1 min
Have you ever experienced the strong connection and tranquility in walking around in the forest? It is beyond what could be described in written words. Working in the rural communities will make one appreciate nature more, from the calmness of the soul to the numerous resources nature gives.
Although many people living in the rural areas depend on farming as a means of livelihood, it doesn't provide all their numerous daily needs. Thus, they depend on nature and its resources for survival. In many cases, the trees are converted to fuel and wood, rivers or springs are sources of water for domestic use and wild animals as a source of protein amongst others. However, due to the increasing population and urbanisation, the demand for these forest resources is becoming alarming and without control, we might completely lose its main relevance of ecosystem balancing.
The importance of forests is beyond just the trees and animals. It acts as a safety net during times of food or income scarcity and ensuring its sustainability is of utmost importance. Thus, there is a need for more sensitisation and awareness on sustainable forest management and active engagement of local communities to reduce forest degradation and overuse of its resources. Furthermore, we need to promote initiatives that help maintain or enhance forest biodiversity, productivity, and regeneration capacity. This includes harvesting timber and non-timber products within a threshold level that does not deplete the resource base for future usage. Asides this, other activities are reforestation, selective harvesting, thinning of unhealthy or crowded trees and adequate measures for pest, disease and wildfire prevention amongst others.
Also, sustainable forest management practices must provide alternative livelihoods that are more attractive than destructive practices. This involves supporting diversification into high-value, non-timber forest products and developing market access for these products. Notably, when sufficient income is generated from living forests, the economic incentives to preserve the resources are strengthened, balancing the short-term reason of conversion for agriculture or unsustainable logging. Finally, to create a supportive framework, strong institutions and policies at local and national levels are needed to promote training, capacity building, and appropriate incentives that favor long-term, sustainable use over short-term exploitation.
In conclusion, Forests are our shared heritage, vital for climate, biodiversity and life. Therefore, transitioning from unsustainable exploitation to responsible stewardship through sustainable forest management is a necessity for securing the health, stability, and prosperity of all future generations. This is our legacy and it has to be preserved! It begins NOW.
Yours-in-Service
Babatunde
The importance of forests is beyond just the trees and animals. It acts as a safety net during times of food or income scarcity and ensuring its sustainability is of utmost importance. Thus, there is a need for more sensitisation and awareness on sustainable forest management and active engagement of local communities to reduce forest degradation and overuse of its resources. Furthermore, we need to promote initiatives that help maintain or enhance forest biodiversity, productivity, and regeneration capacity. This includes harvesting timber and non-timber products within a threshold level that does not deplete the resource base for future usage. Asides this, other activities are reforestation, selective harvesting, thinning of unhealthy or crowded trees and adequate measures for pest, disease and wildfire prevention amongst others.
Also, sustainable forest management practices must provide alternative livelihoods that are more attractive than destructive practices. This involves supporting diversification into high-value, non-timber forest products and developing market access for these products. Notably, when sufficient income is generated from living forests, the economic incentives to preserve the resources are strengthened, balancing the short-term reason of conversion for agriculture or unsustainable logging. Finally, to create a supportive framework, strong institutions and policies at local and national levels are needed to promote training, capacity building, and appropriate incentives that favor long-term, sustainable use over short-term exploitation.
In conclusion, Forests are our shared heritage, vital for climate, biodiversity and life. Therefore, transitioning from unsustainable exploitation to responsible stewardship through sustainable forest management is a necessity for securing the health, stability, and prosperity of all future generations. This is our legacy and it has to be preserved! It begins NOW.
Yours-in-Service
Babatunde
Related