Quick Links
Quick Links
UPSC Exams
Latest Update
Coaching
UPSC Current Affairs
Syllabus
UPSC Notes
Previous Year Papers
UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers Last 25 Years UPSC Prelims Question Papers Last 10 Years UPSC Question Papers UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Question Paper UPSC Mains 2024 Model Answers UPSC 2024 Question Papers UPSC 2023 Question Papers UPSC 2022 Question Papers UPSC 2021 Question Papers UPSC 2020 Question Papers UPSC 2019 Question Papers UPSC 2018 Question Papers UPSC 2017 Question Papers UPSC 2016 Question Papers UPSC 2015 Question Papers UPSC 2014 Question Papers UPSC CSAT Question Papers UPSC IFS Previous Year Paper UPSC Assistant Labour Commissioner Previous Question Year Papers UPSC Combined Geo Scientist Previous Year Paper UPSC APFC Previous Year Question Papers UPSC CMS Previous Year Question Paper UPSC EPFO Previous Year Paper UPSC Air Safety Officer Previous Year Papers UPSC SO Steno Previous Year Paper UPSC IES ISS Previous Year Question Papers
Mock Tests
UPSC Editorial
Bilateral Ties
Albania India Relations India Algeria Relations Andorra India Relations India Angola Relations India Antigua Barbuda Relations India Argentina Relations Austria India Relations India Azerbaijan Relations Bahamas India Relations India Bahrain Relations Barbados India Relations India Belarus Relations Belgium India Relations Belize India Relations Benin India Relations Bolivia India Relations India Bosnia Herzegovina Relations India Botswana Relations Brazil India Relations Brunei India Relations Bulgaria India Relations Burundi India Relations Cabo Verde India Relations India Cambodia Relations India Cameroon Relations Canada India Relations India Cayman Islands Relations India Central African Republic Relations India Chad Relations Chile India Relations India Colombia Relations India Comoros Relations India Democratic Republic Of The Congo Relations India Republic Of The Congo Relations India Cook Islands Relations India Costa Rica Relations India Ivory Coast Relations India Croatia Relations India Cyprus Relations India Czech Republic Relations India Djibouti Relations India Dominica Relations India Dominican Republic Relations India Ecuador Relations India El Salvador Relations India Equatorial Guinea Relations India Eritrea Relations Estonia India Relations India Ethiopia Relations India Fiji Relations India Finland Relations India Gabon Relations India Gambia Relations India Georgia Relations Germany India Relations India Ghana Relations India Greece Relations India Grenada Relations India Guatemala Relations India Guinea Relations India Guinea Bissau Relations India Guyana Relations India Haiti Relations India Holy See Relations India Honduras Relations India Hong Kong Relations India Hungary Relations India Iceland Relations India Indonesia Relations India Iran Relations India Iraq Relations India Ireland Relations India Jamaica Relations India Kazakhstan Relations India Kenya Relations India Kingdom Of Eswatini Relations India Kiribati Relations India Kuwait Relations India Kyrgyzstan Relations India Laos Relations Latvia India Relations India Lebanon Relations India Lesotho Relations India Liberia Relations Libya India Relations Liechtenstein India Relations India Lithuania Relations India Luxembourg Relations India Macao Relations Madagascar India Relations India Malawi Relations India Mali Relations India Malta Relations India Marshall Islands Relations India Mauritania Relations India Micronesia Relations India Moldova Relations Monaco India Relations India Montenegro Relations India Montserrat Relations India Morocco Relations Mozambique India Relations India Namibia Relations India Nauru Relations Netherlands India Relations India Nicaragua Relations India Niger Relations India Nigeria Relations India Niue Relations India North Macedonia Relations Norway India Relations India Palau Relations India Panama Relations India Papua New Guinea Relations India Paraguay Relations Peru India Relations India Philippines Relations Qatar India Relations India Romania Relations Rwanda India Relations India Saint Kitts And Nevis Relations India Saint Lucia Relations India Saint Vincent And Grenadines Relations India Samoa Relations India Sao Tome And Principe Relations Saudi Arabia India Relations India Senegal Relations Serbia India Relations India Sierra Leone Relations India Singapore Relations India Slovak Republic Relations India Slovenia Relations India Solomon Islands Relations Somalia India Relations India South Sudan Relations India Spain Relations India Sudan Relations Suriname India Relations India Sweden Relations India Syria Relations India Tajikistan Relations Tanzania India Relations India Togo Relations India Tonga Islands Relations India Trinidad And Tobago Relations India Tunisia Relations India Turkmenistan Relations India Turks And Caicos Islands Relations India Tuvalu Relations India Uganda Relations India Ukraine Relations India Uae Relations India Uruguay Relations India Uzbekistan Relations India Vanuatu Relations India Venezuela Relations India British Virgin Islands Relations Yemen India Relations India Zambia Relations India Zimbabwe Relations
