The Impacts of the Boreal Forest Biome
There are many valuable and important ecological and economical services the Boreal Forest, also known as the Taiga Forest, provides. This large land based ecosystem is among the few places left in the world where the ecosystems are mostly intact and natural processes are still functioning. The landscape is still fundamentally shaped by natural forces like fire, wind and insects. and with thousands of life-giving lakes and rivers, the subtle and stunning wildlife and plant life, and the quiet of the Boreal Forest regions prove their great value to the planet.
Ecological Impact
The thousands of trees not only provide spectacular views, but they also breathe in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and exhale it as consumable oxygen. The Boreal Forest also preforms such tasks as cleaning water through water filtration, rebuilding soils and restoration of nutrients, holding back floodwaters and releasing needed water into rivers and streams, and maintaining biodiversity by providing habitat for countless species.
Economical Impact
Most of the economic value of forests focus on forestry and timber extraction. However, according to recent research undertaken by the Pembina Institute for the Canadian Boreal Initiative, the "value of ecosystem services like water filtration and carbon storage is roughly 2.5 times greater than the net market value of forestry, hydro, mining, and oil and gas extraction in Canada's Boreal region". The Boreal Forests are also important for social/societal reasons. More than four million people live in Canada's Boreal Forest region and over 600 Aboriginal communities are scattered throughout the boreal area and are sustained by the forest. The diverse boreal plants are used for healing by some societies as well.