Dr. Syed Naseem-ul- Zafar Geelani & Dr. Bilal A Bhat
Forest is an area of land dominated by trees and worldwide hundreds of definitions of forest are used. They are Forests are indispensable to life on Earth. The Food and Agriculture Organization defines a forest as land spanning more than 0.5 hectares with trees higher than 5 meters and a canopy cover of more than 10 percent, or trees able to reach these thresholds in situ. It does not include land that is predominantly under agricultural or urban land use. Forests are distributed around the world, the dominant terrestrial ecosystem of Earth and than half of the world’s forests are found in only five countries (Brazil, Canada, China, Russian Federation and United States of America). The largest part of the forest (45 percent) is found in the tropical domain, followed by the boreal, temperate and subtropical domains. It has been reported that forests account for 75% of the gross primary production of the Earth’s biosphere, and contain 80% of the Earth’s plant biomass. Forests provide 40-50% of total land Net Primary Production (NPP). Human society and forests influence each other in both positive and negative ways. Forests provide ecosystem services to humans and serve as tourist attractions. Forestry is the art and science of managing forests, tree plantations, and related natural resources. Silviculture, a related science, involves the growing and tending of trees and forests. Modern forestry generally concerns itself with: Assisting forests to provide timber as raw material for wood products; wildlife habitat; natural water quality management; recreation; landscape and community protection; employment; aesthetically appealing landscapes; biodiversity man agement; watershed management; erosion control; and a ‘sink’ for atmospheric carbon dioxide. Many interdependent species of plants and animals dwell beneath the forest canopy; the forest soil is a home to large variety of invertebrates, bacteria and fungi which play an essential role in cycling nutrients in the soil and the forest. The reckless felling of trees is creating many problems in the surroundings so the need of the hour says that everybody should ponder seriously over this issue and stop activities that are against the welfare of forests. Everybody should actively involve themselves in prevention and creation of new forests. And situations of deforestation and over-gazing should be avoided. According to rules of Forest Department, 10 trees should be planted in exchange of cutting down one tree. Though, in last two decades only 1% trees have been planted. The survival of the rich generation of flora and fauna in the country is in danger due to exploitation of forests. Chopping down forests in hilly areas results in loosening of soil, thus the upper layer of fertile earth is eroding which is leading to uncontrolled rain and flood. India is a country which is highly dependable on its agriculture, hence, it becomes even more important for citizens to protect forests and prevent them from any ill practices. In addition to helping to respond to climate change and protect soils and water, forests hold more than three-quarters of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity, provide many products and services that contribute to socio-economic development and are particularly important for hundreds of millions of people in rural areas, including many of the world’s poorest. Forests help us in bring rainfall, reduce the effect of natural calamities, prevent Soil erosion, minimize airpollution, mitigate global warming and climate change, evergreen source of food materials, source of medicine, wood for furniture, vacation and pleasure trips. Nowadays, many forests are exploited as picnic spots.Though this may be disturbing to the nativeanimalsand people, the governments still encourage tourism revenue by offering various picnic and holiday packages to spend time amid forests, forest provide shelter to animals, forests also give access to scientific studies and research, forest provides many resources that have significant economic benefits. We mention following few reasons why forests are important and why should we protect forests from getting axed:-
(a) Supports Ecosystems, Habitats: Forests are habitats to millions of animals and support numerous ecosystems. About 90% of all earth’s species live in forests. Animals such as lizards, snakes, turtles, crocodiles, alligators, insects, birds, butterflies and monkeys among other wild animals such as lions and leopards all live in the forests or within the rivers and streams in forest areas. Therefore, these animals form their food chains in the forests by interacting with each other in their respective physical environments which creates an ecosystem. Healthy ecosystems are critical for the flourishing of the animal lives. Additionally, millions of indigenous people still live in the forests and depend on them for survival.
(b) Protects Watershed Areas: Forests act as watershed regions since, approximately all the water merely comes from forest-derived water tables and from within the rivers, lakes, and streams in forest areas. Streams and rivers running through forests are protected from sun’s radiation and drying by the forest cover. The Amazon, for instance, provides one of the largest watershed and river systems in the world. Many other forest areas around the globe also serve as significant watershed areas.
(c) Supports Biodiversity: Forests serve as reserves for the genes of biodiversity. This is because forests carry about 90% of all the earth’s species, both plants and animals, thereby making up a diversity of plant and animal life forms in the various forest habitats. Forests also support biodiversity by offering enabling environments where different plants and animals can easily thrive. Forests also support the life of some of the world’s endangered species.
