YOUR alarm clock wakes you up at 6 a.m. but you choose to snooze it for another 15 minutes before eating a quick yet hearty breakfast, reading your favorite newspaper, taking a bath, getting dressed, and driving or commuting to your workplace.
Looks like an ordinary daily routine and could be something similar to what you do each day. But have you ever stopped and thought how we are able to get the things we need?
It may sound trivial to some, but most of our basic needs have forests as the direct or indirect sources.
Forests are giving us so much each day, but have we done something to reciprocate them?
It is good to note that the United Nations (UN) has declared March 21 as the International Day of Forests and the Tree, which promotes the importance of forests and trees in our lives. More than an occasion on the calendar, , the day also serves as an important event that promotes public awareness of the protection of forests.
Around the world, activities—such as photo exhibits, tree-planting and social-media campaigns—are held to increase awareness on the role of forests and trees, as well as initiate debate on the issues that surround the protection of forests.
Vital source
The chair you are sitting on now and the tissue paper you use when you go to the toilet came from forests.
The food you had this morning might have come from forests as well. More often that not, rural communities near forest areas are assured of a good food supply.
The role of forests on food security seems underrated. Forested areas are known to be ideal as habitats for a number of animals that could be consumed as food for man. Green, leafy vegetables are also a common sight in these areas. Forests cover a significant fraction of the world’s landmass. Its one-third coverage is enough to provide livelihood to more than 1.6 billion people, including indigenous cultures.
The long list of benefits from forests include provision of shelter to more than half of terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects; protection of watersheds; and maintenance of the ideal balance of oxygen, carbon dioxide and humidity in the air. Forests have always been there providing safety nets to plants and animal species. Forest areas have also become a favorite spot for travelers who are into ecotourism. If sustainably managed, forests are ecotourism sites that could bring in a strong of economic benefits.
Challenges remain
Despite the efforts and campaigns to promote the protection of forests, much still needs to be done. The goal, however, does not end in this one-day celebration.
As humans directly or indirectly contribute to carbon dioxide emissions, forests also suffer because this often leads to conversion of forest lands into other use.
For instance, UN estimates have shown that deforestation alone accounts for 12 percent to 20 percent of global greenhouse-gas emissions. These figures mean adverse effects on livelihood and food security.
This also spells threats to plants and animals, which need to coexist with humans in the world of life.
If unabated, illegal logging and deforestation could lead more people to famine and poverty and could affect billions of people, animals, and plants around the world.
Fortunately, international and intergovernmental organizations have been working to empower local communities as stewards of forests in some countries.
These communities, most of which are dependent on forests for their food and livelihoods, are also given the chance to find a way out of poverty by sustainably exploring the benefits that forests can provide.
According to lawyer Roberto V. Oliva, executive director of the Asean Centre for Biodiversity, addressing the problems concerning forests, specifically in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations region, is not just about holding exhibits, organizing public fora, or posting infographics on social media.
He said the solution to the multi-faceted problem requires the collective effort of concerned stakeholders and the willingness of those concerned to take the necessary steps.
The UN first marked the International Day of Forests on March 21, 2013, and since then has posed a great challenge to protect the forests from existing and potential harm.
Karen Lapitan / Special to the BusinessMirror