June 21, 2011
"My people, what have I done to you? How have I not loved you? Come on, answer me," seems to be the groaning cry of my beloved brother ‘forest’, a cry unheard for decades together.
Our planet is a gem of creation and magnificent masterpiece of the Almighty, sustaining millions of life forms. Don’t we remember the days in our childhood when we marveled at the crow flying high, the dog barking, the cow mooing, the butter fly dancing? Didn’t we enjoy picnics to hilly places and waterfalls? Then why are we inhuman now as educated citizens?
This year is being celebrated as the International year of Forests. Last year was dedicated by the International community to reflect on conservation of biodiversity. Forests represent to us life forms of all kinds on this earth. It is an integral part of our economical, ecological and socio-cultural wellbeing.
Economically, food, clothing, shelter, fuel, medicines are the products of forests. They also provide scope for mining, fossils and petroleum products.
Ecologically and socio-culturally, the great biodiversity on our planet is the result of 3.5 billion years of evolution. They also have recreational, cultural and aesthetic value. The forests have applied themselves all these years to cleaning up toxic fumes found in the air and regulating carbon dioxide thus purifying the natural system. Most significant is their production of oxygen for all life forms to exist. Isn’t it a thankless service?
Forests are our natural richness (Bundle of Gifts). But unfortunately in the context of global economic development, richness today is equated with money not with diversity of life around. In the era of pollution and degradation, the richness of forests is depleted to the maximum. For our politicians and the mining ministry, the richness of the forest lies beneath it.
About 90% of the world gets medicines from 20 plant species to manufacture 121 prescriptive drugs.70% of the cancer drugs are obtained from rain forests.
Today when all have opened their eyes to developing eco friendliness as a way of living, it’s high time we remember and thank God for the forest which is a treasure helping each of us directly or indirectly. We need to convince the government that protecting forests is economical than destroying it for accumulating ore.
India’s Role
Indians have a great role to play in fostering the protection of forests. Indian forests cover 19.27% of the entire geographical area on our planet. No other country on our planet has a wide variety in forest cover like us. Research scholars like H R Champion and S K Seth have confirmed that sixteen major types of forests are found in India. We have Hot deserts in the north (Rajasthan), Tropical Rain forests in the south (Western Ghats & in Andaman and Nicobar), Grasslands, Cold steppes (Ladakh), thick Mangroves (Sunderbans), corals and coastlines which harbour great biodiversity which has become the envy of the world. . This is because of the diverse climatic conditions and geographical setting.
Thankless service or silent occupation?
Forests
· Reduce pollution level
· Huge reservoir of food providing medicine, raw materials like timber, honey etc
· Prevent floods and safeguard fertility of the soil
· Control global warming by returning water vapor into the air.
· Home to different species of animals, birds and plants & 1.6 billion ancient dwellers that take care of it.
· Absorb noise and hence prevent sound pollution
· Wall for controlling and directing winds by which storms can be reduced
· Ensure optimal rainfall
· They are our safeguards or bodyguards
Reality today
Do we realize the number of years it has taken to be what the forest is today? All our living resources are mostly from them. But how many forests areas are converted today into SEZ’s for development. Trees are cut to make way for widening of roads. Forest dwellers who take utmost care are deprived and left to die.
For instance, Agumbe in Karnataka, which is called the ‘Chirapunji of the South’, was known for 11,100 mm of rainfall annually. But today it gets just 3250-3800 mm of annual rain. Not to forget, the great Indian Bustard, which was India’s pride for decades, has come down to just 250. The rain forests have reduced from 14% to an alarming 5.7% today. About 189 species of animals are birds have become critically endangered. 381 are endangered and 683 are vulnerable to extinction. If the rate at which deforestation continues to occur, about 1.5 million species will be wiped out by 2025, and temperature will rise about 10-150F, says a survey. Are forests becoming an hurdle for our comfort? Is greed shadowing our need?
Conclusion
This year’s celebration must not remain as a ribbon cutting ceremony with snaps for the album and newspapers, but must be an opportunity to pressurize the people in power to conserve forests. Only when we realize their enormous role in removing carbon dioxide and fighting climate change, then we will begin to appreciate their gift to our well-being. We need to know the economic value of forests.
Creation is evident in the tress and all marvelous creatures that enjoy life around it. I really marvel at the creative grandeur that is evident in the forest - some having needle shaped leaves (coniferous), some trees shedding leaves (Deciduous), few species that are carnivorous (Sundew, Pitcher). Fabulous God!
“The health of natural habitats and wild creatures is the best indicator of long term health of our nation,” says a research scholar. Government has put in efforts by asking Mr. Pavan Sukdev to conduct studies on economics of ecosystems and biodiversity in India. Environmental science has become a subject at degree and PG level for research and specialization. Ecology has become a subject of study right from the first standard. The new concept of super-tax for converting forest land into mining land is a significant step, making life difficult for the mining lobbies.
With every breath of fresh air, we need to resolve to exhale goodness and gratitude. When we plan our outings and picnics let us ensure that we maintain the beauty of the spot. Since last few years people have begun to develop good environmental awareness. The extinction of plant and animal life due to deforestation is a irreversible loss. Let us make our home safe then start living safely.
“Quiet walks in natural surroundings is the best therapy for our unquiet lives”, says Pervez Cama, a volunteer for Bombay Natural History Society. So, let the glory of the rising sun, the paths with tress, leaves and melodies of birds touch our life and fill us with joy and reverence for creation. Let us resolve to renew our relationship with nature. Let us pledge to spread this awareness to conserve, sustain and promote forest for the benefit of future generations.
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