People love forests primarily because they are a fundamental source of sustenance, shelter, and essential resources for billions worldwide.
Forests are deeply connected to human life and well-being, serving numerous vital roles. According to available information, over 1.6 billion people depend on forests for critical resources such as food or fuel. This highlights their indispensable role in daily survival for a significant portion of the global population.
Beyond resources, forests are also a place of residence. Some 70 million people worldwide, including many Indigenous communities with deep cultural and historical ties to these environments, call forests home.
Essential Benefits Forests Provide
Forests contribute to human welfare in numerous tangible ways:
- Oxygen: They are crucial for producing the air we breathe, supporting life on Earth.
- Shelter: Providing materials for housing and directly serving as homes for millions.
- Jobs: Supporting livelihoods through forestry, resource extraction, and eco-tourism.
- Water: Playing a key role in regulating water cycles and providing clean water sources.
- Nourishment: Offering food sources, from fruits and nuts to game.
- Fuel: Providing wood, a primary energy source for cooking and heating in many regions.
These vital provisions make forests not just landscapes, but essential partners in human survival and prosperity, fostering a deep connection and love among people who rely on them.
