Friday 15 July 2011

Deforestation in Pakistan

Importance of Forests
Forest has been of great importance to mankind since prehistoric days. 60% of the earth once covered with forest. With the development of civilization, large areas have been cleared to make way for farms, mines, towns and roads. Today about 30% of earth is still forested.
The economic value of forests, supply many products like wood from trees as lumber, plywood and fuel wood or charcoal. Timber is used in furniture making, building houses, ships and railway sleepers. Pulp and paper are made from the cellulose of trees. Processed wood products include cellophane, plastics, synthetic fibers like rayon and nylon. Latex from trees such as the rubber tree goes to make tyre, tunes and a wide range of rubber goods.
Forests help to conserve soil by preventing rapid runoff of water after heavy rain and minimizing flooding. Trees take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen into air, which is a great benefit to mankind.
Forests influence local and global climate. The forest is also vital as a watershed. Because of the thick humus layer, loose soil, and soil-retaining powers of the trees' long roots, forests are vitally important for preserving adequate water supplies. 

Pakistan has highest deforestation rate in Asia
Pakistan has only 2.5 percent of forest cover with an alarming rate of deforestation. The annual rate of deforestation in Pakistan is -2.1 percent, no Asian country has a forest degradation rate higher than this. The largest conversions of forest land have taken place in Punjab and Sindh, corresponding to 99,711 acres and 27,874 acres respectively and this is distressing as the government continues with deforestation.

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