Every year a piece of our lungs is lost due to forest fires

Forests are one of the most valuable natural assets of our world. For thousands of years, it has provided shelter, food and fuel for humanity and contributed to our health and well-being. Forests, which are also rich in biodiversity, help maintain the natural balance and regulate climate. Today, however, the threats faced by forests are increasing and the destruction of forest resources is accelerating. Therefore, the need to protect and sustainably manage forests has become even more urgent.

Today, we frequently encounter forest fire disasters all over the world. Combined with high temperatures, drought and windy weather, these fires grow rapidly, destroying forests and severely impacting ecosystems. Forest fires reduce biodiversity, destroy habitats and make it harder to tackle climate change. In addition, forest fires threaten people's lives, property and economic resources. Therefore, preventing and responding to forest fires is of great importance.

However, the protection of forests is not limited to preventing fires. Forests support biodiversity, aid climate regulation, prevent soil erosion, protect water resources and improve air quality. These valuable ecosystems are also of great importance for the mental and physical health of people. Protecting forests is to leave an important legacy not only for today's generations but also for future generations.

In this article, we will provide a more detailed perspective on why forests should be protected and the measures that can be taken individually. Understanding why it is important to protect forests and fulfilling our responsibilities towards nature is just one of the steps we take towards building a more sustainable world in the future.

Why are forests important?

Biodiversity: Forests are one of the mainstays of biodiversity in the world. Many different species of plants, animals and microorganisms coexist in forest ecosystems. Together, these species form a complex network, maintaining the natural balance and supporting the healthy functioning of ecosystems. Forests also contribute to the conservation of rare and endemic species. These species are endemic to a particular region and are endangered by deforestation. Biodiversity is critical to the sustainability of ecosystems. Conservation of forests helps maintain natural balance and ecosystem health by preserving this diversity.

Climate Regulator: Forests play an important role in climate regulation. They produce oxygen by absorbing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The process of photosynthesis is carried out by trees and plants in forests and stores some of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This plays an important role in tackling climate change by reducing the greenhouse effect. Forests also increase the level of humidity by releasing water vapor into the atmosphere. This regulates local climatic conditions by influencing the amount of precipitation. Destruction or damage to forests can destabilize the climate and exacerbate the effects of climate change. Therefore, the protection of forests is critical to maintaining their climate-regulating properties and playing an important role in tackling climate change.

Soil Erosion and Water Conservation: Forests have a vital function in protecting soil and water resources. Dense root systems of forests hold the soil and prevent erosion. Trees trap raindrops on the ground and slowly seep into the ground. This reduces soil erosion and maintains soil fertility. Also, forests protect water resources and contribute to the sustainable water cycle. Trees absorb water from the soil and release it back into the atmosphere. This process purifies the water and helps to replenish groundwater resources. Damage or destruction of forests can lead to increased soil erosion and pollution of water resources. This leads to adverse effects in many areas such as agriculture, water supply and ecosystem health.

With this detailed information, we emphasized that forests have important functions such as biodiversity, climate regulation and soil erosion and water conservation. Conservation and sustainable management of forests ensures that these valuable ecosystems and the benefits they provide are passed on to future generations.

Forest Fires: Natural Disasters and Individual Measures

Turkey is frequently faced with forest fires in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions, which are famous for their historical and natural beauties. These natural disasters occur at certain times of the year when combined with heat waves and drought. Forest fires can adversely affect biodiversity, ecosystems and human lives. Measures to be taken individually are very important for the prevention and spread of fires. Here are the things to know about forest fires and the precautions that can be taken individually:

Causes of Forest Fires:

There are various causes of forest fires. Some of these are those:

Human Causes: Human activities such as neglected cigarette butts, bonfires, picnic bonfires, or abandoned campfires can cause forest fires.

Natural Causes: Natural events such as lightning strikes or volcanic activity can cause forest fires to start.

Weather Conditions: The risk of forest fires increases during heat waves, drought and strong winds.

Individual Precautions:

Measures to be taken individually to prevent forest fires and prevent their spread may include:

Acting in Compliance with Fire Rules: It is important to comply with local regulations and rules when lighting fires in open areas. Fire should be lit only in designated fire areas and it should be ensured that the fire is completely extinguished.

Disposing of Cigarette Butts Carefully: It is necessary to extinguish cigarette butts carefully and dispose of them properly. When smoking in wooded areas, it is of paramount importance that butts are disposed of correctly.

Being Cautious in Picnic and Camping Activities: The area around the fire should be cleaned and the fire should be kept under control while picnicking and camping. It is important to always have fire extinguishing materials such as water or sand around the fire.

Not Leaving Garbage in Nature: Leaving garbage in nature both causes environmental pollution and increases the risk of fire. Collect your garbage properly and throw it in the recycling bins.

Rapid Response to Forest Fires: It is very important to report forest fires to the authorities quickly. By knowing the fire alarm lines and emergency numbers, a possible fire can be intervened quickly.

Obeying Fire-Related Instructions: It is important to heed the instructions of the authorities and fire safety teams and to be trained in firefighting. Knowing the use and proper use of fire fighting equipment can help control fires.

Forest fires are natural disasters and are usually caused by man-made causes. Therefore, measures to be taken individually play a major role in preventing fires and preventing their spread. We must be careful and responsible against forest fires in order to preserve the beauties of nature and pass it on to future generations.

Why we shouldn't throw garbage in the forests

Do Not Disturb The Natural Ecosystem: Forests are sensitive and complex ecosystems. Leaving garbage in the forest disrupts the natural balance and affects the functioning of the ecosystem. Garbage pollutes the habitats of plants and animals and adversely affects the health of the natural environment.

Protecting Water Resources from Pollution: Forests protect watersheds and ensure the sustainability of water resources. Garbage thrown into the forest leaks into water resources with precipitation and can cause water pollution. This threatens both people's drinking water supplies and natural aquatic ecosystems.

Increasing Fire Risk: Garbage can contribute to the outbreak and spread of fires. Especially if flammable materials such as glass or plastic are left as garbage in the forest, they can interact with the sun's rays and increase the risk of fire. A fire in the forest threatens both natural life and the safety of people.

Preserving Natural Beauty and Aesthetics: Forests are known for their natural beauty and offer a peaceful environment for many people. Leaving garbage in the forest spoils the natural beauty and creates an aesthetically unpleasant image. This prevents other people from enjoying nature and can negatively affect tourism potential.

Conservation of Nature: Forests are important habitats for many plant and animal species. Littering can threaten the survival of these species or damage their food chain. For example, animals may consume litter and be exposed to harmful substances. This, in turn, upsets the balance of wildlife and can affect populations of species.

Consequently, it is important not to litter the forests. It is necessary for each of us to have the right garbage disposal habits to protect the health of natural ecosystems, keep water sources clean, reduce the risk of fire, protect natural beauty and protect natural life. By collecting our garbage properly and throwing it into recycling bins, we can contribute to protecting nature and the habitats of future generations.

Please do not forget. We and our children, our children's children and their children, everyone we love and can love, will live in the world we will inherit in the future. If we don't want to leave a nightmare for them, let's protect the forests.