International Day of Tropical Forests: Great Wealth of Species

Published on 1 September 2022

Tropical forests are a natural resource, which in turn is one of the most important sources of biodiversity and nature. The World Organization of the United Nations has instituted the International Day of Tropical Forests to raise global awareness of the importance of these forests.

June 26: World Rainforest Day

International Tropical Forest Day was established to raise awareness of the importance of tropical forests as a natural resource and their protection against deforestation. An ephemeris proclaimed in 1999 by the United Nations Environment Program.

Tropical rainforests are one of the most important ecosystems and environments on our planet. Costa Rica’s Tropical Rainforest is a sanctuary full of shapes, colors, sounds and scents. It is home to more than half of all terrestrial plants and animals in the world, such as exotic birds, butterflies, tree frogs and even poisonous frogs. It also provides many benefits to Costa Ricans, such as clean water, food, medicine and shelter for wildlife.

However, forests like these are also very important in terms of climate change mitigation because they absorb a large amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. That is why it is essential that we protect them from deforestation, pollution and other threats that endanger them.

Costa Rica and Tropical Forests

They are distributed in various parts of the world, but are most common in Africa, South America, Southeast Asia and Oceania. They cover about 6% of the Earth’s surface and store more than one third of all carbon on Earth. They are terrestrial ecosystems, which develop in regions of high temperature and are called macro-thermal. The tropical rainforest is one of the most common types of rainforest, characterized by a warm, humid climate, high temperatures and heavy rainfall.

In Costa Rica it is located in the lowlands of the northern and Caribbean zone. Others can be found in the southern Pacific, but there are many fragmented areas throughout the country. The forests on the Pacific slope of the mountain ranges are mainly an atmospheric association due to a longer dry season caused by the “rain curtain” effect.

tropical-forest-sensorial-sunsets — Tropical forest

Raising awareness about tropical forests

Forests are the main ecosystem found in the biosphere. They are the habitat of thousands of species of plants, birds, mammals, and reptiles. Costa Rica, being considered one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, is trying to raise awareness among its population so that its importance transcends beyond tourism objectives and focuses on ecological balance. They are also home to many indigenous populations that live in these areas. However, they have been destroyed by human activities such as logging, mining and agriculture. This has led to a decrease in forest cover, which is one of the main causes of global warming.

These forested areas are of great importance but also face great dangers. The main risks to which they are subjected are due to the absence of sectoral policies and guidelines. Another reason why the objective of this day is to raise awareness.

In summary

Tropical forests are a natural resource. One of the most important sources of biodiversity and nature.
World Rainforest Day, proclaimed in 1999 by the United Nations Environment Program.
They are the habitat of thousands of species of plants, birds, mammals and reptiles.

Author

Zelda Walters for Sensorial Sunsets