TRF benefits

Question 1

What is the role of TRFs in the environment?

Answer 1

1. Generate oxygen
   - tropical rainforests absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen through the process of photosynthesis
   - tropical rainforests are capable of producing oxygen throughout the whole year because they are evergreen
2. Carbon sinks
   - When tropical rainforests absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, the absorbed carbon dioxide is stored in solid form, in leaves, branches, stems, and roots.
   - When the leaves and branches fall to the ground and roots produce soil carbon, the soil becomes a carbon sink
3. Habitat to flora and fauna
   - the TRFs and mangroves give shelter to the fauna and are homes to an array of nesting birds
   - mangroves provide a breeding ground for fish, crabs, shrimps, etc
   - mangrove wood is resistant to rot and insects
   - TRFs block sunlight from reaching the fauna on the ground
   - TRFs provide food for the fauna
4. Water Cycle
   - mangroves and plants in TRFs lose water through transpiration
   - groundwater also evaporates with high temperatures and strong winds.
   - the water then condenses and falls as rain
   - water generated in TRFs can travel all over the world, helping maintain the water cycle everywhere
   - 50-75% of precipitation in the Amazon rainforest is from transpiration
   - moisture from the Amazon also influences rainfall as far away as the Western United States and Central America
5. Prevents soil erosion
   - the presence of trees to intercept rainfall
   - the root of plants bind the soil together
   - less surface runoff and soil erosion
   - more infiltration

Question 2

What is the role of TRFs in society?

Answer 2

1. Habitat to indigenous people
   - UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates 60 million indigenous people* are wholly dependent on TRFs
   - *Indigenous people are the original inhabitants of a country
   - TRFs and mangroves provide daily necessities such as food, clothing, shelter and medicine
2. Source of raw materials
   - Tropical rainforests and mangroves provide wood for fuel, or timber to build or make things (e.g., furniture, construction materials)
   - Tropical hardwoods such as, mahogany and meranti are commonly used to make furniture
   - Mangrove wood can also be turned into charcoal for cooking and heating
   - Ground beneath TRFs may have precious stones and minerals
   - TRFs can be cleared for mining of coal, iron and diamonds, which are then made into pipes, computer microchips etc.
3. Source of food
4. Space for recreation
   - For people who live in cities, TRFs and Mangroves are opportunities for people to get closer to nature
   - People can trek, camp, birdwatch. People can also exercise and lead a healthy lifestyle
   - Natural sights and smells and sounds can improve one’s wellbeing