On International Day of Forests, SHALINI SAKSENA speaks with BIKRANT TIWARY, CEO, Grow-Trees.com, on the importance of planting trees on global warming and how communities can help in conservation of forests

Why and where was the need to celebrate March 21 as International Day of Forests?

The need to assign and celebrate this day arose when negligence and ignorance towards forests became a common phenomenon. Man continued encroaching forests to keep up with the rampant urbanisation, failing to realise that the felling of trees would not just impact the environment, but the wildlife and local communities relying on them as well. World Forestry Day was established to raise awareness about the importance of all types of forests.

What is the role that forests play in lives of the locals?

While forests are often associated with the protection of wildlife, we’d like to draw attention towards one-third of the world’s population that still relies on forests for their livelihood. Whether it is consuming plant products like resins, fruits and honey or selling them for extra income, there are many local and tribal communities that depend on forests for survival and sustenance. It is also important to note that almost 80% of our terrestrial biodiversity lies in forests. All the plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi provide unique services to mankind. Forests also act as natural carbon sinks, sequestering atmospheric carbon and saving us from the disastrous effects of airborne pollutants.

How is planting more trees going to affect global warming?

Trees help combat climate change and protect us from the ghastly effects of global warming by removing carbon dioxide from the air, storing carbon in the trees and soil, and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. It is for the same reason that the number of natural disasters has been more intensified in recent years. Forest fires, droughts, floods, and other natural calamities have denuded many forest areas. Neglected mountain slopes, dried rivers, extinct animals, and unruly mudflows are a few other consequences of natural disasters. The only solution to tackle this problem and many other environmental issues that we are struggling with today is planting as many trees as possible. Trees will reduce avalanches, keep the ground fertile by preventing soil erosion, regulate precipitation and slow down global warming to a great extent.

What are the hindrances and challenges faced?

Just like any other task, planting trees comes with its fair share of challenges too. When we set out to plant trees, it was extremely crucial to be aware of the kind of species we choose, their benefits for the local communities, the relevance of cultural heritage, and the adaptability of the species to a particular area.

How does planting a tree in the hills differ from planting one in the plains or coastal areas? Should the species of trees be different as well?

Trees that are planted on hills or mountain slopes might not have the same response and adaptability to coastal areas. This is because trees on the coast need to be wind resistant, tolerant to drought, and impervious to salt while trees that hold the soil well and prevent soil erosion are required for hilly regions. Planting trees requires thorough research work and special care only in the initial phases. Once a tree matures, it is self-sustainable, and our only task is to ensure that it is getting enough water and not damaged by humans or animals.

How does community participation help in conservation of trees?

Strong ties with village institutions, forest departments, and self-help groups have helped us to get permission to plant on community lands across 23 States. Over the years, we have strengthened our relationship with the local communities by educating them about the importance of forests and their benefits in the long run. The result has been incredible; we have managed to plant over seven million trees, created over six lakh plus days of rural employment, and sequestered over 150 million kg of atmospheric carbon through mature trees.