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Unit 4 # Forests

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Unit 4 # Forests

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shayanahmed1212
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Unit 4 # Forests

1. a) Study Figure 4-A which shows a map of forest types in Pakistan.

i. Name the forest types found in each of the areas A, B and C.


Ans: A: Coniferous/Alpine Forest B: Riveraine/bela Forest C: Mangrove Forest

ii. Name the sea D and the line of latitude E.


Ans: D: Arabian Sea. E: Tropic of Cancer (23 22° N latitude)

iii. Explain why the forest type A grows naturally in cool, hilly areas.
Ans: Alpine/coniferous forests grow in northern, north-western areas of Pakistan,
in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and in Balochistan at an altitude of over 1000 meters.
These forests can tolerate low temperature with the help of thick barks and can
also tolerate thin, poor and dry soils. The branches of these trees are sloping
downwards so that they can shed the snow off. Their needle-shaped and waxy
leaves can reduce water loss through evapo-transpiration. They can absorb water
from melting snow with shallow roots. They can also save energy with evergreen
leaves.
iv. Why is it important that forests by the coast are protected?
Ans: Mangrove forests are found along the deltas of River Indus and River Hab.
Mangrove forests provide the breeding grounds for fish. These forests also
provide shelter to the coastal areas from storms, cyclones, tsunamis, high tides
and flooding. Roots of these forests offer shelter to young fish.

These forests are a source of wood for the local people for building houses and
boats. These forests also provide a habitat and shelter to wildlife which are under
threat from oil spills, polluted effluent and overcutting of trees.

b) Study Figure 4-B. With reference to Figure 4-B, explain how deforestation can
cause soil erosion.
Ans:
Deforestation means reckless cutting of trees. When trees are cut down the land
is exposed and the upper fertile layer of soil is washed away by rainwater. The
rainwater carries soil away and there is lack of infiltration of water into the
ground so less water is absorbed by roots and there is less evapo-transpiration.

There will be no roots to hold the soil and no leaf-fall to add humus and fertility to
the soil. No new plants grow on the infertile lower soil layer which is left behind.
The rainwater from small channels which become deeper and deeper with
successive rains. The area presents a dissected landscape. This removal of upper
fertile layer of soil is called soil erosion. Soil erosion makes the land
unproductive.

c) There has been development of forests in lowland areas of Punjab and Sindh
using irrigation.

i. Why is irrigation necessary for new plantations of trees?


Ans: Irrigated forests have been grown in Punjab and Sindh. There is low rainfall
in the areas of Sindh and southern Punjab which is not enough for normal forest
growth. High temperature leads to high evapo-transpiration. The rainfall is also
irregular and not dependable and comes only during the Summer Monsoon
period (July-September). There are long dry spells which prevent the growth
forests. So, irrigation becomes necessary for new plantation of trees.

ii. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of developing more irrigated


plantations of trees in lowland areas of Punjab and Sindh.
Ans: Advantages: Irrigated forests supply timber for house-building, construction,
fencing and furniture making and also supply firewood. Forests provide shade and
shelter and also reduce sum temperature and add to the rainfall. They provide
clean air and oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. Th add to scenic beauty which
promotes tourism and also provide recreation and picnic spots. Fore provide
habitat for wildlife and also give employment to people. Eucalyptus trees can
reduce water. logging and salinity.

Disadvantages: Forests need a large investment as they are a long-term


investment and there is no quick profit as trees grow very slowly. Cost of
maintenance is also high. There is a need for irrigation Cutting of trees for housing
and farmland is a loss of land.
2. a) How has deforestation affected the land and people of Pakistan?
Ans: In Pakistan, forest resources are already meager and under constant stress
due to reckless and unauthorized cutting of trees. Cutting of trees disturbs the
natural environment. With no trees to hold the soil together and slow the water
flow, the surface run-off can cause heavy floods. Continuous disruption of the
water supply badly affects crops, reducing food production. The natural habitat is
destroyed, which disturbs wildlife and can cause its extinction. With less
vegetation there is less evapo-transpiration. The climate changes, resulting in less
rainfall which may lead to lower crop yields.
Political pressures and administrative mismanagement intensify the crisis. There
is a strong need to stop the process of deforestation and to manage the forest
resources on a scientific basis by implementing afforestation / reforestation
programmes.

b) Describe five solutions that could improve the situation.


Ans: The main objective of these projects is the afforestation of ecologically
critical areas, which are under constant threat of land degradation which causes
damage to the environment. Afforestation Projects may consist of:
• Selecting areas to be afforested.
• Managing plantations.
• Developing ways of using forest products.
• Spreading small nurseries throughout the project area.
• Government should take action against Cutting of trees and impose heavy
fine and imprisonment on such groups who perform these activities.
• Government also motivate local people to plant trees by providing
specialized knowledge of, and assistance with, forest management and the
collection of data on afforestation.

3. CRAFTS TOURISM
CLIMATE SOILS

With reference to two of the above, explain how trees can be a valuable
resource for the people who live in mountain areas.
Ans: Crafts: Cottage and craft industries provide employment opportunities.
Work for local people is provided and they can increase their income and improve
their living standard. Local raw materials can be used to increase exports to earn
foreign exchange. Local items can be sold to tourists.
Tourism: Tourism provides scenic beauty which attracts tourists and foreign
exchange can be earned and spent on different projects and developments of the
area. Picnic spots can also be provided. Nature study, photography can be done.
Tourist can also buy local handicrafts.

Climate: Trees increase the evapo-transpiration which helps to bring more rain.
There is an increase humidity. They provide shade and help to lower the
temperature. Trees prevent soil erosion and also prevent landslides and flooding.
Trees reduce air pollution.

Soils: Leaf fall creates humus which brings more fertility to the soil. Crops can be
grown. Trees soil back and prevent soil erosion. It helps to prevent flooding and
landslides.
The rate of deforestation in Pakistan is the second-highest in Asia and only
4.
around 1% of Pakistan now has natural forest cover.

To what extent is it possible to solve the problems of deforestation in Pakistan?


Support your answer by using examples you have studied.
Ans: On Pakistan’s Independence Day 2020, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) states
that only 5.7 % of land, or around 4.54 million hectares under forest cover,
Pakistan’s deforestation rate is the second highest in Asia, after Afghanistan and
is well below the recommended cover of 25%.

We know deforestation is a real problem in the world today. Apart from


damaging the environment, deforestation also brings social problems. The recent
flash floods in parts of Balochistan, Kachho in Sindh and widespread rains in
Karachi, Lahore and other cities, Pakistan’s ecosystems, biodiversity, and the soils
are being damaged and people’s livelihoods often get at stake too. The big picture
is probably the contribution of deforestation to climate change, but also the rise
of social inequality.

After years of deforestation, The Government of Pakistan and NGOs have started
a number of projects, including:
• the Tarbela/Mangla Watershed Management Project
• The Government's Rs34 million “Rachna Doab Afforestation Project”
• The Billion Tree Tsunami project
These project is aimed at not only planting trees but also shifting mindsets in the
province and in Pakistan from environmental destruction towards valuing,
conserving, and preserving our precious natural resources.

To conclude, apart from Government’s contributions to stop deforestation from a


political and systemic perspective, the citizens of Pakistan also play their role in
protecting the afforested areas and carrying out planting. They also motivate
other local people to plant trees by providing specialized knowledge of, and
assistance with, forest management and the collection of data on afforestation.
Both Government and citizens contribution can help Pakistan to stop
deforestation and live a sustainable environment.

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