Preface Forests are often called the “lungs” of the Earth. This is because forests are the primary source of oxygen, as well as the largest sink of carbon dioxide on the planet. Without properly functioning forests, we would simply not have enough air to breathe, not to mention that climate change would escalate far quicker than it is happening now. However, forests should be considered much more than just the “lungs”. If we account for all the benefits these ecological systems offer to the natural environment and to people, then forests should be treated as vital multipurpose “organs” responsible for a variety of functions that are essential to maintaining Alexandr Iscenco Co-founder and CEO MEGA
life on the planet. Besides capturing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, forest ecosystems create fertile soil, purify water, provide habitats for animals, regulate microclimate, and perform many other functions. They also provide many important “services” to people, such as supplying various natural resources and food, contributing to health and wellbeing, offering opportunities for recreation, and even taking part in cultural and scientific development of humanity. Still, with all the benefits that forests bring to people, we often do not see the value of forest ecosystems beyond them being a source for wood extraction, consumption, and profit generation. This one-sided view causes massive deforestations and degradation of forests all over the globe. Furthermore, we often do not realize that the more forests we cut and ruin with pollution, the less benefits from their functions and “services” we receive. Clearly, there needs to be a shift in the understanding of the value of forests, in our attitude towards their ecosystems, and in the ways in which we manage them. Simply planting new trees and creating “artificial” forests, while still cutting down the pristine ones, is not sufficient to recreate the complex, intricate, and well-balanced interrelations among various components of untouched forest ecosystems. While continuing with reforestation and afforestation to make up for losses in forest cover of the Earth, we need to conserve and manage the existing forest ecosystem sustainably. We at MEGA have already started working on conservation of the Codru forest in the Republic Moldova, at the same time collaborating with other local organizations to plant trees and create community forests throughout our country. Now, we want to help you do the same with the present publication. We hope that our knowledge and experience shared through it will support you in your activities aimed at protecting forest ecosystems, these vital multipurpose “organs” of our planet.
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