Human beings have been cutting down forests to cultivate the land and graze livestock since the dawn of civilization. Even today, widespread deforestation occurs in many countries around the world for many reasons like agricultural expansion, industrialization, urbanization, mining activities, harvesting wood from the forests for domestic fuel, and implementing infrastructure projects. Unfortunately, the large-scale destruction of forest areas is endangering the Earth’s delicate ecosystem. This has led to massive soil erosion, land desertification, drought, wildlife extinction, low agricultural productivity, and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. If the present trend of deforestation in many parts of the world continues, it will threaten the survival of the human race.
What is the definition of reforestation, and why is it important?
People need to start to change their consumerist attitude and learn to lead sustainable lifestyles. Then only can they reduce their carbon footprints and save the Earth’s fragile ecosystem for future generations. To do so, they need to have a clear understanding of what is the definition of reforestation?
Reforestation refers to the process of re-planting tree saplings in different parts of the world where there has been large-scale felling of trees. It is an intentional movement to reverse the effect of large-scale deforestation by re-growing lost vegetation. Over time, the saplings will grow to create abundant forest areas capable of sustaining human, plant, and animal life.
Importance of reforestation in preserving the Earth’s delicate ecosystem
For people to understand the importance of reforestation, they need to know the role trees play in preserving the Earth’s ecosystem. The re-planting of new tree saplings to revive vast forest regions around the world helps to:
- Avert desertification, and large-scale erosion of the fertile soil farmers depend on to grow crops,
- Safeguard agricultural fields and urban buildings from the adverse effects of strong gale winds,
- Fortify river banks and shorelines to stabilize coastal areas,
- Provide a natural habitat for many species of wildlife and rare plants,
- Improve the quality of air human beings breathe by reducing greenhouse gas emission levels, and
- Prevent sudden climate change resulting from global warming.
What are the economic benefits of carrying out large-scale reforestation projects?
Incorporating and implementing reforestation programs in their strategic business policies provide certain companies within the timber industries with high-quality products. These are normally in the form of wood pulp and timber. These enterprises can then sell their merchandise to paper businesses and furniture makers at lucrative prices. The corporations even create employment opportunities for people whose livelihood is dependent on the forest. Even the governments are willing to offer them tax incentives to encourage them to implement and expand their reforestation programs.
Moreover, many villagers living in forests often set up small-scale cottage industries where they make unique wood-made handicrafts. They can then sell their products to suitable buyers in the domestic and international market to gain economic independence. This proves that reforestation helps to strengthen a country’s economy.
People need to know what is the definition of reforestation for preserving the Earth’s distinctive ecosystem. Otherwise, they will continue to destroy large forest areas and make the planet uninhabitable for all life forms. In doing so, they are not only endangering other wildlife species but their own survival as well.