Man’s need for wood started in pre-historic times. Early man relied on wood for survival, using it for shelter, tools, and hunting implements such as clubs, spears, bows, and arrows. The wild forests served as the original source of wood.
In his search for wood from forests, man discovered other benefits of forest trees, including wood products, by-products, and numerous beneficial services such as biodiversity conservation and recreation. The roles of forests in providing significant economic, social, religious, and environmental value cannot be over-emphasized.
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Forest Products
Forests provide a wide range of valuable products, which include:
1. Timber and Sawn Timber: Used for various construction works, including furniture-making.
2. Fruits and Other Food Items: Forests provide tubers, leaves, and other food to supplement man’s dietary nutrient requirements.
3. Fodder Trees: Species used for livestock feeding.
4. Ethno-Medicare: Herbs from forests are used for medicinal purposes.
5. Wildlife: Supplies animal protein through hunting and gathering.
6. Chewing Sticks and Sponges: Commonly used in oral hygiene.
7. Handicraft Materials: Fibers of Pandanus used for weaving mats and baskets, and rattans for making furniture items.
8. Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs): Such as mushrooms, ferns, sponge, and charcoal.
9. Fuel Wood and Poles: Timber used for fuel wood and poles for construction.
10. Industrial Raw Materials: Latex, gum, and resins obtained from forest trees.
11. Cultural and Religious Significance: Materials used for traditional practices and rituals, e.g., leaves of Newbouldia laevis used during chieftaincy coronation, and sacred groves dedicated to worship of deities.
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Forest Services
Modern forestry practices are geared towards enhancing the following services:
1. Biodiversity Conservation: Forests provide and conserve biodiversity by serving as habitats for wildlife.
2. Water Regulation: Forests regulate natural water flow and control water erosion.
3. Recreation and Eco-Tourism: Forests promote recreation through eco-tourism activities.
4. Landscape Protection: Forests protect landscapes and communities from environmental degradation.
5. Employment Creation: Forests provide employment in various sectors including forestry and tourism.
6. Aesthetic Appeal: Forests enhance natural landscapes, providing aesthetically appealing environments.
7. Carbon Sequestration: Forests act as a “sink” for atmospheric carbon dioxide, purifying the air and helping to reduce global warming.
8. Waste Detoxification and Decomposition: Forests play a role in detoxifying and decomposing organic waste.
9. Soil Fertility Generation: Forests help in soil generation and renewal of soil fertility.
10. Climate Stabilization: Forests stabilize the climate and moderate temperature extremes.
11. Windbreak and Shelterbelt: Trees provide windbreaks and shelterbelt services, protecting agricultural lands and settlements.
12. Foreign Exchange Earnings: Forests contribute to the economy through the export of timber and non-timber products.
13. Job Creation: Forest-related activities provide direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Forests play a vital role in providing timber and non-timber products, as well as numerous cultural and religious benefits. They also offer essential environmental services such as biodiversity conservation, recreation, carbon sequestration, and climate stabilization. The importance of forests in supporting human life and maintaining ecological balance cannot be understated.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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