Real Talk

Why We Must Teach Children About Rainforests

by Noelle D. Lejano
July 12, 2024

The Masungi Geo Reserve has been in the news for months now and celebrities have been pushing for its protection for the next generation

In an age where environmental consciousness is paramount, the need to educate our children about the intrinsic value of rainforests has never been more pressing. The urgency is echoed by Hollywood actor and renowned environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio, who recently lauded the Masungi Geo Reserve in the Philippines, underscoring its critical role in biodiversity conservation and climate regulation.

This matters even beyond conservation – something children should be encouraged to learn and understand. It invites them to be considerate, mindful of others, and to stand up for what’s right. Understanding the value of rainforests and their impact on all forms of life helps kids see the connection between their own lives and the world around them.

Here, we explore five pivotal lessons to impart to the younger generation about the importance of these verdant ecosystems, supported by expert insights and research.

Biodiversity Hotspots

Rainforests are often celebrated as the lungs of the Earth, but they are equally crucial as biodiversity hotspots. These lush, green havens are home to an astonishing array of flora and fauna, many of which are found nowhere else on the planet. Teaching children about this biodiversity is essential.

According to the Convention of Biological Diversity, “The Philippines is one of 18 mega-biodiverse countries of the world, containing two-thirds of the earth’s biodiversity and between 70% and 80% of the world’s plant and animal species.” This is because of the lush environments our lands boast, allowing life to thrive effortlessly.

Moreover, understanding the interdependence among species within rainforests can foster a sense of responsibility in children. They learn that the loss of one species can disrupt the entire ecosystem. As conservationist Jane Goodall notes, “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” Teaching kids about biodiversity instills in them the importance of every action they take towards preserving these ecosystems.

Climate Regulation

Rainforests play a pivotal role in regulating the Earth’s climate, a fact that can deeply resonate with children as they witness the growing impact of climate change. These forests act as giant carbon sinks, absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and helping to mitigate global warming.

A study by the National Academy of Sciences revealed that tropical forests store about 25% of the planet’s carbon. “The Amazon alone holds up to 140 billion metric tons of carbon, which is equivalent to over a decade of global fossil fuel emissions,” states the study. This immense capacity for carbon storage underscores the vital role rainforests play in climate stabilization.

Furthermore, the transpiration process in rainforests—where trees release water vapor into the air—helps to regulate global weather patterns and cools down the atmosphere. By teaching children about these processes, we can help them understand how deforestation and forest degradation contribute to climate anomalies and extreme weather events. As environmental activist Greta Thunberg emphasizes, “We need to protect, restore, and fund nature.” Educating kids on climate regulation by rainforests is a step towards nurturing future environmental stewards.

Source of Medicinal Resources

Rainforests are a treasure trove of medicinal plants, many of which are the basis for life-saving drugs. This fact can captivate children’s imaginations and demonstrate the tangible benefits of conserving these ecosystems.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that 70% of the plants with anti-cancer properties identified so far are found in rainforests. “One in four ingredients in our medicines comes from rainforest plants,” reports the Institute. Such statistics highlight the direct link between rainforest conservation and human health.

Teaching children about the medicinal value of rainforests can also inspire future scientists and healthcare professionals. For instance, the rosy periwinkle from Madagascar’s rainforests has been instrumental in treating childhood leukemia and Hodgkin’s disease. By preserving these ecosystems, we protect the potential for discovering more life-saving treatments. As famed ethnobotanist Mark Plotkin asserts, “Every time a species goes extinct, we lose a potential cure for a disease.” Emphasizing the medicinal importance of rainforests can thus ignite a passion for both conservation and scientific discovery in young minds.

Cultural and Indigenous Significance

Rainforests are not only ecological treasures but also cultural strongholds for numerous indigenous communities. These communities possess a profound knowledge of the forest ecosystems and play a crucial role in their preservation.

According to the United Nations, indigenous people protect about 80% of the world’s biodiversity. “Their traditional knowledge and sustainable land management practices are vital for the conservation of these areas,” notes the UN. This underscores the symbiotic relationship between indigenous cultures and rainforest conservation.

Teaching children about the cultural significance of rainforests fosters respect for indigenous communities and their ways of life. It also highlights the ethical dimensions of conservation, emphasizing the need to support and collaborate with these communities in preserving rainforest ecosystems. As Nobel Peace Prize laureate Rigoberta Menchú says, “We are not myths of the past, ruins in the jungle, or zoos. We are people and we want to be respected, not to be victims of intolerance and racism.” Educating children about the cultural heritage of rainforests encourages a more inclusive and holistic approach to the overall value of stewardship.

Economic Benefits

While the ecological and cultural values of rainforests are paramount, their economic benefits also warrant attention. Rainforests contribute to global and local economies through resources such as timber, fruits, nuts, and other forest products. However, sustainable management is key to ensuring these benefits are long-term.

A report by the World Bank highlights that sustainable forest management could generate significant economic benefits. “Sustainable management of forests can support livelihoods, provide economic growth, and contribute to poverty reduction,” states the report. Teaching children about the economic aspects of rainforests helps them understand the balance between utilization and conservation.

Moreover, ecotourism, which relies on the pristine state of rainforests, offers substantial economic opportunities. The Philippines is no exception to this, successfully leveraging ecotourism to boost the economy while preserving natural heritage as much as possible. By illustrating these economic benefits, we can teach children that conservation and economic development can go hand in hand. David Attenborough eloquently puts it, “The truth is: the natural world is changing. And we are totally dependent on that world. It provides our food, water, and air. It is the most precious thing we have, and we need to defend it.”

Educating our children about the importance of rainforests is a critical step towards fostering a generation of mindful individuals. Teaching children about conservation simultaneously encourages the value of thoughtfulness, consideration of others, and seeking advocacy. The value of rainforests and understanding how it affects all forms of life encourages children to go beyond themselves, recognizing the interrelation between their own lives and the lives around them.

That will always be an invaluable life skill. What we learn about caring for rainforests, we apply in caring for the people and world around us. As Peter Benchley puts it, “If man doesn’t learn to treat the oceans and the rainforest with respect, man will become extinct.”