Forests Worldwide Facing Urgent Threats

Forests worldwide are experiencing significant damage due to a combination of environmental factors. These include flooding, hurricanes, illegal logging, unauthorized firewood harvesting, and land clearing for agriculture. The dry season only serves to heighten these threats, increasing the risk of further damage.

Francisco Ku, a forest coordinator, has highlighted the urgent need for a reforestation program. He is reaching out to communal landowners and participants in the "Sembrando Vida" (Sowing Life) program to help implement this initiative.

In partnership with the National Forestry Commission (Conafor), preparations are underway for the upcoming burning season. The plan includes educating farmers on the guidelines and restrictions to mitigate potential risks.

However, Ku admits that they lack a comprehensive understanding of the full extent of the environmental damage. The impact of natural disasters is clearly visible, with fallen and dried-out trees posing a significant fire risk and contributing to deforestation. Floods in low-lying areas have also damaged shrubs.

Illegal logging, particularly of hardwood and precious wood species, along with firewood harvesting for sale and charcoal production, pose additional threats. Without reforestation efforts, these problems will only escalate.

While participants in the "Sowing Life" program have begun replanting efforts, these are insufficient to counteract the extensive forest damage. Traditional agricultural practices, such as slash-and-burn farming, pose a further risk if fires get out of control and spread.

To address these issues, a comprehensive plan has been developed. This involves visiting communities to conduct workshops and establish emergency response groups for dry season threats like wildfires. New guidelines and restrictions will be introduced, including a seasonal calendar outlining prohibited dates for burning.

The plan also involves working closely with communal landowners to ensure they report any fires and do not abandon their lands. This way, any emergencies can be addressed promptly, helping to protect our precious forests.