Therefore, a forest conservation programme should be started in the whole country
LAHORE: Through your newspaper I would like to highlight awareness about advantages of forests. Pakistan has about the 4.8 per cent of its total area covered with forests which is very low as the desired area is 20 to 30 per cent of the total area of a country.
Forests have a bundle of advantages but only a few can be highlighted by a person living in an urban area. Firstly, from an ecological point of view, they play a vital role in keeping the environment clean as it is the only source of oxygen. We all know that without oxygen non creation can survive. For wildlife it acts like a habitat. Forests also prevent soil erosion. Forests also reduce the chances of floods. Big trees absorb excess water in rainy season thus reducing floods and destruction.
Secondly, from a commercial point of view, they also provide the raw material used for wood based industries. They are a source of timber which is used for construction. Small plants grown can be used for medicinal purpose in pharmaceutical industries.
Moreover, forests also contribute in improving a country’s economy, they attract tourism. Almost 700 million international travellers visit Amazon Rainforest in South America every year and the number is rapidly increasing. So if we are successful in reestablishing our forests we can also have a large number of international travellers every year that will boost our economy. Forests also provide employment opportunities because they are originating fruits. Good quality fruits can also be exported which will increase foreign exchange.
However, restoring forests back to Pakistan can lead to a big change in the country. Therefore, a forest conservation programme should be started in the whole country.
Harris Aamir
Published in The Express Tribune, December 27th, 2016.
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