Embracing accountability for a flourishing environment

 

June 27

 

FORESTS are of utmost importance in preserving the Earth’s biodiversity. They serve as a habitat for over 60,000 tree species and support 80 per cent of the land-dwelling biodiversity, benefiting not only humans but also animals by providing resilience against climate change and other environmental challenges.

 

Countries worldwide are increasingly acknowledging the value of forests and striving to ensure their long-term preservation. Forests are essential for maintaining a healthy planet, as they stabilize ecosystems and promote societal well-being by mitigating the impacts of climate change and safeguarding biodiversity, soil quality, and water sources such as rivers and creeks.

 

In Myanmar, the months of June and July are dedicated to tree planting, taking advantage of the abundant rainfall during the monsoon season. The rainwater softens the soil, creating an optimal environment for cultivating trees and crops.

 

The efforts to increase forest coverage aim to establish a sustainable ecosystem that supports healthy development. Such an environment provides food, shelter, energy, medicines, and income for approximately 1.6 billion people worldwide, thereby creating job opportunities for 33 million individuals.

 

Myanmar’s forest coverage stood at 46.96 per cent in 2010, decreased to 42.92 per cent in 2015, and further declined to 42.19 per cent in 2020. Deforestation acts as a catalyst for climate change, rendering areas susceptible to natural disasters and increasing the risks of casualties, losses, and damages. While preventing natural disasters entirely may be impossible, their impacts can be minimized through the promotion of reforestation efforts.

 

It is imperative for everyone to contribute to environmental greening by planting trees of various species. This collective effort helps mitigate the impacts of climate change and fosters social stability. Forests possess the ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Recognizing the indispensability of forest products to human society, individuals who understand the value of forests should actively participate in tree planting initiatives, regardless of their location.

 

Unfortunately, the planet experiences an estimated annual loss of 13 million hectares of forests, resulting in the loss of habitats for wildlife and biodiversity species. This, in turn, leads to the decline and potential extinction of various species.

 

As forests are invaluable in maintaining the Earth’s biodiversity and combating climate change, everybody needs to take responsibility for the thriving of trees. By acknowledging their significance and actively engaging in reforestation efforts, everybody needs to ensure a sustainable future for our planet and safeguard the diverse ecosystems that rely on forests for their survival.