Forests – Nature’s Treasure Houses
📚 Key Concepts
🔹 What are Forests?
Forests are large areas with dense growth of various plants including herbs, shrubs, and trees.
🔹 Importance of Forests
Benefits:
- Habitat – Home for wildlife
- Oxygen production – Trees release oxygen
- Soil protection – Roots prevent soil erosion
- Products – Wood, fruits, medicines, rubber
- Climate regulation – Maintain temperature and rainfall
🔹 Forest Conservation
Van Mahotsav – Annual tree plantation festival in July
Chipko Movement – Women hugged trees to save them from cutting
Why Conserve?
- Takes many years to grow new forests
- Once destroyed, difficult to restore
- Essential for biodiversity