Books
Government Schemes
Production Linked Incentive Scheme Integrated Processing Development Scheme Rodtep Scheme Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme Saathi Scheme Uday Scheme Hriday Scheme Samagra Shiksha Scheme India Nishta Scheme Stand Up India Scheme Sahakar Mitra Scheme Mdms Mid Day Meal Scheme Integrated Child Protection Scheme Vatsalya Scheme Operation Green Scheme Nai Roshni Scheme Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme Kalia Scheme Ayushman Sahakar Scheme Nirvik Scheme Fame India Scheme Kusum Scheme Pm Svanidhi Scheme Pmvvy Scheme Pm Aasha Scheme Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme Pradhan Mantri Lpg Panjayat Scheme Mplads Scheme Svamitva Scheme Pat Scheme Udan Scheme Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat Scheme National Pension Scheme Ujala Scheme Operation Greens Scheme Gold Monetisation Scheme Family Planning Insurance Scheme Target Olympic Podium Scheme
Topics
NASA Space Missions
NASA Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Redstone 4 (Liberty Bell 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 6 (Friendship 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 7 (Aurora 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 8 (Sigma 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 9 (Faith 7) Mission NASA Gemini 3 Mission NASA Gemini 4 Mission NASA Gemini 5 Mission NASA Gemini 7 Mission NASA Gemini 8 Mission NASA Gemini 9 Mission NASA Gemini 10 Mission NASA Gemini 11 Mission NASA Gemini 12 Mission NASA Apollo 1 (AS‑204) Mission NASA Apollo 7 Mission NASA Apollo 8 Mission NASA Apollo 9 Mission NASA Apollo 10 Mission NASA Apollo 11 Mission NASA Apollo 12 Mission NASA Apollo 13 Mission NASA Apollo 14 Mission NASA Apollo 15 Mission NASA Apollo 16 Mission NASA Apollo 17 Mission NASA Skylab Orbital Workshop Mission NASA Skylab 2 Mission NASA Skylab 3 Mission NASA Skylab 4 Mission NASA Apollo–Soyuz Test Project Mission NASA STS‑1 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑3 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑7 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑8 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41B Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41G Discovery (1st female EVA) Mission NASA STS‑51L Challenger (accident) Mission NASA STS‑26 Discovery (Return‑to‑Flight) Mission NASA STS‑31 Discovery (Hubble Launch) Mission NASA STS‑49 Endeavour (first capture EVA) Mission NASA STS‑61 Endeavour (Hubble Servicing 1) Mission NASA STS‑73 Columbia (microgravity) Mission NASA STS‑95 Discovery (John Glenn returns) Mission NASA STS‑107 Columbia (accident) Mission NASA STS‑114 Discovery (RTF‑2) Mission NASA STS‑120 Discovery (Node 2) Mission NASA STS‑125 Atlantis (Final Hubble Service) Mission NASA STS‑132 Atlantis Mission NASA STS‑135 Atlantis (Final Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Artemis I (Orion/ SLS‑1) Mission NASA Artemis II (Planned) Mission NASA Artemis III (Planned lunar landing) Mission NASA Mariner 4 Mission NASA Mariner 6 Mission NASA Mariner 7 Mission NASA Mariner 9 Mission NASA Viking 1 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Mars Pathfinder & Sojourner Mission NASA Mars Global Surveyor Mission NASA 2001 Mars Odyssey Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Spirit Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Opportunity Mission NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission NASA Phoenix Mars Lander Mission NASA InSight Mars Lander Mission NASA Mars 2020 (Perseverance & Ingenuity) Mission NASA Mars Sample Return – SRL (planned) Mission NASA Pioneer 10 Mission NASA Pioneer 11 Mission NASA Voyager 1 Mission NASA Voyager 2 Mission NASA Galileo Jupiter Orbiter/Probe Mission NASA Cassini–Huygens Mission NASA New Horizons (Pluto & KBO) Mission NASA Juno Mission NASA Europa Clipper (planned) Mission NASA Parker Solar Probe Mission NASA Solar Orbiter (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Surveyor 1 Mission NASA Lunar Orbiter 1 Mission NASA Lunar Prospector Mission NASA LCROSS Mission NASA LADEE Mission NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA VIPER Rover (planned) Mission NASA NEAR Shoemaker Mission NASA Deep Space 1 Mission NASA Stardust Mission NASA Genesis Mission NASA Deep Impact Mission NASA Dawn (Vesta/Ceres) Mission NASA OSIRIS‑REx Mission NASA Lucy Mission NASA DART Mission NASA Landsat‑1 (ERTS‑1) Mission NASA Landsat‑5 Mission NASA Landsat‑9 Mission NASA Terra Mission NASA Aqua Mission NASA Aura