Have you ever pondered how both Afforestation and reforestation contribute to the Environmental challenges faced by the Earth? Both methods aims to restore and enhance forest, however they would vary in their methods and outcomes.
The term Afforestation and Reforestation refers to planting of trees to establish or restore a forest. Reforestation is a process of growing trees on an existent forest area due to decrease in tree numbers or have been affected by deforestation. On the other hand, Afforestation refers to the process of growing trees on an area with no trees planted earlier.
The main aim for afforestation is creating a new forest wherein there was no tree cover earlier, or in the last 50 years (according to the UNFCCC). Afforestation can be targeted to reduce flooding, land sliding, and soil erosion. Although creating a forest has numerous benefits, but creating from scratch can be challenging as it requires a careful and proper planning. Afforestation can play a significant role in shaping the future of the economy by encouraging industries regarding forestry, and eco-tourism.
Reforestation refers to restoring and reviving exiting forests. It facilitates to not only increase the number of trees but also attracts the range of species within the forested area, hence improving their biodiversity. It’s an impactful way to combat climate change as trees absorb major amount of carbon dioxide from atmosphere.
Improved air quality: Trees are the natural purifier, trapping harmful pollutants form the atmosphere.
Soil conservation: Afforestation prevents soil erosion by binding the soil particles together.
Water Management: Trees regulate the climate patterns by absorbing water from the soil and maintaining the soil fertility.
Carbon reduction: Reforestation stores carbon dioxide emitted through various factors from the atmosphere.
Soil conservation: Reforestation helps in preventing soil erosion.
Environmental restoration: Reforestation restores habitat and wildlife and support to the recovery of endangered species.
Either of the process is beneficial to the local ecosystem for reducing carbon dioxide as forests acts a carbon absorption zones. The primary aim of reforestation is to restore forests, whereas afforestation aims to create new forests. Together they create a resilient and different environmental sustainable support and the well-being of future generations. It is intrinsically linked on how effectively we manage our natural conservation.
AKHILESH RANA
I believed that balancing the ecosystem is our responsibility. With more and more of deforestation around the world, only handful of NGO’s are striving to plant the saplings. We, as a common man should make it a point to plant the sapling as often as possible. Through this informative blog I got to know difference between Afforestation and deforestation.
Reply
AHMED KHAN
With more and more emerging industries and automobile industry, we are killing not only ourselves but also destroying the future generation healthy environment with these harmful emitting gases. Afforestation and Reforestation both help in maintaining the air quality and endangered species from getting them extinct. I am a volunteer in a NGO who motivates us to plant the saplings which gives me ultimate peace in contributing health environment.
Reply