Deforestation and Forest Conservation

These flashcards cover the lecture notes on Deforestation and Forest Conservation.

What is Deforestation?

The human action of clearing a wide area of trees in a forest.

Name four reasons why forests are important.

Sinks of carbon dioxide, habitats for biodiversity conservation, providers of important environmental services, sustaining livelihood and economic opportunities

List the provisioning services that forests provide.

Timber/Fibre (construction, energy), Food (deer, fruits, herbs, seeds, honey), Chemical and medicinal products, Water

What are supporting services that forests provide?

Habitats for fauna and flora (biodiversity), Photosynthesis/Primary production, Soil formation, Nutrient cycling, Pollination, seed dispersal

Name the regulating services that forests provide.

Carbon storage (above/below ground), Purification of air, Purification of water, Climate regulation, Protection against erosion/avalanches, Flood mitigation, Protection against coastal erosion and storms

List the cultural services provided by forests.

Recreation/Aesthetics, Spirituality, Education

What is the largest driver of deforestation?

Agriculture

What are the effects of deforestation?

Global warming, water shortages, flooding and landslides, soil erosion, loss of habitat, loss of biodiversity

What is forest conservation?

The practice of planning & maintaining forested areas for the benefit and sustainability of future generations.

What is afforestation?

The establishment of forests where previously there have been none or where forest have been missing for a long time.

What is reforestation?

The replanting of trees on more recently deforested land and forested areas.

List other forest conservation methods.

Controlled/Planned deforestation, Controlled forest fires, Land zoning, Laws – Green belts, Sustainable farming practices, Regulating animal grazing

List the importance of forest conservation.

Species Conservation, Carbon Dioxide Emission Reduction, Soil development, Provision of food, Forest Preservation

Name the main types of forests in St. Vincent.

Tropical rainforests, dry scrub woodlands, mangrove forests

What are the causes of deforestation in St. Vincent?

Agricultural Expansion: (Banana cultivation, Marijuana Cultivation), Infrastructure development: Residential, Hotel and resort development, road construction, Charcoal and Fuel production for energy needs, Squatting for housing

What are the effects of deforestation in St. Vincent?

Increased soil erosion, reduced water quality and quantity, flooding, landslides, loss of habitat and biodiversity, loss of coastal buffer

Name the Forest Reserves in St. Vincent.

Kings Hill, Tobago Cays and Cumberland Forest Reserve