Mission NASA Suomi NPP Mission NASA Sentinel‑6 Michael Freilich Mission NASA ICESat‑2 Mission NASA GRACE‑FO Mission NASA SMAP Mission NASA GPM Core Observatory Mission NASA CALIPSO Mission NASA CloudSat Mission NASA NISAR (NASA‑ISRO) Mission NASA Explorer 1 Mission NASA COBE Mission NASA Compton Gamma Ray Observatory Mission NASA Hubble Space Telescope Mission NASA Chandra X‑ray Observatory Mission NASA Spitzer Space Telescope Mission NASA WISE Mission NASA Kepler Mission NASA TESS Mission NASA Fermi Gamma‑ray Space Telescope Mission NASA NICER Mission NASA IXPE Mission NASA Roman Space Telescope (planned) Mission NASA NuSTAR Mission NASA GALEX Mission NASA Swift Mission NASA SOHO (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Cluster II (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA TIMED Mission NASA STEREO‑A/B Mission NASA MMS Mission NASA IRIS Mission NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory Mission NASA X‑37B OTV‑1 (USAF/NASA liaison) Mission NASA X‑59 QueSST Mission NASA Mars Helicopter Ingenuity Mission NASA Valkyrie R5 Robot Mission NASA Low‑Boom Flight Demo Mission NASA CRS‑1 Dragon Mission NASA CRS‑1 Cygnus Mission NASA Crew Dragon Demo‑2 Mission NASA Starliner OFT‑2 Mission NASA STS-2 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-4 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-5 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-6 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41D (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-51A (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-61C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-26 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-27 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-29 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-30 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-32 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-34 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-38 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-45 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-60 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-70 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-71 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-73 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-88 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-92 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-97 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-99 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-100 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-104 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-106 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-110 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-112 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-115 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-116 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-117 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-118 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-120 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-122 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-123 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-126 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-130 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Vanguard 1 Mission NASA Transit 1B Mission NASA Echo 1 Mission NASA Telstar 1 Mission NASA Syncom 3 Mission NASA ATS‑6 Mission NASA Skynet Mission NASA Nimbus‑1 Mission NASA Nimbus‑7 Mission NASA ERS-1 Mission NASA SeaSat Mission NASA QuikSCAT Mission NASA Jason‑1 Mission NASA Jason‑3 Mission NASA ICESat Mission NASA Earth Observing‑1 Mission NASA Orbiting Carbon Observatory‑2 Mission NASA CYGNSS Mission NASA PACE Mission NASA TRMM Mission NASA Terrestrial Planet Finder (cxl) Mission NASA Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) Mission NASA Explorer 33 Mission NASA Voyager Interstellar Mission Mission NASA Helios‑A Mission NASA Helios‑B Mission NASA ISEE‑3 (ICE) Mission NASA ACE Mission NASA DSCOVR Mission NASA IBEX Mission NASA Solar Orbiter Heliospheric Imager Mission NASA SAGE‑III ISS Mission NASA SPACE Telescope Imaging Spectrograph Mission NASA ARIEL (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA OSAM‑1 (Restore‑L) Mission NASA Dragonfly (Titan rotorcraft) Mission NASA VERITAS (Venus orbiter) Mission NASA DAVINCI (Venus probe) Mission NASA SPHEREx Mission NASA MAGGIE (Mars Geophysical) Mission NASA CLPS – Peregrine Mission NASA CLPS – VIPER Delivery Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA Gateway (HALO / PPE) Mission NASA Mars Telecommunication Orbiter (cxl) Mission NASA Mars Polar Lander (MPL) Mission NASA Mars Climate Orbiter Mission NASA Pathfinder Mission Mission NASA SLS Block 1B (Exploration Upper Stage) Mission NASA Orion Crew Module Mission NASA Commercial LEO Destinations – Axiom Station Mission NASA ISS Expedition 1 Mission NASA ISS Expedition 70 Mission NASA CRS‑11 (Dragon) Mission NASA CRS‑21 (Dragon 2) Mission NASA Snoopy CubeSat Mission
