Forests are crucial for global food security

Today is International Day of Forests. The theme this year is "Forests and Food." This highlights how forests play a crucial role in our food systems. Many people may not realize that forests were the starting point for agriculture. Early humans collected seeds from forests to grow food like rice and wheat. This means forests are vital for food security today. They act as a gene bank, preserving many types of plants we rely on for food. If a disease wiped out all the rice in fields, we would need to obtain new seeds from forests. Besides providing food, forests have other important benefits. They help cure diseases, supply water to lakes, and reduce carbon emissions. Forests also play a role in controlling climate change and giving shelter to many species. India is home to a diverse range of forests. These include coniferous forests, rainforests, and grasslands. Remarkably, 7% of the world’s plants and animals are found in India, despite the country covering only 2.5% of the Earth's land area. Different forests in India are unique. For instance, Arunachal Pradesh's Eaglenest Sanctuary is famous for colorful birds. The Western Ghats bloom with bright flowers every eight years. In Assam, Hoolock Gibbons swing through the trees. North Bengal is known for migrating elephants, while Corbett National Park has tall trees and various bird species. In the mangrove forests of Odisha, Saltwater Crocodiles can be spotted. The Sundarbans, also in Bengal, is home to the majestic Bengal Tiger. It is important to use forest resources wisely and sustainably to protect these natural treasures.