Dia Mirza Instagram – Yesterday was #InternationalDayOfForests 🌳🌏🕊️ Why are our #Forests so integral to health, peace and survival? Over 1.6 billion people depend on forests for food or fuel, and some 70 million people worldwide – including many Indigenous communities – call forests their home. With so many people dependent on forests, the fate of our forests may determine our own fate as well. Forests help prevent erosion and enrich and conserve soil. Deforestation has serious consequences on the health of people directly dependent on forests, as well as those living in cities and towns, as it increases the risk of diseases crossing over from animals to humans. Meanwhile, time spent in forests has been shown to have a positive benefit on conditions including cardiovascular disease, respiratory concerns, diabetes and mental health. Forests are home to over 80% of terrestrial biodiversity, including 80% of amphibians, 75% of birds and 68% of mammals. Deforestation of some tropical forests could lead to the loss of as many as 100 species a day. It is no surprise that when we cut down or damage our forests, we release huge amounts of carbon emissions that contribute to the climate crisis. About one-third of the world’s largest cities obtain a significant proportion of their drinking water from forested protected areas. Our lives are deeply linked with forests. You can help protect forests by pledging your support to an organisation or community that works to protect forests 🌳🙏🏻 I work with @wildlifetrustofindia @ifawglobal @unep @sanctuaryasia you can volunteer or help any of these organisations or one of your own choice. Let’s pledge to protect forests for the sake of our health, security, peace and prosperity 🦋 #ForPeopleForPlanet #ForNature #GenerationRestoration #OnePlanetOnePeople #OneEarth #SDGs #GlobalGoals India