Research

Forests play a crucial role in the ecological balance of our planet, serving as vital hubs of biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and climate regulation. Comprising a diverse array of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to boreal forests, these ecosystems provide habitat for an estimated 80% of the Earth’s terrestrial species. Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and helping mitigate the impacts of climate change. They contribute significantly to global oxygen production, with trees acting as the lungs of the Earth. Beyond their environmental importance, forests are also critical for human well-being, providing resources such as timber, non-timber forest products, and ecosystem services like water filtration. However, forests face numerous threats, including deforestation, habitat degradation, and climate change, which jeopardize both their ecological functions and the livelihoods of the communities depending on them. Conservation and sustainable management practices are essential to ensure the long-term health and resilience of forests, recognizing their invaluable role in maintaining planetary health.