It is time to show our gratitude to the forests that provide us with so many resources – and that connect us with nature in an era of omnipresent digitalization.
Forest and jungle ecosystems give us life
- Literally, these ecosystems sustain us. The earth’s forests and jungles produce 56% of total oxygen in the air. A hectare of pine forest produces 30 tons of oxygen per year; on an hourly basis, an adult pine tree converts carbon dioxide released by 40 people into oxygen.
- A one-hectare pine forest filters approximately 36.4 tons of dust from the air.
- Approximately 50% of air pollution is absorbed by forests.
- Trees help prevent flooding by absorbing rain and melted snow. For example, an adult beech tree can hold 10 tons of water with its roots.
- Forests contribute to the national economy by extending the economic life of dams.
- Forests are homes to insects, birds and animals, some of which are endangered species.
- Forests store carbon in vegetation and soil, helping to combat climate change.
- Forests can also act as biological barriers to the spread of radioactivity, according to scientists. However, forests themselves are affected by radiation.
- Forests provide thousands of medicinal and aromatic plants. More than a quarter of the medications used by humans originate from tropical forests.
- Forests provide employment, for forest rangers, scientists and numerous others.
But how do forests affect you?
The benefits provided to human beings by forest and jungle ecosystems are many, and they are significant.
- By reducing noise pollution – a forest can help mitigate traffic noise from a 50-meter- wide highway by up to 20-30 decibels – they contribute to our quality of life.
- According to research, there is a positive correlation between spending time in nature and mental health.
- Spending time in forests can help improve cognitive functions.
- People who spend time in forests often experience less pain.
- People who frequently walk in forests sleep better and develop healthy lifestyle habits.
- Walking in forests can lift one’s mood and self-esteem.
- Spending time in nature offers a sense of belonging to the world and the environment.
- According to journalist and writer Richard Louv, a primary contributor to Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, in children, is spending less time in natural areas such as forests. According to Louv, children who spend 5 to 10 hours a week in the outdoors develop a stronger bond with nature, thus enhancing their development and well-being.
It is tragic that human beings are the primary cause of harm to our forest ecosystems.
As humanity, our single and most important obligation to our forests and jungles is to protect them.
How?
- First, become aware of the benefits of forests and how to protect them better, especially children.
- We need to prune and cut trees in a certain order and with long-term planning.
- We must reduce deforestation by reducing our use of wood.
- We must plant new trees in place of cut trees.
- We must prevent human-caused forest fires.
- We must expand reforestation efforts.
- And of course, we must protect the forests!
The forest awaits!
In terms of biodiversity, Türkiye is one of the richest countries in the temperate zone. Forests in Türkiye are generally found in the mountainous areas of the Mediterranean, Aegean, Marmara and Black Sea regions, close to the coast. The Southeastern Taurus Mountains, which surround the Eastern Anatolia Region from the south, are among other forested areas.
In 1999, the Wildlife Conservation Foundation (WWF) identified Europe’s forests, which are valuable in terms of biodiversity and need to be urgently protected. Nine forested areas in Türkiye are listed in the study, “European Forests: Hotspots of Biodiversity”. They are the Amanos Mountains in Hatay, the Ibradi-Akseki Forests in Antalya, the Istanbul Forests in Istanbul, the Karçal Mountains in Artvin, the Küre Mountains in Kastamonu, the Yenice Forests in Karabük, the Storm Valley in Rize, the Babadağ in Muğla and Fethiye, and the Bozburun and the Datça Peninsula.
Actions you can take include – but are not limited to – donating to related institutions, participating in tree-planting initiatives, and volunteering for various forest protection activities.
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