Fernandez, Joanna Lynne M.

May 14, 2015

Bio 164 Response Paper

Topic: Forest restoration

One of the most alarming threats to biodiversity today is habitat destruction, which
includes the so called process of deforestation. Deforestation refers to the significant loss of
forest cover in a specific region such as the Philippines due to agricultural and economic
reasons. To answer this problem, efforts on conservation have been put into action. Today,
rainforestation is one of the more dominant schemes in conservation biology. This dominance
can be attributed to the many positive impacts that can be obtained from practicing
rainforestation. These impacts include restoration of soil properties, improvement in biological
activities, regulation of climate, and lastly, support in livelihood as well as increase in income of
farmers. Fortunately, with all these reforestation efforts, records of soil erosion and landslide
have been reduced. Agricultural productivity and food security have also been improved.
The presentation was good especially since the speakers spoke loud enough to be
heard from where I was sitting. They tried to incorporate humor while presenting which was
actually good because it kept the audience in listening. They also tried to have audience
participation which is a good thing. Well the thing is the report somewhat lacked of numerical
data and facts to back up the generalizations they have shown.
Forest restoration is one of those things that you always hear when talking about
conservation. I even remember learning about it back when I was still a little elementary school
student. Also in high school, it was one of the things that we were taught. Now that Im a
university student, forest restoration takes the spotlight again. But dont get me wrong, I am in
total support of forest restoration. I understand that it is a really important process that is needed
for conservation of biodiversity. Actually, when you think of it, without forests, the terrestrial
ecosystem including its complex systems of biological functions will be a total mess. Many land
species depend on forests as source of many resouces such as food and shelter. Okay, maybe
some of you will argue that forests need to be cleared for some project that will greatly benefit
us humans. I must admit, you are somewhat right. Forests must be cleared but not all of it. We
need to make sure that there is always something left of the forest not just for our future as
humans but also for the many plant and animal species that greatly depend on forests. As for
forest restoration being a conservation tool, well I am totally supporting it. If forests are restored,
then those species depending on it will also have chances of survival therefore contributing to
the conservation of many species.