The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) has issued a resounding call for innovative solutions to address the pressing global challenges facing forests. This year’s commemorations are being held under the theme “Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World.”
In a statement, ZELA highlighted the critical role forests play in mitigating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and fostering sustainable development. “Forests not only contribute to addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and sustainable development, but also provide indispensable ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, water regulation and habitat provision for diverse flora and fauna. Moreover, forests are lifelines for countless communities worldwide, sustaining their livelihoods and well-being,” said ZELA
ZELA advocates for a multifaceted approach to forest conservation, incorporating technological innovations and indigenous knowledge systems. “At a time when voices of innovation are increasingly being heard, particularly in the realm of sustainable natural resource management, this theme underscores the imperative for pioneering solutions to safeguard our forests.
“In an era marked by technological advancement, digital innovation has become indispensable in forestry practices. Utilizing remote sensing technologies to generate satellite imagery enables us to monitor forest cover changes, identify patterns and trends in forest loss and employ drones for real-time forest monitoring and data collection.
“Innovations such as biodegradable sensors have revolutionized forest management by facilitating the monitoring of soil moisture and temperature, particularly in remote forest areas. These technological advancements are critical in enhancing forest monitoring systems and promoting reforestation efforts,” said ZELA
