Uses/Importance of forests:Forests are nature’s gift to mankind. They are of multifarious uses and as such are considered to be of immense help to human beings. They moderate the climate, maintain soil mantle, and regulate water supplies. By their photosynthetic activity, the plants take carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen thus purifying the air and also convert solar energy into various forms of energy such as fuel, food, oil and oil products, which can be directly used by human beings.

Forests have a great potential to control rainfall and contribute largely towards moderation of flow of water in the catchment areas. They also offer protection to soil against erosion by wind and water.

The ecological usefulness of forests is most readily observed in their beneficial effect on water catchment areas, where they have a regulatory influence on streamflow and where they protect soils from erosion and prevent silting of dams and canals. Forests also play a significant role in economic development.

In addition to their important influence on the environment, they provide innumerable products of vital use to man. Forest products are extensively used in most societies; they provide food, fuel, fibre, building materials, and industrial products such as gums, resins, oils, transmission poles, newsprint and other papers, packaging materials, textiles and clothing. Almost every modern industry is, to some extent, dependent on forest products in one or more of its processes.