During the last 80 years the amount of forests has decreased globally to 80%, a fact that results not only in the increase of the rate of animals in danger of extinction that live in them but also in the worsening of the phenomenon of global warming, since forests constitute a ruling factor to the Earth’s climate. Undoubtedly, forests convert huge amounts of carbon dioxide into oxygen. For this reason, scientists warn that if this forest reduction continues, we will face climatic changes more intensively
In the cities there are trees in the parks, on the pavements on the balconies or on the roofs of the houses regulating, therefore, oxygen and temperature. Thus, according to Table 1 in big cities there are certain m² of green per citizen.
Table 1
Cities m² green per citizen
Athens 2.25
Thessaloniki 2.50
Paris 8.35
Rome 9.00
London 9.00
Vienna 15.00
Sofia 15.00
As it can be derived from the Table, while in Athens and Thessaloniki 2.25 and 2.50 m² of green correspond per citizen, in other cities this correspondence is three times to five times bigger, a fact that proves that Greece falls behind in this section and we have to find ways to improve greenery in our cities Research has shown that the presence of plants around us, help man’s physical health and peace of mind.
Unfortunately in Greece every year we witness tragic scenes, when thousands of acres of forests are burnt down. According to the records of WWF, in Greece those forest fires occur mainly during summer months and increase almost every year. If this continues at this rate, it is estimated that in almost 50 years’ time, the notion of forest in Greece will in exist only in pictures. It has to be noted that in the Mediterranean countries when fire is caused naturally – for instance by a thunder – this constitutes a factor of rebirth, since forests are adjusted to these conditions. However, taking into account that most fires are not a natural phenomenon but are caused by negligence or crime act, reforestation of the burnt areas is the only solution to restore natural environment.
Special attention should be given to reforestation. For example, if a burnt forest has the power of natural rebirth it should not be involved in the process of reforestation because in this way the natural development of the plantation is prohibited. This often happens in the Mediterranean vegetation, because special mechanisms have been developed that ensure the preservation of their reproductive organs. Pine trees belong to this category because they have seeds in hard shells that do not get burnt, kept in the pine cones. In these cases we have natural reforestation, where within two years’ time from the fire, plants rebirth and the eco-system rehabilitates.
In case a forest is severely damaged by often fires and there is an intense downgrading of the eco-system due to soil erosion, the ability of natural rebirth weakens and artificial reforestation becomes a necessity.
There are, however, three points to consider: 1. the right time for reforestation that it is usually from October to March that is the rainy season 2. The right selection of trees that are appropriate to the special conditions of each region, for example in a hot and dry environment planting acacias are recommended and 3.in the way trees are planted, since in some cases weeding out, digging and pruning young plants are required.
At the European Union level several measures to protect the forest are examined. Indicatively, we refer the targets set in the announcement of the Committee «Restricting the climatic changes of our planet Limitation on the – Towards 2020 and beyond »where the importance of forest protection and measures for reforestation are stressed. The aim to accomplish is the restrain of global forest loss of not later than 2030 and the limitation of deforestation of the tropical forests at least 50% till 2020, compared to today.
It is about time, then, to materialize our commitments and soon proceed to certain actions. We should all realize that forests are part of our national heritage and their protection is the responsibility of the mankind. Reforestation and forest protection should become parts of our lives, action, a topic of lectures at schools and Universities so as not only to save our country and the future of ourselves and our children, but also to offer to the history of the mankind
Forest Protection – Reforestation as a solution to repair natural environment
