list 3 major ecological services and 3 major economical services forests provide
Three major ecological services provided by forests are:
1. Carbon sequestration: Forests act as a significant carbon sink, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and storing it as organic carbon in trees, plants, and soil. This helps mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Biodiversity conservation: Forests house a vast array of plant and animal species, many of which are unique and endemic to specific forest ecosystems. They serve as habitats and provide food and shelter for countless species, thus playing a crucial role in conserving global biodiversity.
3. Watershed protection: Forests serve as natural water filters by intercepting rainfall and reducing erosion. They help regulate water flow, improve water quality, and prevent sediment runoff into streams and rivers. Forests are vital in maintaining the health of watersheds, which are essential for providing freshwater resources to communities.
Three major economic services provided by forests are:
1. Timber and wood products: Forests are a valuable source of timber and wood products, such as lumber, paper, furniture, and building materials. The timber industry contributes significantly to the economy through logging, processing, and manufacturing.
2. Tourism and recreation: Forests offer numerous opportunities for ecotourism, recreational activities, and nature-based tourism. Activities such as hiking, camping, wildlife watching, and nature photography generate revenue and employment opportunities for local communities near forested areas.
3. Watershed protection and regulation: Forests play a critical role in maintaining water quality and regulating water flow, benefiting industries and communities dependent on freshwater resources. They help reduce soil erosion, maintain stream flows, and minimize the occurrence of floods and droughts, thereby supporting agriculture, hydropower, and other sectors reliant on a stable water supply.