Role of Trees in Ecosystems

Learn about the role of trees in maintaining a sustainable environment

Amazone rainforest, Yasuni National Park, Ecuador (2017) by GRID-Arendal/Peter ProkoschOriginal Source: http://www.grida.no/resources/3762

What are ecosystems?

Ecosystems are the web of all life on Earth. An ecosystem comprises all the living organisms and the interactions among them as well as with their surroundings in a given place. Rivers, forests, wetlands, oceans, estuaries, and coral reefs are examples of ecosystems.

What is ecosystem-based adaptation? (2020) by UNEPthe United Nations

What is ecosystem-based adaptation?

Old oak tree, Vilm Island, Germany (2014) by GRID-Arendal/Peter ProkoschOriginal Source: http://www.grida.no/resources/3005

What can a tree do for me?

Tree ecosystems provide us with priceless benefits. This includes, breathable air,  a stable climate, supplies of water, food, materials, and protection from disasters and diseases. They are also good for our mental well being.

Birch trees forest in Afghanistan (2017) by UNEP/Igor Riabchukthe United Nations

Trees are amazing!

They make Earth habitable by providing:
- the air we breathe
- water
- carbon sinks (absorbing and storing carbon from the atmosphere)
- moderating the climate
- critical defence against global warming
- protection from natural disasters

Kamchatka Brown Bear (Ursus Arctos Beringianus) fishing for Salmon, Russia (2014) by GRID-Arendal/Peter ProkoschOriginal Source: http://www.grida.no/resources/3010

Why are forest ecosystems important?

They are home to precious wildlife and key for food sustainability. Around 1.6 billion people depend on forests for their livelihood, including 70 million Indigenous Peoples.

An owl on a tree' trunk (2016)the United Nations

The role of trees

Trees are home to most of the planet's wonderful biodiversity, that includes animals such as birds, insects, reptiles, mammals and other plant species. Trees and forests protect and fertilize soils and help prevent soil erosion.

Fishfarm within mangrove forest of Ko Lanta, Thailand (2015) by GRID-Arendal/Peter ProkoschOriginal Source: http://www.grida.no/resources/3509

Essential a sustainable food system

Trees support agricultural, livestock and fishery production through water regulation, soil protection, nutrient circulation, pest control and pollination. Working with trees, makes farming more sustainable and reduces the need for pesticides.

Mangroves ready for planting, Mombasa, Kenya (2019) by UNEPthe United Nations

What can I do to preserve trees?

- Buy forest friendly certified products
- Choose recycled paper and cardboard and recycle it again
- Avoid disposable paper products
- Enjoy forests and woods responsibly
- Participate in reforestation campaigns
- Educate people about the value of trees
- Ask governments to protect and extend green spaces

Conserving Forests - Congo Basin Forest: a Super Solution (2019) by UNEPthe United Nations

Tree at Nui Chua National Park, Vietnam (2018) by UNEP/Lisa Murraythe United Nations

Join us and learn more!

Goat herd in Amboseli National Park, Kenya (2020) by UNEP / Georgina Smiththe United Nations

Additional learning resources

- Society for Ecological Restoration (SER): International Principles and Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration
- SER: Overview of the Practice of Ecological Restoration,  Free online course
- The Global Partnership on Forest and Landscape Restoration

Credits: Story

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Europe Office 

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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