Question

A student argues that a nation will be rich, if its forests are conserved. Explain.

Answer 1

Biodiversity increases the productivity of our ecosystem, where each of the species has an important part to play.
Approximately 40% of the economy in the world, & 80% of the needs of the poor are derived from biological resources.

Complete answer:
Forests are a rich source of biodiversity. They help in maintaining the ecological balance because they provide habitat to various living organisms. They also help in maintaining the water cycle, and in preventing the erosion of soil.
The forests are covered with numerous plants and trees, which play a huge part in rainfall. The rainfall results in the growth of the agricultural crops which ultimately bring about economic development and prosperity to the country.
Forests provide raw materials for various wood based industries such as paper, board, rayon, etc., for industrial development.
They provide timber which is an important material in constructing buildings and furniture.
They provide many products like resins, gums, dyes, lac, fibers, wax, honey, medicines.
They are a rich source of fuel and energy like wood, charcoal, etc.
They also have aesthetic values and thus, attract a larger number of tourists which adds to the tourism sector.
They also provide employment to a large number of people in forest-related sectors.
Seeds and vegetables can be used and exported thus, making our country economically rich.
They also conserve the wild animals and wild plants.
If the forests are conserved, then all of the other environmental problems can be nipped in the bud. So yes! The student’s argument is quite factual and true.

Note: Biodiversity is essential for proper functioning of all the natural ecosystems.
But irresponsible human activities, especially the development and construction over natural lands, are causing the extinction of species at a rate of approximately 10,000 times their natural rate of extinction.