Forests are critical to life on Earth. Around 1.6 billion people rely on them directly for food, shelter, fuel and income.¹ Forests regulate our climate, remove harmful CO2 emissions and can help slow the rate of climate change. I live in Nairobi, Kenya. Forests are vital for the welfare of millions of Africans – especially poor and marginalised people. Used wisely, they could improve livelihoods and people’s quality of life. The following statistics (from the Centre for International Forestry Research) reveal something of the importance of forests to my continent.

Over two‐thirds of Africa’s 600 million people rely directly or indirectly on forests for their livelihood, including food security.

• Wood is the primary energy source for at least 70 per cent of African households.
• Forest‐related activities account for 10 per cent of GDP in at least 19 African countries, and more than 10 per cent of national trade in 10 others.
• Africa is home to 25 per cent of the world’s remaining tropical rainforests and contains 20 per cent of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.²

According to the New York UN Declaration on Forests the world loses 13 million hectares of forests on average each year. This is caused by an ever‐growing population placing unsustainable demands on our planet. Some people in Africa cut down trees and burn charcoal without replanting more trees. People need charcoal – because they do not have a reliable electricity supply – but it is damaging the environment. Trees protect us against natural disasters like floods and landslides, as well as giving us spaces for recreation and exercise. The destruction of forests in Africa is causing land degradation, reducing agricultural production and in some places resulting in deserts expanding. Very fertile soils are being lost. This is caused by many factors including droughts, over‐grazing by animals and the loss of forests.

In short, we need our forests and our forests need us. My wife and I travel around the Kenya East Territory preaching at Salvation Army corps and leading community meetings. We always urge people to plant trees during rainy seasons and protect the existing ones. In Kenya a government agency, the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), is trying to improve the situation. The government have put in a mechanism whereby if you want to cut down any tree – even from your own compound – you need a permit to do so.³

However, we should not care for the forests, ecosystems and soil just because the UN or governments think this is important. We do it because the Bible tells us it is important.

I commit myself to always urge communities to protect our forests to avoid desertification and reverse land degradation by working with Salvation Army leaders, divisions, corps and centres in Kenya East Territory. How can you help?

 

The Salvation Army's International Positional Statement entitled 'Caring for the Environment' explains what God wants us to do in regards to this issue and why it is important (www.salvationarmy.org/isjc/ips):

• ‘God is the creator, governor and preserver of all things. The Earth belongs to the Lord and everything in it (Psalm 24:1, Exodus 19:5). As people made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) we have been entrusted with the care of the Earth’s resources (Genesis 2:15). God invites us to share responsibility for the care of Creation (Genesis 1:28‐31; 2:15) and participate in the work of healing the world (Romans 8:19‐22).
• ‘The relationship of God to Creation is one of loving care and concern. Humanity’s stewardship of the earth is a reflection of that care, as human beings are made in the image of God. The world was made to praise God and reveal his glory (Psalm 19:1‐6); our stewardship of it furthers that end.
• ‘The degradation of the earth is, in part, the result of human activity (Isaiah 24:5‐6) and it is therefore our responsibility to work for its healing. The biblical command to humanity to “subdue” and “rule” should be interpreted as a requirement to be good stewards rather than understood as justifying abuse of the Earth’s resources (Genesis 1:28). The disproportionate effect that climate change and environmental degradation has on the poorest parts of the world creates additional responsibilities to defend the cause of those who are vulnerable by restoring a sense of justice to the global community (Micah 6:8).

• In thanks to God for all of nature ‐ ecosystems that sustain life and beautify the planet.
• For those who are developing policies and programmes to protect God’s creation. May they act with justice; prioritising the needs of poor and marginalised people and acting against those who seek to exploit the world’s resources for selfish purposes.
• That people will become more aware of the problems of deforestation, and that legislation and projects will cause them to think again about the impacts of their actions.

• Purchase products with sustainability certifications. Many food and other products contain a label that means their production has adhered to a specific standard, respecting the environment. Take the time to find out what these mean, and shop with this in mind.
• Avoid woods that come from unmanaged sources ‐ mahogany and teak in particular. Rainforests can also be cleared to raise beef cattle used in many restaurant chains; remember the impact large companies can have.
• Respect the ecosystems around you. Animals and plants can be reliant on back gardens or yards, local parks and other 'wild' spaces.

Tags: SDG15: Life on Land