ISRO Space Missions
NVS-02 ISRO Space Mission SPADEX-A ISRO Space Mission SPADEX-B ISRO Space Mission Proba-3 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-N2 ISRO Space Mission EOS-08 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3DS ISRO Space Mission XPoSat ISRO Space Mission Aditya-L1 ISRO Space Mission Chandrayaan-3 ISRO Space Mission NVS-01 ISRO Space Mission EOS-07 ISRO Space Mission INS-2B ISRO Space Mission EOS-06 ISRO Space Mission EOS-02 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-24 ISRO Space Mission INS-2TD ISRO Space Mission EOS-04 ISRO Space Mission EOS-03 ISRO Space Mission CMS-01 ISRO Space Mission EOS-01 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-30 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-2BR1 ISRO Space Mission Chandrayaan 2 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-2B ISRO Space Mission EMISAT ISRO Space Mission GSAT-31 ISRO Space Mission Microsat-R ISRO Space Mission GSAT-7A ISRO Space Mission GSAT-11 ISRO Space Mission HysIS ISRO Space Mission GSAT-29 ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1I ISRO Space Mission GSAT-6A ISRO Space Mission INS-1C ISRO Space Mission Microsat ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1H ISRO Space Mission GSAT-17 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-19 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-9 ISRO Space Mission Cartosat-2 Series Satellite INS-1A ISRO Space Mission INS-1B ISRO Space Mission RESOURCESAT-2A ISRO Space Mission GSAT-18 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3DR ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1G ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1F ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1E ISRO Space Mission GSAT-15 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-6 ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1D ISRO Space Mission Crew module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment (CARE) ISRO Space Mission GSAT-16 ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1C ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1B ISRO Space Mission GSAT-14 ISRO Space Mission Mars Orbiter Mission Spacecraft GSAT-7 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3D ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1A ISRO Space Mission SARAL ISRO Space Mission GSAT-10 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-1 ISRO Space Mission Megha-Tropiques ISRO Space Mission GSAT-12 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-8 ISRO Space Mission RESOURCESAT-2 ISRO Space Mission YOUTHSAT ISRO Space Mission GSAT-5P ISRO Space Mission GSAT-4 ISRO Space Mission Oceansat-2 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-2 ISRO Space Mission Chandrayaan-1 ISRO Space Mission IMS-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4CR ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4B ISRO Space Mission SRE-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4C ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4A ISRO Space Mission HAMSAT ISRO Space Mission EDUSAT ISRO Space Mission IRS-P6 / RESOURCESAT-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3E ISRO Space Mission GSAT-2 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3A ISRO Space Mission KALPANA-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3C ISRO Space Mission GSAT-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3B ISRO Space Mission Oceansat(IRS-P4) ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2E ISRO Space Mission IRS-1D ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2D ISRO Space Mission IRS-P3 ISRO Space Mission IRS-1C ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2C ISRO Space Mission IRS-P2 ISRO Space Mission SROSS-C2 ISRO Space Mission IRS-1E ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2B ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2A ISRO Space Mission SROSS-C ISRO Space Mission IRS-1B ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1D ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1C ISRO Space Mission SROSS-2 ISRO Space Mission IRS-1A ISRO Space Mission SROSS-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1B ISRO Space Mission Rohini Satellite RS-D2 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1A ISRO Space Mission Bhaskara-II ISRO Space Mission Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment (APPLE) ISRO Rohini Satellite RS-D1 ISRO Space Mission Rohini Satellite RS-1 ISRO Space Mission Rohini Technology Payload (RTP) ISRO Space Mission Bhaskara-I ISRO Space Mission Aryabhata ISRO Space Mission
Home / IAS Preparation / Forest Resources

