The Concept of Forest Conservation
The forest is one of nature's priceless gifts to humanity. Aside from derived socio-ecological benefits, forests provide multi-faroius socio-economic benefits. Thus forest conservation is very important.Forest conservation is premised on the principle that forests are renewable resources which can be utilized to promote the country's progress while ensuring its productivity over the years. This means that the use of forest must be done without impairing its production capability. Forest conservation therefore is the intelligent development, management, protection, and proper utilization of forest lands and other forest resources.
Forest conservation can bring the following benefits;
- Maximum economic returns from forest without depleting its timber and other resources.
- Higher forest productivity including proper utilization of water, soil, and mineral resources.
- Continuous and adequate supply of forest products for daily human needs and for industries.
- Better and permanent homes for wildlife.
- A healthier environment for humans.
- A more balanced ecosystem.
Forests conservation helps minimize soil erosion or excessive washing away of soil. This is especially true during the rainy season because the forest canopy reduces the impact of raindrops on the soil by intercepting much of the rainwater. The roots of trees also penetrate deeply and hold the soil mechanically while forest vegetation serves as obstruction to water running on the soil surface.
Conservation of forest also increases soil fertility. Soil that accumulates organic matter has more nutrients and is therefore more fertile. When leaves, branches, and twigs fall to the ground, decomposition takes place. Organic matter is produced and mixed into the soil forming humus layer. The forest floor becomes more fertile, more productive, and more conducive for conservation of wildlife.
Forest conservation leads to continuous socio-economic benefits which are said to be multifarious, readily recognized, and quantified. Forest is the main source of wood products like logs, poles, piles, and posts. Mechanically-derived wood products are also obtained from the forest. These include lumber, veneer, wood composition board, fiber board, furnitures, plywood, pulp, paper, fixtures, and cabinets.
Forests also serve as the main source of non-wood products. Tree exudents such as resins, gums and rubber, tannin, dyes, essential oils, and fibers come from various forest trees. Non-timber products and minor forest products can also be derived from the forest. These include bamboo, palms, vines, herbs, shrubs, ferns and orchids.
Different Approaches to Forest Coservation
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