The world environment owes much of its state of health to the presence of forests. Trees provide oxygen to the atmosphere during photosynthesis and withdraw harmful carbon dioxide from it; hence forests are referred to as the "Lungs of the Earth." Forests influence rainfall through the hydrological cycle and by ameliorating soil conditions for a more controlled yield of potable water and reduction of flooding.

Forests provide the timber necessary for the building, furniture construction and the manufacture of paper. Wood is also the most economical form of fuel used for cooking and heating for the majority of people especially in developing countries. Wildlife management for sustenance and sport, the discovery of chemicals used to manufacture medicinal drugs, pesticides and perfumes, as well as natural outdoor recreational pursuits are all steeped in forests.

Forests also help people to alleviate psychological stress arising from the trials of modern society. Persons especially from the cities find solace in the relative peace and purity of nature, and habitually pursue pastimes such as hiking, fishing, swimming and photography in forested parks and open space areas.

Forests are also sites of pilgrimage for various religious groups where the ambience of the atmosphere and the physical closeness to nature make the setting conducive for meditation, self-realization and prayer offerings fir the spiritual upliftment of mankind. In many parts of the world there exist cultural parks set aside for the performance of rituals, such as parts of the Caura River for Hindu and Baptist ceremonies here in Trinidad.

These benefits and more are nature's way of keeping planet earth healthy and contributing to the physical, psychological and spiritual welfare of mankind.

Tropical forest destruction is now estimated by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) to be in the order of seventeen million hectares (an area thirty-five (35) times the size of Trinidad) annually, almost exclusively by burning.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources has been involved in various activities aimed at improving the national environment. These include:

• Regeneration of plant cover on denuded lands and open public areas.
• Forests fire prevention and control.
• Enhancement of watersheds, for improved water quality and yield.
• Clean-up rivers and waterways.
• Habitat improvement and captive breeding of wildlife.
• Provision of park and recreational opportunities and facilities.
• Environmental education programs and
• Protection of lands for bio-diversity.

Still, protecting the environment and scarce natural resources remains everyone's business. Each individual should pledge to do his or her duty to improve the quality of health and the environment by adopting measures such as those made below:

• Avoid destroying trees unnecessarily.
• Be careful with matches and cigarette butts in the adjacent to grassy and wooded areas.
• Do not dump waste into rivers and waterways.
• Do not waste water. Use it wisely.
• Recycle materials obtained from the forest, e.g. paper in the form of magazines and newspapers.
• Plant trees for beautification and to commemorate special events.
• Help to suppress wildfires whenever possible.
• Do not hunt wildlife excessively, especially the pregnant, females and the young.
• Keep picnic sites, hiking trials, roadsides and your own surroundings free of litter.
• Get involved in environmental issues through word and action.

Mankind's very existence and survival depend on a healthy environment.

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