Forest Resources: Structure, Significance, Deforestation

Last Updated on Apr 23, 2025
Also Read Forest Resources in Hindi
Download As PDF
IMPORTANT LINKS
Agriculture Notes For UPSC Public Administration UPSC Notes Modern History Books For UPSC Overseas Citizen Of India Caste System & Panchayati Raj Godavari River Federalism In India Indira Point New Development Bank Battle Of Sinhagad Sankalp And Strive Schemes Digital India High Yielding Varieties Economic Growth Development League Of Nations Ease Of Doing Business Mid Day Meal Scheme Wildlife Protection Act 1972 UPSC Notes International Union Conservation Nature

Over the course of history, forests have provided enormous resources and life enabling conditions. As hunter gatherers, mankind depended entirely on forest resources for survival. The complex ecological web that humans are part of requires vast areas of land to be forests. They provide us fresh air to respire, food items, medicinal produce etc. The dependence on forests has undergone several changes from early times. While the hunter gatherers depended on the forests for clothing, shelter, food and every other need, the shift to settled agriculture altered the ways in which human beings affect forests.

 

The next marked shift in human interaction with forest resources can be attributed to the industrial revolution and the subsequent development of the market economy. Humans have developed the capability to improve and destroy the bountiful forests, even while not being physically present.

Definition of Forests

Forests are complex land ecosystems that support a wide variety of plants, trees and animals. It provides a lot of resources like fruits, timber, firewood,honey, herbal medicines etc. The forests also provide several raw materials for different manufacturing industries. There are whole communities that depend entirely on forest resources for their survival.

  1. It is generally understood as a wild habitat, where socio-political rules don’t play any part.
  2. Humans are generally not included in this layman definition of forests. But any serious discussion on forests cannot exclude the presence and dependence of indigenous communities on these ecosystems.
  3. In the recent past, the effects of mindless economic development on the quantum of forest resources have been a significant issue.

Read about the different types of habitats here.

