Saving our forests
The world's forests contain some of the most richest and most diverse habitats on earth. They represent a vast reservoir of knowledge and contain a wealth of ecosystems and wildlife, with many species yet to be discovered. Inhabitants of forests have genuine rights to use the forests. A balance must be achieved between saving the forest and protecting the rights of those who have inherited rights to use them. Not only does there need be focus on deforestation and the real causes behind it, but also on reforestation programmes across the world. Most popular campaigns focus on rainforests however many other types of forest exist and many other types of reforestation programmes take place across Europe and North America.
Promising news in Brazil: On November 10, 2004, Michael Astor, Associated Press, reported that President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva placed acres of rainforest under government protection creating two new environmental reserves in the Amazon. Brazil possesses and boasts an area of rainforest the size of Europe, with about 60% covering national territory. The new environmental reserves will protect over 2000 square of rainforest from logging, mining and other forms of environmental degradation. Additionally, the reserves will allow local populations to remain in the protected area and continue with their activities such as tapping rubber. To read the full article and join in with the forum discussions, click here.
The World Conservation Union (ICUN) has started a re-planting campaign aiming to make urban dwellers more aware of the environment and in turn promote environmental friendliness. In London, UK, school children have been replanting trees for their school gardens. In Birmingham, UK, young people living in the city are 'greening' former industrial areas. The ICUN is a Union with members from some 140 countries include 77 States, 114 government agencies, and 800-plus NGOs working to environmental standards and implementation of those standards.
Earthday Network has initiated a tree planting campaign across America. The aim is to plant 285 million trees. To take part and find out more click here!
If you want to voice concern for the state of the worlds forests as well support moves towards changing government directives you can sign online petitions at Save Our Earth.
Recycle mobile phones and ink cartridges and save acres of forests: Rainforest Concern are running a campaign aimed at recycling mobile phones and ink cartridges to raise money for rainforests.
