Why are rainforests so important? - Info sheet

Rainforests are vital ecosystems that provide numerous benefits, both locally and globally. They play a critical role in the planet's health by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, which is essential for life. These dense forests are also a treasure trove of biodiversity, housing an estimated quarter of all natural medicines discovered to date. Beyond their medicinal value, rainforests offer a variety of foods that are staples in our diet, such as vanilla, chocolate, nuts, ginger, and pepper. They are also a source of valuable resources including rubber, bamboo, timber, and minerals, as well as being home to intricate river networks. However, there is a delicate balance between utilising these resources for development and preserving the rainforests to prevent unsustainable exploitation and long-term detrimental effects on the environment.

The creation of rainforests is a result of specific climatic conditions, and they are typically located near the equator, where the environment is conducive to their growth. Protecting rainforests is of paramount importance, not only for the preservation of the vast number of species that remain undiscovered but also for the continued provision of the aforementioned resources and environmental benefits. The challenge faced by governments, particularly in less affluent countries, is to find sustainable methods of managing and utilising rainforest resources while ensuring the conservation and protection of these irreplaceable ecosystems for future generations.