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"Everyone agrees if we're to hang on to what's
left of the world's tropical forests, they must be
used sustainably."
Anita Roddick, Body Shop Founder
Most of us have heard of the Amazon Rainforest, but
how many of us really know what it has to offer? Forests
purify the air we breathe and many of the world's
most exotic animals depend on forests for survival.
They're not the only ones...
Forests are not merely sources of timber but offer
local dwellers potential sources of income which,
if tapped, can safeguard livelihoods and the environment.
In fact, three of the stories we feature were shortlisted
for The Equator Initiative, an exciting new awards
scheme set up by UNDP and the UN Foundation, which
recognises the extraordinary efforts of peoples living
in the Equatorial belt to seize the initiative and
protect biodiversity.
Coconuts
to Cars:
Who would've thought that owning a Mercedes Benz might
provide a spin off for Amazonian communities in Brazil.Now,
discarded coconut fibres are processed into the cushioning
used in headrests and seats. And that's not all. With
the production of garden products, matting and paper
the Bolsa Amazonia partnership is ensuring that producers
incomes are more secure.
Made
in Miombo:
Looks at how a research station in the heart of Africa
is attempting to reverse rapid deforestation by demonstrating
that trees can be planted for commercial gain. Not
only are farmers in Malawi being encouraged to help
re-stock the forests but also learning how to create
fruit products which will improve nutrition and boost
their incomes.
Forest
Pharmacy:
The majority of medicinal plants found in the world
grow wild. India's natural forest pharmacy provides
over 8,000 species of medicinal plants for primary
healthcare needs. Revitalising traditional health
practices has given tribal communities in Maharashtra,
a reason to conserve their plant heritage.
Smart
Hives:
African honey bees have notoriously bad tempers and
don't like being disturbed. In Tanzania, using traditional
log hives not only means beekeeping by night, but
also having to kill many of the bees. Now, a new alternative
is bringing the beekeeping community into the 21st
Century, stopping both bee and keeper from causing
each other harm while giving women a chance to compete
in this traditionally male preserve!
Measure
for Measure:
In Guatemala, location of the world's largest certified
community run forest, illegal exploitation has given
way to sustainable management. The local communities
have proved that they are best placed to earn a living
and take care of the forest thus guaranteeing their
future and that of the forest.
Urban
Jungle:
It's not uncommon for ancient woodland, often referred
to as 'Britain's Rainforest', to succumb to the ever-expanding
concrete jungle. But in Croydon, London's second largest
borough, there's almost one tree for every person
living in the city. Labelled the world's first 'urban
forest', the local council is taking good care of
their natural resource and providing jobs, sustainable
energy and wildlife conservation in the process.
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