RAINFOREST

Rainforest play an indispensable role in our ecosystem, but they are seriously damaged.

1.Definition and Allocation of Rainforest

Rainforest is defined as a dense jungle of tall trees which is in tropical environments where is
received a lot of rain. (Oxford Advanced Learners” Dictionary, Oxford University Express, 1992)

Rainforests are found in the tropics which the region between the Tropic of Cancer and the
Tropic of Capricorn. Tropical rainforests distribute densely both in Amazone river in North
America and the area of Southeast Asia, as well as some parts in the middle of Africa.

2.The importance of Rainforest

According to Rebecca Mock, 2006, forests stand out as one of the world's precious ecosystems,
varying most of the Earth's biodiversity from the ecological functions to the economic meaning,
exceeding 60%. In terms of environmental contributions, all jungles play a vital part in climate
regulation and construct one of the primary stores of carbon on the planet, they also are
significant contributor to prevent greenhouse effect. Besides, Michael Vince (2010) points out
the influence of rainforests on carbon cycle (green plants absorb CO2, which they transform to
sugars through photosynthesis process), and also have a substantial impact on rainfall. Thanks
to the quantity of water evaporating from the forest, which generates rain. Therefore, the
disappearance of forests would result in decreased rainfall, quicker drainage, and higher soil
temperatures.

In the matter of society meanings, for aboriginal and other forest dwellers, forests are their
subsistence. Forests supply them with majority of their needs from such as: bush meat, fruits,
honey, firewood, medical plants… to cultural and ethical values. (Rebecca Mock, 2006). For
example, Malcolm Mann in 1999, shows that people of small groups in isolated and
underdeveloped areas remain dependent on rainforest. The woodland provides them with
sustenance, including fruits, wild vegetables, and captured animals, as well as resources for
their material needs such as dwellings, boats, hunting tools, twine, rope, toxins, and medicines.
There are estimated to be over 4,000 botanical species for the purpose of food and medicine
utilized by forest-dependent individuals, many of which are passed on verbally, from one
generation to the next of small groups. Accustomed to living within the forest, self-reliant and
utilizing its resources without depleting them, these individuals engage in hunting forest
animals only as necessary. In doing so, they serve as guardians of the forest, fostering its
preservation while benefiting from its protection.
Regarding medical contributions, as NeilJ.Anderson (2008) states that 2,000 tropical rainforest
plants were labelled the dormant to resist cancer by The United States Cancer Institute.
However, deforestation threatens these medicinal resources. About 40% of prescribed drugs in
the U.S. receive their effectiveness from rainforest chemicals, such as quinine for malaria from
South American tree bark and leprosy treating for armadillos. The rainforest has been crucial in
developing medications, including snakeroot for high blood pressure and the yam for the
contraceptive pill.

3.Deforestation and Consequences

The Earth is now losing its rainforests at the fast rate of 7% annual and the end of these jungle
forests is immediately visible. In 1950, up to one third of the earth covered with rainforest, but
by 2002, the coverage had reduced to 6%. Over 40% of the world's original forests have
deforested yearly, with Latin America, Asia, and Africa losing 37%, 42%, and 52%, respectively.
(Virgina Evans, Expressing Publishing, 1997)

The significant lack of trees in many regions, driven by population growth and increased
cultivation, leading to multiple environmental challenges. Deforestation for agricultural
expansion causes soil vulnerability during dry seasons, heightened susceptibility to water and
wind erosion, and concerns about reduced soil fertility for local farmers. In Kanda, located on
steep slopes with a soapstone substrate, making this area prone to landslides, exacerbated by
the loss of tree roots. Additionally, the disappearance of forests negatively impacts the
watershed system, resulting in dry springs and a lowered underground water table,
contributing to downstream floods. Changes in monsoon patterns worsen these issues, often
leading to catastrophic consequences. (Simon Haines, 2005)

According to Barbara Stewart, 2007, forest clearance in the Himalayas may be the possible
cause of environmental catastrophe in Bangladesh and Nepal. Bangladesh, where most of the
land is less than 10 meters above sea level and over 90 million people reside, faces regular
floods from monsoon rains, seen as beneficial for agriculture, covering 30% of the land
annually. However, occasional disastrous floods occur every few years and are considered
detrimental. Additionally, uncontrolled runoff from deforested catchment areas and increased
silting of river channels downstream from the Himalayas could contribute to severe flooding in
Bangladesh. Besides, this deforestation may lead to soil destruction on a large scale in locations
like Nepal.
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