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Reforestation Picking Up in Many Parts of the World
According to the last report by the U.N.'s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), reforestation is showing some progress on our planet. In spite of the 32 million acres of forest that disappear each year, reforestation campaigns led by "more than one hundred countries" have been fruitful. "Numerous countries have shown their political will for improving forest management by revising policy and legislation and by strengthening their forestry institutions," said Davic Harcharik, FAO's adjunct general director in a release dated March 13. "Increasing attention is given to the conservation of the earth, water, biological diversity, and other environmental resources." He added, "Nevertheless, the countries that face the most serious challenges in attaining sustainable forest management are those caught in extreme poverty and civil turmoil." Reforestation Re-Establishes Balance Despite the disappearance of 32 million acres each year, reforestation allows for the reestablishment of a balance to the yearly loss which is now only 18 million acres. This factor brings stability between increases and decreases in forestation. Reforestation is a tendency towards improvement in which the FAO rejoices. Insects, Disease Threaten Forests Forest area has increased in Europe, North America, Asia, and the Pacific. On the contrary, however, the situation is worrisome in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Africa has lost more than 9 percent of its forests in the space of 15 years. Bush fires are a principal cause. They are often started by people with the goal of clearing out land or by pyromaniacs. Lightning may also be a common cause of forest fires. According to the FAO, the world lost 3 percent of its forests between 1995 and 2000. Forests are also exposed to other threats such as insects, disease, and invasive species. Rapid transportation, the ease of global travel, and expanding international commerce have facilitated the propagation of these harmful threats. The report points out that the management strategies tend to limit forest parasites, especially in developed countries. Posted by: Shineting Angomoth2245 2007-04-10 |
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