A whisper from the woods

The Importance of Forests

Apr 25, 2022

An article by Francisca Gusmão & Tiago Jesus.

You might sometimes question why the Global Tree Initiative is so keen on planting trees and protecting forests.

It is a healthy question. Why trees and forests? Why not something else entirely?

Last month, on March 21, we celebrated the International Day of Forests. On that day, we shared with you a little bit about why forests matter. Let us delve a little deeper into that.

The Earth’s biosphere is of immense complexity. It is multi-layered; it is varied; it is wide. It is, furthermore, deeply interconnected.

Our planet Earth has evolved in such a way that has enabled life to happen. That is no simple task. Countless – often invisible to our eyes – processes must happen to ensure our existence in this world.

Forests play a significant role among other things, in keeping the planet’s nutrient cycle in balance. Natural forests, contrary to conventional agricultural fields and plantations, allow that cycle to feed itself by using nutrients from the soil and giving it back through dead leaves and animals. On the contrary, conventional agriculture breaks this cycle during the harvest. This often results in a barren land, where the soil has little nutrients and life left.

Healthy forests also keep the local (and global) temperatures low. It has been shown that urban forests, for instance, reduce the heat island effect*. This brings a more pleasant environment to cities. Furthermore, as our consultant, Mark Allaway, suggests in a previous article, urban forests can also filter the air and noise, improving the overall quality of life.

Most of us appreciate visiting forests and other natural sites. However, we often forget that forests are more than the greenery and bark. Most life lives underneath our feet.

Forests present a complex system of roots, rodents, insects, bacteria, and fungi which live in the soil. They communicate with one another, keeping the soil – and the forest – alive. This incredible biodiversity allows for the soil to remain rich and moist. This makes the entire ecosystem more resilient to change.

As Mark suggested in his article about the Miyawaki method, “a multi-layered approach to the structure of any forest is especially important.” A multi-layered and biodiverse forest has the characteristics we require to prevent further consequences from climate change.

Having said this, what do you think? We would love to hear your personal stories about the importance of protecting and restoring forests.

 

*The heat island effect is a phenomenon whereby big urban centres show significantly elevated temperatures when compared to the surrounding areas.

[mage courtesy of Sippakorn Yamkasikorn from Pexels]

Please share this. Thank you!

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Other blog posts

Traveling with Trees, January 2025

Coconut palms (Cocos nucifera) are tropical trees widely grown in coastal and warm regions around the world. They are known for their economic and ecological importance.

Food for Thought, November 2024

I’d like that to be the takeaway – what we eat matters! And how we eat it, too!

Traveling with Trees, November 2024

On Palm Beach Island in the State of Florida (USA), near the Flagler Museum, an impressive kapok tree stands as one of the island’s most enduring natural landmarks, estimated to be about 186 years old.

Community Blog, October 2024

Every individual action matters, and we can all make a difference. It’s important to support sustainable, local products whenever possible. There are even apps that rate the sustainability and eco-friendliness of the brands we choose. Palm oil production has had devastating effects on wildlife, yet many popular brands still use unsustainable palm oil. A simple step you can take today is to remind yourself to shop consciously. 

Community Blog, October 2024

The theme for this year’s World Food Day is “Right to foods for a better life and a better future”. The term “foods” stands for diversity, nutrition, affordability, and safety. The idea is that a greater diversity of nutritious foods should be available for everyone so that every single citizen has the chance to lead a balanced and nutritious life.

Food For Thought, October 2024

Do not forget that your path towards a plant-based diet will necessarily be different than that of the person next to you, and that’s okay! Respect your rhythm, respect yourself and keep it up!

The path to plant based diet

I made a decision to stop eating meat and adopt a predominantly plant-based diet after listening to a talk on veganism at the Habit Alignment Key (HAK) retreat in Bendigo, Australia, in 2023.

Traveling with Trees, September 2024

The Baobab Tree in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe is incredible! You are literally traveling back in time thinking of this tree’s history.

Food For Thought, September 2024

As a bread maker, I am often asked if I sell gluten-free (GF) bread and other baked goods. In fact, this is becoming increasingly common. It is my personal experience – through my work – that more and more people are restricting gluten consumption or setting it aside altogether.

Celebrating Youth Impact Through Tree Planting: A Collaborative Success Story

International Youth Day, celebrated each year on August 12th, is a powerful reminder of the incredible potential young people have to shape a greener, more sustainable future. 

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our newsletter. Stay tuned to all our news. There is more to come.

You have Successfully Subscribed!