Forest resources

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Forest resources are the various kinds of resources that woods provide, such as wood, timber, bushmeat, medicines, etc. A forest is an extensive area of land covered in a dense growth of trees and other vegetation. An ecosystem is a group of plants and animals that interact with their surroundings and with one another. The science that deals with understanding, protecting, and maintaining forests is called forestry.

On Earth, forests make up the majority of the terrestrial biosphere. The world's woods are found in just five countries: the United States of America, Brazil, China, Canada, and the Russian Federation. Forest cover is greatest in the tropical latitudes (45%), with the boreal, temperate, and subtropical zones following.

The planet's life is significantly impacted by forests. In addition to safeguarding a wide variety of species, it also helps the climate. Forests therefore have a variety of uses. For many reasons, forests are vital. It's important from an ecological, cultural, and economic standpoint.

Tropical Evergreen Forests

• Moist Evergreen Forests
• Semi-Evergreen Forests
• Dry evergreen

Tropical Deciduous Forests (Monsoon Forests)

• Moist Deciduous Forests
• Dry Deciduous Forests

Thorn Forests

Montane Forests

• Montane Wet Temperate Forests
• Montane Subtropical Forests:
• Himalayan Forests
• Himalayan Dry Temperate
• Alpine and Subalpine Forests

Littoral/Swamp Forests

Economic Significance

Numerous industries, such as those that deal with lumber, processed wood, paper, rubber, fruits, etc., rely on forests. Food, fodder, lumber, rubber, latex, flavorings, dyes, incense, lubricants, and a variety of other goods and services are all provided by forests. The potential for sustainable acquisition of many of these materials raises the forest's long-term resource worth.

The biodiversity of forests has significant economic significance. Medications and pesticides, among other life-sustaining items, depend on the forest's rich flora and animals. Forests are valuable economically because they contribute to environmental stabilization. For instance, woods that stop soil erosion may reduce erosion control expenses.

The Ecological Significance of Forest Resources

Humans directly benefit from environmental processes known as forest ecological services. Watershed protection, biodiversity conservation, and carbon storage and absorption are examples of essential ecological services. By photosynthesis, plants take in carbon from the atmosphere and release oxygen back into the surrounding air. Forests therefore lower and retain carbon in the atmosphere. This keeps the world habitable for life.

Hydrological processes are significantly impacted by forests as well. Large-capacity forests have the ability to absorb and retain a lot of water, which allows them to occasionally transform erratic precipitation into more regular water flow from catchment areas. Therefore, the likelihood of floods from severe weather and rainfall may be decreased if there are trees nearby.

Because they serve as a home for various species, forests are crucial for biodiversity. Some of the planet's most biodiverse ecosystems can be found in forests. Ninety percent of threatened and endangered species are thought to have habitat thanks to them. For instance, some 5,700 vascular plant species, including 300 tree species, can be found in the woods of Bangladesh.

The socio-cultural significance of forest resources

Throughout the world, millions of people live in forests, and many of them depend on them for survival. In addition, a lot of people have deep spiritual and cultural connections to the woodlands. Due to their deep ancestry and relationship with forests, many indigenous people are knowledgeable on how to preserve and utilize forest resources. For instance, woodcutters and beekeepers in the Sundarbans have created customary cultural norms for the usage of resources. They guarantee that no bee pupa is ever killed.

Important Information about Forest Resources for UPSC

Forests are included in the Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution (Seventh Schedule).

The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 transferred forests and the preservation of wild animals and birds from the State to the Concurrent List.

Article 51 A (g) of the Constitution states that every person has a fundamental duty to protect and improve the natural environment, especially forests and wildlife.

Article 48 A of the Directive Principles of State Policy mandates that the State protect the environment, the country's forests, and its wildlife.

India's woods are currently governed by the National Forest Policy, 1988, which places a strong emphasis on environmental harmony and subsistence