Key Points
Key Points: Importance of Forests
- Forests provide useful products such as timber, fuelwood, fruits, fibres, bamboo, paper, oils, and medicinal plants, and support many livelihoods.
- Protective functions of forests include preventing soil erosion, controlling floods, increasing soil fertility, and raising the groundwater table.
- Regulatory functions of forests help maintain climate balance by absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, and regulating the water cycle.
- Accessory functions of forests include providing habitat to wildlife, promoting biodiversity, and offering recreation and tourism through parks and sanctuaries.
- Forest conservation laws and plantation efforts help increase tree cover, act as carbon sinks, support national security, and create employment opportunities.
