The theme of the 2024 International Day of Forests is “Forests and Innovation”.
This year’s celebration calls for using innovations in science and technology to support sustainable forest management.
Our planet earth is protected by forests covering one third of the land area. Forests are needed to protect human lives and all species of flora and fauna. They give us green cover, purify water and air and are said to be our strong defence against new infectious diseases.
Forests are said to support billions of people with green jobs, food and fuel. But these benefits are getting reduced due to deforestation and forest
degradation .
Protection of forests is needed for species survival.
Unplanned and illegal logging, road construction and unauthorized grazing are said to promote forest degradation.
It was reported that in 2022 the world lost 16 million acres of forest.
Forests help to sustain climate balance. They are home to biodiversty. But, due to our greed, we see forest as a commercial tool. Hence, we exploit forest and forest resources for our selfish needs.
Governments and the citizens together need to fight the evil of deforestation and forest degradation. New scientific and innovative measures need to be adopted for this purpose alongside people being made aware of the harm done to forests.
Students could be taught about the beauty and usefulness of forests. Tree planting could be one such exercise. They could be engaged in practical things like drawing, collage making, stories, poems, speeches, skits etc.