FREEMentorship Program by
Ravi Kapoor, Ex-IRS
UPSC Exam-Hacker, Author, Super Mentor, MA
100+ Success Stories
Key Highlights
Achieve your Goal with our mentorship program, offering regular guidance and effective exam strategies.
Cultivate a focused mindset for exam success through our mentorship program.
2 Lakh+ Students Mentored Get
Get Free Mentorship Now
UPSC Beginners Program

Get UPSC Beginners Program SuperCoaching @ just

₹50000

Claim for free
Want to know more about this pass ?
Explore SuperCoaching

Functions of Forests
  1. Forests were the sole providers of natural resources for early humans and continues to support several indigenous communities today
  2. They manage the balance between carbon dioxide and oxygen in the atmosphere
  3. Forests shields the soil from erosion
  4. They act as an ecosystem for the wide variety of flora and fauna
  5. Helps to reduce noise pollution
  6. Shield the surrounding areas from extreme weather conditions
  7. Controls the passage of heavy winds
  8. Forests also restrict the sudden movement of flood water

Learn about the environment and ecosystem here.

Structure of a Forest
  1. Forest structure refers to the different layers of horizontal and vertical distribution of forests depending on their age and location.
  2. Even Aged structure means that the tree cover is at the same height. It generally points to less diversity of tree species. Artificial forests and plantations are good examples of even aged structures.
  3. Two aged stands refer to two layers of vegetation, one usually a well developed one and the other in the state of growth (sapling stage or plant stage). It might be due to a new afforestation drive.
  4. An uneven structure of more than three layers indicates that there are trees of multiple age classes in the forest. It also points to a wide variety of species in the forest.

The different components of the forest structure are listed below-

Emergent Layer

The topmost layer of the forest is called the emergent layer and the trees may be as tall as 60 meters. They protrude over the general canopy. The trees should be able to overcome high temperatures and strong winds. Waxy leaves enable these trees to retain more water for drier temperatures. Bats and wind help pollination at these heights.

Canopy

The canopy layer with its dense foliage and branches acts like a cover on the forest. It can be around 20-35 m high in rainforests. Winds, rain, and sunlight are all blocked by the canopy. As the weather is humid below the tree cover, leaves have pointed tips to keep excess water away. Pollination is done by animals as the seeds are usually inside fruits.

Understory Layer

The understory, which is several metres below the canopy, is a humid habitat. The trees in this layer have larger leaves to absorb the minimum exposure to sunlight. These trees have flowers with a pungent smell to ensure that pollinators are attracted. Many animals make use of the low light in the understory to stay away from predators.

Forest Floor Layer

There are fewer trees and more shrubs and plants in this layer. Plant growth is extremely difficult as sunlight is nearly absent in this layer. Leaves and organic matter from the vegetation is quickly turned into nutrients by the decomposers. Most of the animals live in this layer as both carnivores and herbivores find enough food sources.

 

Learn about Kharif, Rabi and Zaid crops here.

Significance of Forest Resources

Economic Significance

Forests are the largest renewable source of food, fodder and fuel. They provide important goods and services to the market economy. The timber from the woods can be used for a wide variety of uses like constructing homes, tools, boats etc. The forests’ flora and wildlife provide important constituents of medicines, natural insecticides etc. Several manufacturing industries like furniture and paper make use of the forest resources.

Ecological Significance

Forests help to maintain biodiversity while also improving conditions for agriculture. It performs several functions that stabilise the natural environment-

  1. Conservation of biodiversity- Forests provide optimum circumstances for the sustenance of living organisms. It hosts a plethora of flora and fauna and is the most diverse terrestrial ecosystem. There are complex food webs that function sustaining the ecological balance of forests.
  2. Sustains the Natural World- The deep and shallow roots in the soil increase the stability of soil and prevent soil erosion. Forests prevent landslides and other disturbances on the surface of earth. They act as the lungs of the world by absorbing toxic gases. They play a huge role in suppressing and recycling carbon dioxide. It safeguards watersheds and ensures a constant supply of fresh water in the water bodies.
  3. Controls the World’s Climate- Their absorption and generation of rainfall, as well as their exchange of atmospheric gases, regulate local and worldwide weather. They absorb more heat than barren land. They directly affect the levels of carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas, in the atmosphere. Forests are carbon sinks, and hence a key entity in fighting global warming and climate change. Afforestation drives are necessary to ensure that the quantity of forests doesn’t decline.

