FOREST PROTECTION
Almost a third of the planet is covered by forests. That’s equivalent to 40.6 billion hectares. These enormous forested areas are essential to our survival: the water we drink, the food we eat, the air we breathe.
However, we are destroying our very source of life: 13 million hectares of forest are cut down each year.
The result is climate change – but we can reverse this with effective strategies that involve regenerative agriculture and forest protection/restoration.
Goals and Benefits
- Restore lost biodiversity
- Protect/Create nature-based carbon sink
- Reverse soil erosion and restore water basins
- Improve human health
WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO TAKE CARE OF FORESTS
- They enrich the soil with nutrients through their roots and the leaves that fall from the treetops.
- They are Earth’s largest carbon sink, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
- They are a source of basic and supplementary food and income for millions of people.
- They are like natural aqueducts that redistribute up to 95% of the water they absorb.
- They are home to 80% of the world’s biodiversity (animals, plants, insects).
FOREST RESTORATION
- Develop a plan: Reforestation needs to be sustainable
- Site study: Analyze the land, conditions of the area, soil, type of local fauna and flora that live in the ecosystem
- Choosing optimal species: While it is ideal to plant local species, it is acceptable to including fast-growing species that are compatible with the soil and climate.
- Planting method: Proper soil preparation, using the right tools, opting for least invasive technique.
- Tree spacing: Tree height and coverage must be considered so that they do not interfere with each other.
- Establish a protection plan: A follow-up plan is critical to protect the reforested area from disease, infestation, fire, illegal logging, etc.