2. Educational materials realized with the support of
Forest Stewardship Council® - Adria-Balkan region program - FSC®
F000100
The well-known motto "without
forests, there is no life" reflects
the many benefits they provide,
which can be divided into
ecological, economic, and social
gains
3. 8
Ecological Benefits 4
Oxygen production 4
Carbon dioxide absorption 4
Biodiversity conservation 6
Other forest ecosystem
services
Social Benefits
Recreation and health
Forests have cultural,
spiritual, and educational
significance
7
7
7
Economic
Benefits
Knowledge Quiz
9
9
carbon cycle
greenhouse gases
non-native species
indigenous species
cellular respiration
photosynthesis
forest bathing
forest pedagogy
ecotouris
m
endemic species
education for sustainable development
Robinson tourism
Keywords
These words are important for a
full understanding of the content.
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a
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treasure trove of
biodiversity
4. Ecological
Benefits
The ecological benefits of forests
ensure the life of all beings on planet
Earth.
Oxygen production
During photosynthesis, trees use sunlight
and water to convert carbon dioxide
(CO₂ ) into glucose and oxygen, which is
released into the atmosphere.
About 28% of the oxygen in the
atmosphere comes from forests, while
the rest comes from the ocean,
especially from phytoplankton.
These quantities are crucial for
maintaining the balance of gases in
the atmosphere.
Due to their indispensable
role in the survival of life on
the planet, forests are also
called the - Lungs of the
World.
Fast-growing tree species such as
poplar and eucalyptus, as well as
coniferous species such as pine, fir and
spruce, contribute large amounts of
oxygen.
Mangrove forests, which are located
along the coasts of tropical and
subtropical regions, are also significant
producers of oxygen.
Like all living things, trees breathe all the
time. They use oxygen for their cellular
respiration, which allows them to convert
the energy stored in glucose into a form
that they can use for growth,
reproduction, and maintenance.
This happens constantly, day and night,
but the oxygen consumption during
respiration is much less than the
amount of oxygen that plants produce
during photosynthesis.
Tropical rainforests and boreal
forests are among the most
productive in oxygen production.
Deciduous forests produce less
oxygen because they lose their
leaves part of the year.
Carbon dioxide absorption
Forests play a vital role in
combating climate change by
absorbing carbon dioxide (CO₂ )
from the atmosphere.
Trees use CO₂ for photosynthesis,
storing carbon in their biomass and
releasing oxygen into the atmosphere.
In this way, trees play a key role in the
carbon cycle and maintaining the
balance in the atmosphere, reducing
greenhouse gas levels.
Did you
know?!
A mature tree can
produce between 100
and 200 kg of oxygen
annually.
The average person
inhales about 1,115 kg of
oxygen per year.
5. • Plant or tree (e.g., potted
plant or young tree)
• Lighting (light for photosynthesis,
e.g., lamp or sunlight)
• Water (to maintain the plant)
• Empty bottle or test tube
Praxis!
Oxygen production
Measuring oxygen production in a tree
can be done with a simple experiment.
Here are some basic
methods you can use to
measure oxygen production
in trees or plants.
Materials:
2. Place the plant in the water: If you are
using a smaller plant, place it in the water so
that its roots are submerged. If you are using
a larger tree, you can work with cut
branches
or leaves.
3. Light exposure: Place the container under a
light source (e.g. sunlight or an artificial lamp)
to allow photosynthesis to occur.
4. Bubble Tracking: Observe
the production of oxygen
bubbles coming out of the
leaves. Each bubble
represents oxygen
production.
5. Measurement: Record the
number of bubbles over a period
of time (e.g. 10 minutes).
Measuring Oxygen Production in Water!
1. Preparation: Take a small container
of water (e.g. test tube) and fill it with
water.
Record all results and compare different conditions (e.g., different tree species, varying light levels, or soil types).
Consider factors affecting results, such as temperature, light intensity, and water availability.
Most of the carbon is stored in the
woody parts of trees, such as trunks,
branches and leaves. Carbon is also
stored in tree roots, which help
transfer carbon to the soil through
interactions with microorganisms.
Forest soil is an important carbon
store. Organic material in the soil,
which includes fallen leaves and
needles, dead wood and plant debris,
contains significant amounts of
carbon. Forests often store more
carbon in the soil than in the trees
themselves, especially in the deeper
layers of the soil.
Carbon Cycle
"A tree can retain carbon for decades or
centuries as it grows and develops. After
a tree dies and begins to decompose,
some of the carbon returns to the
atmosphere as CO₂ through the
decomposition process, while some
remains in the soil as organic material –
humus."
Did you know?!
One hectare of healthy, growing
forests can absorb varying amounts
of CO₂.
Tropical
forests up to
300 tons
Temperate
forests up to 200
tons
Boreal
forests up to
70 tons
6. Biodiversity conservation
2. How many oak trees would it
take to store all that carbon
dioxide?
Praxis!
A mature oak tree
absorbs approximately
22 kg of CO₂ annually.
The average person exhales
about 365 kg of CO₂ each
year.
Calculate:
1. What is the amount of CO₂
exhaled by humanity on Earth?
Endemic species are species of
organisms that are naturally found only
in a specific geographical area and do
not exist anywhere else in the world.
In Croatia, about 300 endemic plant
species are associated with forests and
forest habitats.
A large number of endemics are found
especially in the Dinarides and on the
islands of the Adriatic Sea.
Due to its diverse flora and fauna,
unique ecosystems and the presence of
endemic species, Croatia can be
considered a treasure trove of
biodiversity.
In Croatia, one can encounter
Mediterranean, mountainous, alpine,
and lowland forest communities with
their specific climatic and geological
characteristics.
