Poems written by the sky
March 21 is International Day of Forests (IDF). The Day celebrates and raises awareness on the importance of all types of forests.
The theme for IDF2020 is Forests and Biodiversity.
Every aspect of our lives is tied up with the forests. How, you ask? When you drink a glass of water, or write in a notebook or even take a tablet…everything can be traced back to the forest.
They cover one third of the Earth’s land mass, performing vital functions. More than 1.6 billion people, including more than 2000 indigenous cultures, depend on forests for their livelihoods, medicines, fuel, food and shelter.
One of the ways to combat climate change is sustainable management and use of resources.
In India, we have many precious varieties of trees that need to be protected and cared for. The peepul tree for example is considered the Tree of Life. It releases oxygen at night and is medicinal too. The banyan has a long life, and can be used to treat can be used effectively against many ailments. A mango tree is of course everyone’s favourite. The gulmohar is beautiful, as is the copperpod and the cannonball.
Take a walk around your neighbourhood and identify the trees you spot. Then go home and find how they are beneficial to us.
Now, for a bit of entertainment, do this personality test and see what tree you are.