Question

Why there is emphasis on increasing the forest cover?

Answer 1

1. Climate-change mitigation: Trees remove and store carbon dioxide, so afforestation/forest restoration is a core strategy to reduce atmospheric CO₂ and slow global warming.
2. Biodiversity and habitat: Forests are irreplaceable breeding grounds and homes for huge numbers of plants and animals; preserving/increasing forest cover protects ecosystems and species.
3. Water cycle and local climate regulation: Vegetation returns moisture to the atmosphere (transpiration), supports rainfall patterns, and helps stabilize local climates and river flows. Protecting/regrowing forests helps reduce drought risk and maintain water resources.
4. Soil conservation and erosion control: Tree cover stabilizes soil, reduces runoff and erosion, and improves soil moisture/health; loss of vegetation speeds erosion and desertification.
5. Coastal and extreme-event protection: Coastal forests and mangroves buffer storm surge, protect shorelines and fisheries, reducing damage from floods and storms.
6. Air quality, oxygen, and human health: Plants help clean the air and contribute to the oxygen/air-cycle balance that supports life and reduces some health risks.
7. Livelihoods and services: Forests supply timber, fuel, non-timber products, cultural/recreational benefits, and support many local economies (so they have social and economic value as well).