Forests serve as natural carbon sinks, absorbing and storing large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) through photosynthesis, which helps mitigate climate change and regulate the global carbon cycle. Trees capture CO₂ and store it in their trunks, roots, branches, and soil, reducing greenhouse gas concentrations. Tropical rainforests, mangroves, and boreal forests play a significant role in carbon sequestration, while forest soils act as long-term carbon reservoirs, enhancing their ability to store carbon for centuries. However, deforestation and forest degradation release stored carbon back into the atmosphere, accelerating climate change. To enhance the carbon storage capacity of forests, sustainable forestry practices such as afforestation, reforestation, and agroforestry are
crucial. Methods like biochar application and integrating native tree species further improve carbon retention while enhancing soil fertility, water conservation, and ecosystem resilience. Forests also support biodiversity, food security, and local livelihoods, providing Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) such as honey, gum, medicinal plants, and wild fruits, which generate sustainable income for nearby communities. Protecting and expanding forests ensures their continued role as climate regulators, wildlife habitats, and economic lifelines. Strengthening conservation efforts is essential for achieving carbon neutrality, improving rural economies, and securing a greener, more sustainable future for both people and the planet.