Global call grows to protect forests, natural resources

DAR ES SALAAM: AS the world prepares to mark International Day of Forests on March 21, environmental experts, governments and community organisations are intensifying calls for stronger action to protect forests and promote sustainable natural resource management.

The annual observance, widely known as World Forest Day, aims to raise awareness about the importance of forests and the need to conserve them for present and future generations.

The United Nations General Assembly officially proclaimed the day in 2012 to encourage countries to undertake activities that promote forest conservation at local, national and international levels.

Each year, governments, conservation organisations and communities organise events that highlight the ecological, economic and social importance of forests while encouraging collective action to safeguard them.

Forests cover nearly onethird of the Earth’s land area and are among the most important ecosystems supporting life on the planet.

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They produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide and help regulate global climate systems. Forests also support millions of plant and animal species, making them essential for biodiversity conservation. In addition to their ecological importance, forests sustain the livelihoods of billions of people around the world.

Communities depend on forests for food, medicine, fuel, building materials and income. Many rural populations rely directly on forest resources for daily survival, while forest ecosystems support agriculture by protecting water sources and maintaining rainfall patterns.

Environmental experts therefore stress that forests play a central role in maintaining environmental stability and human wellbeing. Growing threats to forest ecosystems Despite their importance, forests continue to face significant threats due to human activity.

Deforestation, illegal logging, agricultural expansion and urban development remain major drivers of forest loss worldwide.

As global demand for land, food and energy increases, forests are often cleared without adequate management or restoration. Environmental reports indicate that millions of hectares of forest disappear every year, contributing to biodiversity loss and increased greenhouse gas emissions.

In many developing regions, including parts of Africa, forests are also under pressure from charcoal production and unsustainable farming practices.

Rapid population growth has intensified demand for land and energy, forcing communities to rely heavily on forest resources. Without sustainable management, this pressure can lead to widespread forest degradation. Loss of forests not only threatens wildlife habitats but also weakens ecosystems that regulate climate and protect water resources.

Global forest coverage and biodiversity

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, forests cover approximately 4.14 billion hectares, representing about 32 per cent of the Earth’s land area. This means nearly onethird of the planet’s surface is covered by forests, making them one of the largest and most important ecosystems supporting life.

Forests play a critical role in maintaining environmental balance by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and releasing oxygen. This natural process helps regulate global temperatures and mitigate the effects of climate change.

They are also home to more than half of the world’s plant and animal species, highlighting their importance for biodiversity conservation.

Tropical forests alone account for around 45 per cent of global forest cover and are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth.

Despite increased awareness and conservation efforts, deforestation remains one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Global reports estimate that approximately 10.9 million hectares of forest are lost each year due to agriculture, logging, fires and urban expansion.

This continued loss threatens biodiversity, accelerates climate change and disrupts ecosystems that sustain millions of people. However, there are encouraging signs of progress. Studies show that the rate of forest loss has slowed compared to previous decades.

For instance, the annual net loss of forests declined from about 10.7 million hectares in the 1990s to roughly 4.12 million hectares between 2015 and 2025. Experts attribute this improvement to stronger conservation policies, reforestation initiatives and growing international cooperation on environmental protection.

Communities play key role in forest protection

Environmental organisations are encouraging communities to become actively involved in protecting forests. Tree planting campaigns, forest restoration projects and environmental education programmes are expected to mark this year’s International Day of Forests in many countries.

Experts say planting trees remains one of the most effective ways to restore degraded ecosystems and combat climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, help regulate temperatures and improve soil fertility.

They also protect water sources, prevent soil erosion and create habitats for wildlife. Community participation is therefore essential in ensuring long-term forest conservation. Across Africa, forests are closely linked to community livelihoods.

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In Tanzania and many other African countries, rural households depend on forests for firewood, building materials and traditional medicine. Forest ecosystems also support agriculture by protecting water catchment areas and stabilising rainfall patterns.

These natural resources provide vital support to rural economies and food production systems. However, environmentalists warn that unsustainable use of forest resources could lead to serious consequences if immediate action is not taken.

Deforestation can contribute to drought, reduce agricultural productivity and increase vulnerability to climate change. Protecting forests is therefore critical not only for biodiversity but also for economic stability and food security.

Governments have been urged to strengthen policies and laws that protect forest resources. Effective forest management, strict enforcement of anti-logging regulations and promotion of alternative energy sources can significantly reduce pressure on forests.

Experts say expanding access to cleaner energy sources such as gas and renewable energy can help reduce reliance on charcoal and firewood.

Sustainable land-use planning and improved forest governance are also necessary to balance development needs with environmental protection. Education and awareness as key tools Education and public awareness are essential components of forest conservation efforts.

Schools, universities and media organisations increasingly participate in campaigns that highlight the importance of forests and promote responsible environmental behaviour. These initiatives aim to inspire younger generations to value and protect natural ecosystems.

Public awareness programmes also encourage communities to adopt sustainable practices, including responsible harvesting of forest resources and participation in reforestation projects.

On International Day of Forests, organisations around the world organise tree planting events, educational workshops, environmental campaigns and community discussions focused on sustainable forest management.

These activities are designed not only to celebrate forests but also to encourage long-term commitment to protecting them. Environmental advocates emphasise that forest conservation requires collective action from governments, communities, businesses and individuals.

Simple actions such as planting trees, reducing paper waste, supporting conservation initiatives and avoiding illegal forest products can significantly contribute to forest protection.

As the world observes International Day of Forests on March 21, experts stress that forests remain essential for sustaining life on Earth. They support biodiversity, regulate climate systems and provide livelihoods for millions of people.

Protecting forests is therefore critical for maintaining ecological balance, supporting economic development and combating climate change.

Experts believe that stronger cooperation among governments, communities and international organisations can ensure forests continue to deliver environmental and social benefits for generations to come.

The annual observance serves as a reminder that safeguarding forests is not only an environmental responsibility but a shared duty for humanity. Through sustainable management, conservation initiatives and increased awareness, forests can continue to support both people and the planet well into the future.