Importance of TRFs

Prevent soil erosion

Environmental functions

For People

Habitats for plants/animals

Generate Oxygen:


Rainforest and mangrove plants carry out oxygen generation through photosynthesis, the process in which they absorb carbon dioxide, water and sunlight to produce food for their own survival and growth. They are also capable of producing oxygen throughout the year as they are evergreen.

Some facts:

There are more than 1,000 species of freshwater fish and birds.

Scientists believe that over 2 million species of insects may also be found. Only a small fraction of these have ever been collected and named.

Over 300 types of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians have been discovered

Mangroves

The dead leaves and branches that fall from mangrove plants are broken down by bacteria into tiny particles which fishes, shrimps and crabs feed on.


Mangroves serve as breeding grounds for young fish, as their dense root networks provide shelter from large predators. The branches of mangroves also provide nesting sites for many species of birds, such as pelicans, herons, egrets and spoonbills.

Tropical Rainforests

Mangroves

During rainfall:

  1. Falling raindrops hit the soil with considerable force, causing soil particles to become detached.
  2. There is little infiltration and percolation of rainwater into the soil, leading to high surface runoff.
  3. The loosened soil particles are easily washed away by flowing water, resulting in severe soil erosion.

How rainforests minimise soil erosion:

  1. The leaves, branches and stems of rainforest plants slow down falling rain drops before they reach the ground.
  2. More rainwater can infiltrate and percolate into the soil, thus reducing surface runoff. 3. Raindrops hit the soil with less force.
  3. The roots of rainforest plants also bind the soil together, making it harder to erode.
  4. The overall soil erosion by flowing water is minimised.

During rainfall:

  1. Loose sediments are easily washed away by waves, currents and ides.
  2. Strong waves do not lose much energy as they travel towards the coast.
  3. Significant coastal erosion occurs when waves hit the coast with force.
    How mangroves minimise soil erosion:
  4. The dense root systems of mangrove plants help to trap and stabilise loose sediments on the coast.
  5. Sediments are less likely to be washed away by waves, currents and tides.
  6. The roots, trunks and branches of mangrove plants cause friction with waves hitting the coast.
  7. The waves lose a significant amount of energy, thus reducing coastal erosion.

Habitation

Recreation

Source of food

People who live in tropical forests are also known as indigenous people. They depend on the physical environment to meet their basic needs such as food, water, shelter and clothing.

Many types of food come from plants that grow in tropical forests. (e.g. Fruit: Bananas, mangoes Vegetables: Cucumbers, eggplants Nuts: Brazil nuts, cashew nuts Spices: Pepper cinnamon.


Indigenous people often hunt wild animals such as fish, deer and wild birds for food. This manner of obtaining food for survival is know as hunting and gathering.

Trekking, camping and birdwatching are some common activities that people take part in.


Visiting forests has a positive effect on people's health. The natural sights, smells and sounds of the forest have a calming effect on people, which helps to give them a sense of well-being. Visiting forests for recreation is also a way for people to exercise and to lead an active lifestyle.

Carbon Storage:
Absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis. This helps balance the amount of carbon dioxide being added to the atmosphere through natural processes like respiration and decomposition.


How it happens:
1, Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is absorbed through photosynthesis.

  1. The absorbed carbon dioxide is stored in solid form in the plants - in their leaves, branches, stems and roots.
  2. Dead leaves and branches that fall to the ground add carbon to the soil.