Today environmentalists, forestry groups and nature lovers commemorate International Day of Forests (March 21) under the theme Forests and Health. Forests are defined as a large mass of land that is dominated by trees.

Trees contribute to every aspect of human life, from helping to filter out harmful greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to providing clean water for drinking, and growing medicinal plants to generating oxygen to sustain human life.

According to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, healthy forests help to keep global warming in check by absorbing 662 billion tonnes of carbon, which is more than half of the carbon stock in soils and vegetation.

With the many health benefits that trees yield to sustain human life and the ecosystem, there is still an ongoing issue around the world of increased deforestation caused by bushfires and the cutting down of trees without planting new ones to sustain the environment.

In Jamaica, bushfires are the leading cause of deforestation and forest degradation in Jamaica. According to statistics from the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Since the beginning of the year, there have been 1,968 bushfires which is an alarming rate given the total number of bushfires in 2020 was 3,518.

Deforestation can have negative impacts not just on the environment but also on human beings and wildlife. As such it is the responsibility of every citizen to play their part to help preserve our forests.

Ways to protect our forests

• Support the Jamaica Forestry Department by helping to plant new trees to help maintain the ecosystem.
• Ensure cigarettes are properly extinguished before discarding them.
• Do not light fires to burn garbage or clear land for planting because it increases the risk of bushfires
• Learn about forests and their benefits.
• Conserve trees and forests in your area.