Forests, Biodiversity, and Conservation
Definition of Biodiversity and Conservation
● Biodiversity: The variety of living organisms found in a particular habitat or ecosystem,
including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms.
● Conservation: The protection, preservation, and careful management of natural
resources and biodiversity to prevent exploitation, degradation, and extinction.
Ways in Which Forests Are Useful
Forests provide:
● Oxygen through photosynthesis.
● Habitat for wildlife and plant species.
● Raw materials like timber, fuelwood, and medicinal plants.
● Climate regulation by absorbing carbon dioxide.
● Soil protection through root systems that prevent erosion.
● Water cycle support by influencing rainfall and water retention.
● Livelihoods for forest-dependent communities.
Conservation of Forests
Methods of conserving forests include:
● Reforestation: Planting trees to replace those that are cut down.
● Afforestation: Planting trees in areas that were not previously forested.
● Protected areas like national parks and reserves.
● Sustainable logging: Cutting trees in ways that allow the forest to recover.
● Public education: Teaching people the value of forests.
● Government regulations: Laws to prevent illegal logging and deforestation.
Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) and Their Importance to Guyana’s
Economy
● NTFPs: Products from forests that do not require cutting down trees, such as fruits, nuts,
honey, rubber, latex, herbs, oils, and resins.
● Importance:
○ Provide income for rural communities.
○ Support local industries like cosmetics, traditional medicine, and crafts.
○ Promote sustainable use of forest resources.
○ Encourage biodiversity conservation through non-destructive practices.
Eco-Tourism
Meaning and Types of Eco-Tourism
● Eco-tourism: Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and
improves the well-being of local people.
● Types:
○ Wildlife tourism (e.g., birdwatching, safaris)
○ Forest and jungle tours
○ Cultural eco-tourism (indigenous communities)
○ Adventure eco-tourism (hiking, kayaking, nature trails)
Advantages and Disadvantages of Eco-Tourism in Guyana
Advantages
● Promotes environmental awareness and education
● Generates income and jobs for local communities
● Encourages the preservation of natural and cultural heritage
● Reduces environmental impact compared to mass tourism
Disadvantages
● Can cause disturbance to wildlife
● May lead to pollution or damage if not properly managed
● Risk of cultural exploitation
● Requires strong regulation and monitoring
Topics
Soil type
Soil organism
Soil conservation methods, agricultural practices
Soil erosion: causes, methods of prevention
Soil Degradation: human causes etc.
Sources of Energy
Heat energy: conduction, convection, radiation
Teeth
Digestive System
Enzymes
Photosynthesis
Bacteria
Fungi
Pollution
Organisms in a food web and chain
Magnets
Rocks
Mineral Resources
Waves
Circuit
Biodiversity