Sustainable Management of Tropical Rainforest & Mangroves

• Environmental Functions of Tropical Forests.

  • Generate oxygen.
  • Contribute to carbon storage.
  • Provide habitats for diverse animal life.
  • Protect from soil erosion.
  • Protect from coastal erosion.
• How do Tropical Forests generate oxygen?

  • Carry out oxygen generation through photosynthesis.
  • Absorb carbon dioxide, water and sunlight to produce food for survival and oxygen is generated.
  • Capable of producing oxygen throughout the year as they are evergreen.
• How do Tropical Forests contribute to Carbon Storage?

  • Absorb carbon during photosynthesis.
  • Mangroves are most effective in storing carbon.
  • Soil in mangroves is waterlogged & poor in oxygen.
  • Materials cannot decompose easily, so carbon is stored & not released into the atmosphere.
• How do Tropical Rainforest provide habitats?

  • Rich in biodiversity.
  • Warm climate and abundance of water provide food sources all year round.
  • Suitable habitats for a wide variety of animals.
• How do Tropical Mangroves provide habitats?

  • Serve as a breeding ground for young fish.
  • Dense root network provide shelter from predators.
  • Nesting sites for many species of birds.
• What is deforestation?

  • Permanent removal of Tropical Forest.
  • Caused by unsustainable activities like mining, agriculture and aquaculture.
  • Prevents regeneration as land is used for other purposes.
  • Biodiversity is reduced or even lost totally.
• Enhanced greenhouse effect.

  • Greenhouse effect is essential to sustain life on earth.
  • Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that is released in the atmosphere.
  • Deforestation due to burning and cutting down of a forest releases carbon dioxide that was stored in the trees and soil.
  • Fewer plants left behind to absorb leads to enhanced greenhouse effect.
• How do countried establish protected areas?

  • Tropical forests set as protected areas.
  • Laws put to prevent illegal cutting down of trees or poaching of animals.
  • Breaking law can lead to heavy fines or even a jail term.
  • Effectiveness is a challenge when a country faces lack of funding.
• How do countries regulate forestry activities?

  • Forests hold high economic value and can support many industries.
  • Provide jobs for many people and enable earning of income for the country.
  • Careful regulation strikes a balance between economic benefits & conservation.
  • Controlled logging is an example.
• How do countries rehabilitate disturbed areas?

  • Reforestation rehabilitates a deforestated area through planting of new trees.