Forest resources: what are, types and examples

In a nutshell, Forest resources are biotic and abiotic elements that form the forest and have an enormous capacity to meet human needs. Depending on the specific composition of forests, they can provide numerous forest resources. In fact, the more complex the woody ecosystem, the more diverse are the products it provides. While there are forest plantations created for specific purposes, Forests are natural resources since nothing has to do with its existence.

For more information, we recommend reading these other articles about natural resources: definition and types, biotic factors: what are, characteristics, classification and examples, abiotic factors: what are, characteristics and examples and difference between biotic and abiotic.

Forest resources can be classified into two types: timber and non -timber. Before knowing their differences, we must know that both types of forest resources require proper management of them to avoid excessive Forest exploitation that precisely causes the exhaustion of the resource. In particular, the discipline that is responsible for studying forest management is called forestry. Here we tell you what is forestry or forest exploitation. Now, let’s see the differences of the two Types of forest resources:

Non -timber forest resources

They are those products obtained from the forest that are different from wood. Some of the Uses of non -timber forest resources are:

• Medicinal: Many plant species present in forests contain compounds with healing properties, such as the Palan-Palan plant (Nicotiana Glauca) used for headaches, wounds and ulcers. In these other posts you can discover 60 medicinal plants from Peru and what are the use of 50 Mexican medicinal plants and what are the essential oils.
• Food: Not only fruits, roots, plant tubers, but also fungi and animals provide a variety of foods of which many communities are supported.
• Industrial: Some vegetable extracts can be used for industrial processes, such as latex obtained from the rubber plant (Hevea brasiliensis) that has great industrial value.
• Obtaining fibers: From the stems, trunks and plant roots, fibers can be obtained. A clear example is the yute plant (Corchorus capsularis) that from its fibers multiple products are made.

Timber forest resources

These are products that come from the direct use of the wood of the trees and also those derived products, which are obtained from the transformation of the wood. In general, the use of these resources is related to construction, baleras and posts and pile industries, sawmills and fuel, among other uses.

In this link you will discover the different types of wood, their characteristics and classification.

The benefits of forest resources cannot be reduced only to products we get from forests. In reality, forests provide a variety of ecosystem goods and services that would be impossible to obtain artificially. For this reason, in this section we will deepen more about the ecosystem goods and services provided by forests and their importance:

• Carbon dioxide and air purification: Carbon dioxide is one of the greenhouse gases involved in climate change. The truth is that the abundant vegetation that forms forests, through photosynthesis, takes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and releases oxygen. In this way, forests contribute to mitigate the effects of climate change and also to purify the air we breathe.
• Biodiversity support: Forests constitute the habitat of more than half of the terrestrial biodiversity of the planet.
• Regulation of water flows: Forest vegetation facilitates the collection of water vapor and also decreases superficial runoff and promotes water infiltration.
• Source of numerous goods: Forests provide a diversity of products such as food, medicinal plants, construction and fuel materials.
• Recreation: The scenic beauty of forested landscapes is frequently exploited for recreation and tourism activities.

If you want more information, we advise you to take a look at these other articles on what is the importance of natural resources and what is the importance of forests and jungles.

Now that we have clarified what forest resources and their characteristics are, we will mention some Examples of forest resources In different countries.

Forest resources in Venezuela

In Venezuela, there are several forest reserves with wide forest extensions. The forest resources in Venezuela that are more exploited are the trees for the use of their wood.

Forest resources in Mexico

Mexico presents a great floristic diversity that is reflected in its forests and jungles. The forest resources in Mexico exploited are both of the timber type, aimed mostly to consumption within the country and the non -timber type, aimed rather to export.

Forest resources in Argentina

Argentina has a wide extension of its surface covered by forests. The most exploited forest resources in Argentina are timber, for use in the Plile and Aserraderos industries and also in the construction of furniture.

Forest resources in Bolivia

Like the other countries mentioned, Bolivia presents large wooded extensions. Forest resources in Bolivia are of the timber and non -timber type. The latter have a very important role in the rural economy of the country.

Although many of these forest resources, especially those of the timber type, can come from created forest plantations, we cannot pass over the high deforestation rates suffered by the forested ecosystems of the 4 countries previously appointed. The causes of this excessive deforestation are not only due to the exploitation of forest resources, but also to the use of these lands for certain economic activities. Here you can read about the specific case of deforestation in Argentina: causes and consequences.

If you have read here, you will know that forests have both economic and ecological importance. Despite this, the Forest deforestation It is a reality and, in fact, in the entire world during the period from 1990 to 2020, more than 178 million hectares have been deforested, which is approximately equivalent to the surface of Libya⁽¹⁾.

Faced with this, an effective alternative for Conservation of forest resources It is the creation of protected areas in those relics of forests that have not been modified by human action. In this way, there is a resource that is essential for the well -being of all the species that inhabit the planet Earth and that, in short, must be insured for the existence of future generations.

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