PROMPT: Why has
so much valuable land close to Copenhagen been given over to forest?
Valuable land
that surrounds Copenhagen has been given over to reforestation efforts in an effort to
increase the amount of forests in Denmark.
Naturally, Denmark is not endowed with bountiful forests. In the 1800’s, massive deforestation put
Denmark’s percentage of total forest converge at a mere 3%. Since this immense
loss, there have been huge steps toward increasing the total amount of forests
in Denmark and trying to reverse the negative impacts mankind has had
throughout history by creating more natural space.
The main push
for these reforestation projects was The Danish Forest Act of 2004. This act outlines three goals aiming to: conserve
and protect Danish forests, increase forest area, and promote sustainable
forest management in terms of ecological, economic, and social value. Today, 12.4%
of the country is covered in forests. Though, most, if not all forests are
managed; few are untouched. The forests
in Denmark are a part of a managed ecosystem, which includes maintenance of trees
but also ponds, bogs, and the biodiversity.
The forests of
Denmark are more than just a tool to help prevent dune creep. They help make a biodiverse landscape and
provide a great habitat as well. Today
when we visited Hareskoven we saw a wide variety of different trees, flowers,
and water-plant life.
Forests help
improve air quality by capturing carbon dioxide and removing it from the air we
breathe. Clean air is crucial for a city
that is so devoted to sustainability.
In terms of
societal values, forests provide a shady setting for recreational use such as
trails for walking. A beautiful lake
next to the forest was busy with people boating, fishing, and walking their
dogs. Both clean air and recreation are
important for maintaining good health.
 |
| Catching tonight's dinner. |
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| A relaxing boat ride on the lake and the Danish flag flapping in the breeze. |
Forests also
provide great aesthetics, which is of great value for people who want to get
out into nature and escape the busy Copenhagen life (similarly to greenspaces in Copenhagen). People can stay close to the city while
immersing themselves in a landscape other than those offered by a city park. Lastly, the economic benefit of forests is the
production of timber, which is a vital resource.
Companies who do this are a major source of funding for the forests in
Denmark. Harvesting is selective and
carefully monitored.
 |
| What is left from an old house that burnt down. |
Forests have
become an integral part of daily life because of their close proximity and
accessibility to Copenhagen and they have much more to offer than just a sanctuary for the diverse array of animal and plant
life.
