The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March ‘International Day of Forests’ which signifies a day of celebrating and creating awareness about forests. Forested watersheds and wetlands supply 75% of the world’s accessible fresh water for domestic, agricultural and ecological needs. It is by maintaining and providing high quality fresh water that watershed areas have a pivotal role in the earth’s ecology and contribute significantly to the wealth and welfare of human societies. Improved water resource management in developing countries can show considerable economic gains, where an investment could have direct annual income returns from 200% to as much as 400% the cost of investment.

Forests also stand at the forefront in the battle against climate change and play a crucial part in reducing its effects. The impacts of climate change may also be manifested in an increase in catastrophes such as floods, droughts and landslides – all of which are a result of the reduction of forest cover. Moreover, large-scale deforestation can have a significant impact on precipitation patterns.

Nearly 80% of the world’s population, that’s 8 out of 10 people, is exposed to high levels of threat to water security. By 2050, an extra 2.3 billion people are projected to be living in river basins under severe water stress, especially in North and South Africa as well as South and Central Asia.

REDD+ which is a forest-centered, land use strategy that helps protect our water resources, among other benefits. This year the United Nations collaborative initiative on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (UN-REDD), together with the Forest Department of the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment have taken special measures to place emphasis on the key role of forests in the planet’s supply of freshwater.

View https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMZQLVwf1Cs for more.