Sri Lanka, Jan. 5 -- This year, countries around the world will be planting millions of trees in an effort to save the environment and hence, the Earth itself. Just what is a forest? According to the UN, an area greater than 1.25 acres, populated by trees 16 feet or taller, with more than 10 percent canopy cover can be termed a forest.
Forests are vital because they're filled with vegetation, fungi, and microorganisms that draw carbon dioxide from the air and store it. Healthy, mature forests support a broad variety of life forms, giving and taking nutrients, habitat and shade. They catch, store, and filter water. They improve air quality by removing pollutants. They provide a source of timber, food, medicine and jobs for people.
Indeed, ...