production.
2. Productive function - timber is obviously a basic raw material coming from the forest and should be sourced carefully not to threaten its existence. Currently, timber has more than 30,000 applications worldwide. Other products that people harvest in the forest are: forest fruit, mushrooms, many species of herbs used in medicine and the meat of game animals.
3. Social function - the forest creates the environment favourable to the health and recreation of society, enhances the labour market, strengthens national defence, improves environmental awareness and culture of society. It is extremely difficult to measure the economic value of the non-productive functions of the forest, which is reflected by major discrepancies between different estimates. However, it is generally agreed that their aggregate value considerably exceeds the value of the productive function.
Answer:
The forest has three major functions: 1. Protective function - the forest has a stabilising effect onthe natural environment (water circulation, precipitation, aircirculation, temperature, global and micro-climate, soil erosion prevention).
Explanation: