Forest Conservation For Better Living Conditions
There have been many issues under contention in the community, but the controversy surrounding the conservation of forests debate seems interesting. The debate has always been whether to maintain the forest cover or to allow encroachment in an effort to boost food reserves. Although both are essential for their effect on the living conditions of the community, forest conservation is an activity that should not be substituted by anything else, due to the benefits that are derived from the forests.
Forest is known for its climatic moderation effect and air purification. Although logging, especially for industrial purposes or agricultural practices is sometimes seen as a step towards solving social-economic problems, the same can be disastrous as it leads to destruction of the water catchments area that supports their very existence (Boyd, n.d). The destruction of forests has been considered by the environmentalists as the root cause of global warming, a scenario that is adversely affecting the climatic conditions currently, as many hectares of forest is being encroached.
Forest conservation helps to protect the ecological biodiversity. Forests, especially the natural cover, are known to be habitat of diverse plant species and animal habitat, both of which are vital. Some trees and herbs are well respected for their medicinal benefits, while the natural habitation of plants and animals is usually used for scientific research, not forgetting the economic benefit derived from ecotourism. Some scientists advocate for controlled forest disturbance and then allowing it to regenerate as a way of enhancing diversity and also opening up canopies to allow free movement of some large animals.
Soil conservation and flooding control is more likely to be enhanced with availability of forest cover. When forests are cleared, soil is exposed to erosion and flooding becomes a menace, while at the same time, agriculture is adversely affected. This degrades the soil cover and the consequences are food shortage and destruction of water systems. In most cases, forest degradation is necessitated by shortage of agricultural land leading to encroachment as a way of increasing the food basket. Although this may sound as good intention considering the effect on community’s living condition, the side effects are disastrous.
The conservation practice should be taken seriously as a way of saving the community from adversaries of deforestation. In addition, understanding the real impact of forests, not only to the ecosystem, but also to the lives of the community is paramount. Without favorable climate, rich soils, fresh air, adequate water and habitat for wildlife, the environment can be in horrible state where no one would like to live in, thus the need to conserve the forests.
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