In Croatia, we find 85 different tree
species that are native, while the
remaining tree species are non-native
or introduced from different parts of
the world.
Native species belong to a specific
geographic area and are adapted to the
living conditions of that area. Their
presence is the result of natural
processes alone.
For example, black pine is a native
species, while acacia is a non-native
species in Mediterranean.
Research
Research and list 5 native tree species and
5 non-native tree species in Croatia.
NativeTrees
Non-nativeTrees
Did you know?!
The combustion of fossil fuels is the
largest source of CO₂ emissions on
Earth, accompanied by
deforestation and certain natural
processes such as fires.
Forests are home
to a large
number of plant
and animal
species, many of
which are
protected and
endemic.
7. Research
Investigate which endemic plant and
animal species are found in the forests of
Croatia.
List the endemic species
that occur in the forests of
your region.
...influence the regional and global
climate, regulating precipitation and
temperature. We can safely conclude
that forests play a key role in
mitigating the consequences of
climate change.
...with their roots help stabilize the
soil and prevent erosion. Trees help
retain water in the soil, thus
mitigating floods. With their roots,
they purify groundwater by filtering.
...protect us from noise,
from wind, warm us in
winter and cool us in
summer.
01:00 min.
Media
"Healthy
Forests for
Healthy People”
These benefits of forests are
crucial for the quality of life,
the preservation of community
identity and sustainable
development.
Social Benefits
In that direction, forest bathing developed (in
Japanese, Shinrin-yoku, which means
"bathing in the forest"). It is a practice of
connecting with nature through mindful and
slow immersion in the atmosphere of the
forest. It’s not about literal bathing, but rather
spending time in the forest, where a person
uses all their senses to relax, calm down, and
rejuvenate their physical and mental health.
Forest baths are practiced worldwide, and
numerous studies confirm their positive
effects on health.
Recreation and health
Forests provide a space for recreation,
such as hiking, camping, cycling, free
climbing and exploring nature.
An active stay in the forest contributes
to the overall health of an individual, as
the forest offers a stimulating
environment that relaxes us and
connects us with nature.
Other forest
ecosystem services
Did you know?!
Istrian Bellflower (Campanula istriaca)
An endemic species that
finds its home in Istria and
on the islands. This plant is
nestled among the cracks
of coastal rocks and is one
of the most beautiful
perennials in the Adriatic.
Forests..
8. Today, people are increasingly returning
to the forest to escape the hustle and
bustle of urban life, aware of all its
benefits that will enhance their daily
lives and improve their health.
For many communities, especially
indigenous ones, forests are part of
their customs, beliefs and traditions.
Forests often appear in folklore and
mythology through stories, songs and
legends, thus contributing to the
preservation of local identity and
cultural heritage. Forests offer peace
and quiet, so in some cultures they are
declared "sacred" places or spaces for
spiritual reflection and relaxation.
The natural beauty of forests inspires
artists, writers and photographers to
create works of art.
Forests are also real “classrooms” in the
open air for children and adults, where it
is possible to learn about biodiversity,
ecosystems and sustainable
development. The practice of education
in a forest environment is called forest
pedagogy.
Through forest pedagogy activities,
participants learn about the forest
through direct experience and play, using
all their senses.
Forest pedagogy as part of education for
sustainable development helps to
develop ecological awareness and
responsibility towards nature.
> 10 minutes
blood pressure is lowered, and pulse
stabilizes
> 20 minutes
mood improves
> 1 hour
concentration
improves
> 2 hours
immune system becomes more
efficient
When you're
in the
forest:
Forests have cultural, spiritual,
and educational significance
Do you know?!
Sounds produced by plants and trees can be
heard on special devices made for that
purpose. We can say that plants produce their
own music.
03:21
min.
"Plants
Create
Music"
"Artist Invents Device
That Can Listen to
Plant Music"
04:07 min.
“Shinrin-Yoku”
02:23 min.
Media
04:34 min.
“How Forests
Heal People”
9. Learn more about wood and
forest products in Knowledge
Box IV.
Economic Benefits
The most significant economic benefits
from forests are wood and forest
products, but also ecotourism.
Many forests attract tourists, offering
opportunities for ecotourism, which
contributes to the local and national
economy and employment in rural areas.
The goal of ecotourism is to allow tourists
to enjoy natural beauty and cultural
attractions with minimal negative impact
on the environment, while supporting
local communities and encouraging
responsible management of natural
resources.
One form of ecotourism is Robinson
tourism. It is a specific form of
tourism that offers an isolated and
simple experience, similar to the
lifestyle of Robinson Crusoe.
It is based on staying in untouched
nature, away from modern technologies
and urban infrastructure, with minimal
connection to the outside world.
Forests are, therefore, much more than
a natural resource – they are a key
element of human culture, social
cohesion and spiritual well-being.
Praxis!
In class, group students into smaller
groups. Each group should choose a
topic to present either the ecological,
social or economic benefits of forests.
Feel free to direct, act in, and
edit your video as needed,
presenting in a fun and
educational way the importance
of forests to people.
Record a short video on
the chosen topic.
Media
extra!
"Treehouses in
Croatia for a
Dream Vacation"
1. Where is carbon stored in forests?
2. What is the percentage of oxygen that
comes into the atmosphere from
forests?
3. What is the most significant
contribution of forests to climate
change mitigation?
4. What are native species?
5. What are the forest ecosystem
services?
6. What are the social functions of
forests?
7. How does being in the forest affect
our health and well-being?
8. What is forest pedagogy?
Search for questions and
answers in digital format.
Knowledge
Quiz