Social Significance

Forests are not just resources in a materialistic sense. Even while the forest resources have immense economic and ecological value, they also hold a huge socio-cultural value to indigenous communities. Many consider forests their home. It is even embedded in their religious beliefs when they worship their surroundings. Forests also hold an aesthetic value for bird watchers, occasional picnickers and conservationists.

Check the list of national parks and biosphere reserves in India here.

 

Deforestation and Community Management
  1. The permanent removal or destruction of indigenous forests is referred to as deforestation.
  2. The rate at which deforestation is happening affects the entire balance of our environment.
  3. While it is estimated that India requires at least 33% of forest cover, the actual numbers are in the range of 24%.
  4. The different reasons for deforestation are- Population growth and the subsequent stress on forest resources, Wildfires, Irrational utilisation of forest resources, Overgrazing, Hydroelectric Projects etc.
  5. The forests are home to indigenous communities (Scheduled Tribes in India) and they depend on it for their livelihood.
  6. Dam construction, mining, and the growth of mineral-based industries are examples of development activities that have destroyed the lives of many indigenous communities. This development is inevitably going to have an impact on their agricultural and forest land, which is their principal source of income.
  7. They find their livelihood by collecting non timber forest produce like edible flowers, firewood, seeds etc and selling them in the local market.
  8. Community Management seeks to include the participation of local communities in conserving the forests. They will step up to help the conservation efforts if there are some direct incentives like rights to collect produce, financial incentives etc.
  9. Especially in areas susceptible to wildfires, instant response from the local community can curb the damage significantly.
  10. Joint Forest Management also helps in restoring the forest cover and protecting the area from being over exploited.

Read about Project Tiger here.

The Niyamgiri Issue
  1. The agreement between the Odisha Government, Vedanta Alumina (a subsidiary of Sterlite India Ltd.) and the Orissa Mining Corporation to mine bauxite from the Niyamgiri hills was signed in 2004, without any consultation with the indigenous tribal community, the Dongria Kondhs. They depend on shifting agriculture, sale and collection of minor forest produce and rearing of livestock livelihood
  2. The Niyamgiri Hills are of immense importance to their cultural and religious beliefs. They believe that Niyam Raja (a male deity represented by a sword) resides in the hills of Niyamgiri.
  3. On 18th of April, 2013, the Supreme Court of India directed the Ministry of Environment and Forest to give forest clearance to Vedanta bauxite mining project in Niyamgiri (Odisha), only after consultation and voting by the palli sabhas of the respective areas.
  4. The local palli sabhas unanimously voted against the project. For every one Niyamgiri that comes to public attention there are a thousand Niyamgiris that go unnoticed. Hidden from public scrutiny and evaluation, land is encroached, the indigenous people evicted and justice denied.
  5. Forest Resources have to be managed through an inclusive process where all the stakeholders have a say. The government should take the lead in ensuring that no party is facing an unequal bias. The indigenous communities should be taken into confidence for any real change in the exploitative nature of development.

To gain knowledge on different topics like Forest Resources, download the Testbook App. Gain access to exclusive exam preparation material and mock tests.

More Articles for IAS Preparation

Forest Resources FAQs

Forests are complex land ecosystems that support a wide variety of plants, trees and animals.

The emergent layer, the canopy, the undergrowth and the forest floor ate the different layers of the forest structure.

Leaves of trees in the understory have larger leaves to absorb the scarce sunlight that passes through the canopy.

It is estimated that at least 33% of India’s landmass should be covered by forests.

Forests conserve biodiversity, control the global climate and sustain natural processes by preventing soil erosion, landslides etc.

The Dongria Kondhs live in the Niyamgiri hills of Odisha.
Report An Error
Exams Tests Super Practice