Our life is dependent upon trees. There is a long association of man and trees. Since the hoary past man and trees have been the two major creations of Nature. In his prehistoric days man turned to trees and plants to collect the things vitally necessary for his existence. Since that time man and trees have been interdependent, though man is more indebted to trees.
Trees and plants produce oxygen (O2) through the process of photosynthesis. They use sunlight to convert water and carbon-dioxide into oxygen and carbohydrates. We need oxygen for our survival.
Men’s experiences of the last century have taught him that trees and plants are the key factors to strike a balance in the eco-system.
Replanting of trees has been taken up in right earnest. The forests contain a large number of animal species, crops and medicines. Establishment of new forests with large number of trees (afforestation) is important on account of following reasons:
- to provide shelter to wild animals,
- to combat pollution, and
- to re-fill the depleting oxygen afforestation is a must.
- We require a forest land equal to one third of the total land area.
Conclusion: In the past few decades, there has been massive cutting of trees (deforestation). The hunger for agricultural land, hunt for timber and necessity for cheap fuel caused massive deforestation. The tropical forest trees were once the nerve centre of this planet. A large number of trees have already been destroyed. At some places, trees are being destroyed even today. As an effect of deforestation, there is a threat to the species of biodiversity.