(d) Purifies The Air: Forests play an important role in the purification of the atmospheric air. During the day, trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and give out oxygen. As such, they help in the purification of the air that we breathe. Forests thus serve as an instrumental tool for reducing the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses in the environment which are responsible for global warming.
“Forest protection is a collective responsibility involving governments, organizations, and individuals. Through cooperation, sustainable habits, and increased awareness, we can preserve healthy forest ecosystems for the future.”
(e) Stabilize Climate: Forests serve as climate stabilizers since trees and plants regulate atmospheric temperatures through evapotranspiration and proving environmental breeze. In urban settings, for instance, the presence of trees can reduce the dependence of air conditioners. Large forests regulate regional temperatures by absorbing the sun’s radiant heat and promote rainfall as well as cool climate as an effect of evapo-transpiration.
(f) Enrich The Soil: Plants and trees help to recycle the soil nutrients through the shedding of leaves and small branches. The plant and tree roots also break the soils in finer particles and encourage water infiltration into the soil. The roots also absorb some water from surface runoff and reduce the speed of flow, minimizing soil erosion which normally degrades the fertility of the soil.
(g) Regulates The Water Cycle: Forests also regulate the natural cycle of water evaporation and subsequent condensation and precipitation as rain. Forests make this possible by absorbing and redistributing rainwater pretty equally across the entire geographical coverage, which is mostly termed as water economy. Forests also absorb considerable amounts of water from runoff and pass it down into the aquifers, replenishing groundwater supplies.
(h) Medicinal Value: Forests are highly linked to medicinal research and pharmaceutical breakthroughs due to their extensive plant life and animal life forms. A large percentage of the drugs used for diverse medical treatments are extracted from the plants and animals that live in the forests. Forests are comprised of numerous and incredible cures including the drugs used to relieve the effects of cancers.
(i) Economic Significance: Forests are of vast economic benefits to us. For instance, plantation forests provide humans with wood and timber, which is used in construction and as raw materials for numerous products. Also, whenever tourists visit the forest areas to view the beautiful sceneries alongside the wildlife forms inhabiting the forests, the hosting nations and communities get revenue from tourism. Forests are also a source to rare animals like wild rabbits, and foods or vegetables such as berries, tubers, and edible mushrooms that grow on the forest floors.
World Forest Day, officially known as the International Day of Forests, is observed every year on March 21 across the globe. The concept of celebrating a day every year as World Forestry Day originated at the 23rd General Assembly of the European Confederation of Agriculture in 1971. The event also venerates the contribution of the forests. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests (IDF) in 2012. The Day celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests. On each International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns. The theme for each International Day of Forests is chosen by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests. The theme for year 2025 was “Forests and Foods” and for year 2026 the theme is “Forests and Economics”. It highlight how forests support global and local economies. Forests contribute to global economies through industries such as timber, paper, and non-timber forest products.Billions of people depend on forests for employment, income, and food security.World Forest Day 2026 serves as a global call to recognize, respect, and protect forests. With the theme “Forests and Economies,” this year’s observance highlights the deep connection between forests and human prosperity.In simple words, forests are not just environmental assets but they are also economic powerhouses essential for present and future generations. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the invaluable role forests play in sustaining life on Earth. In 2026, the world once again unites to celebrate forests, raise awareness about their conservation, and promote sustainable management practices.Forests are not merely collections of trees; they are complex ecosystems that support biodiversity, regulate climate, sustain livelihoods, and maintain ecological balance. As environmental challenges such as deforestation, climate change, and biodiversity loss intensify, World Forest Day becomes increasingly relevant and urgent.Every individual can contribute to forest conservation:
(i) Plant trees and participate in afforestation drives
(ii) (ii) Reduce paper and wood consumption
(iii) (iii) Support eco-friendly products
(iv) (iv) Spread awareness about forest conservation (v) Protect wildlife and natural habitats.
The responsibility to protect forests lies with all of us—governments, organizations, and individuals alike. By working together, adopting sustainable practices, and raising awareness, we can ensure that forests continue to thrive for future generations.
(Dr. Syed Naseem-ul- Zafar Geelani and Prof. & Head, Division of Social & Basic Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-K, J&K and Dr. Bilal A Bhat Professor (Statistics), Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-K, J&K. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the authors and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
[email protected]
