forest important for our earth

Forests and trees are a crucial part of life on Earth—from maintaining biodiversity and cleaning the air and water, to providing basic human needs and contributing to culture and recreation.

• It is estimated that over 1.6 billion people worldwide depend directly on forests for their livelihoods, including for food, clothing, shelter and traditional medicine.

• Forest industries employ 60 million people worldwide. Approximately 300 Canadian communities rely on forests for at least 50% of their economy.

• Forests are an important source of raw materials. The rural poor depend on forest products to meet their basic needs. For instance, almost three billion people worldwide depend on wood for fuel for heating and cooking. Industries use forests to provide both timber and non-timber products. Timber products comprise lumber (used to make construction materials and furniture), pulp and paper, and other wood-based products.

• Non-timber forest products (NTFPs), such as berries, medicinal herbs, saps and oils are also an important part of the forestry industry. For instance, natural forest products are the only source of medicine for 75% to 90% of people in developing countries. Edible products, such as berries, nuts, seeds, mushrooms and edible flowers help support many communities’ diets, while saps are used in a range of products, from maple syrup to rubber.

• Trees help to conserve energy by providing shade in the summer. They also serve as a shelter from the wind in the winter.

• Tree roots play an important role in holding soil together and preventing it from being eroded (washed away) by wind or rain. In tropical countries, poorly managed forests lead to soil erosion, which accounts for losses of approximately 10% of agricultural gross domestic product each year.

• Forests also play an important role in purifying our water. Having well managed forested areas helps reduce storm runoff (water that cannot be absorbed by soil), which helps keep local water bodies clean from pesticides, fertilizers and other pollutants.10 In fact, many protected forest areas are managed specifically with the goal of maintaining their watershed protection.

• The fact that forests are so important to our day-to-day lives and to the ongoing functioning of the global ecosystem is reflected in the importance forests and trees hold in virtually all cultures. In many religions, for example, trees are considered sacred or are important parts of local lore and mythology.