Essay On Forest A Precious Gift Of Nature

essay on forest a precious gift of nature

Table of Contents

Short Essay On Forest A Precious Gift Of Nature

Forests are a precious gift of nature that provide a range of ecological, economic, and social benefits. They are vital for the health of our planet and support the livelihoods of millions of people around the world. Despite their importance, forests are under threat from deforestation, habitat loss, and other forms of environmental degradation.

Ecologically, forests play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate and supporting biodiversity. They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which helps to mitigate the effects of climate change. Forests also provide habitat for countless species of plants and animals, and play a critical role in maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems.

Economically, forests are a major source of livelihood for millions of people around the world, particularly in rural areas. They provide valuable resources such as timber, non-timber forest products, and food, which support local economies and provide income for families and communities. Forests are also important for recreation and tourism, and can provide significant economic benefits for local communities.

Socially, forests are essential for the well-being of people and communities. They provide clean air and water, and play a critical role in maintaining the health and livelihoods of local populations. Forests are also important for spiritual and cultural reasons, and are often central to the identities and traditions of many indigenous peoples.

Despite their importance, forests are under threat from a range of environmental pressures, including deforestation, habitat loss, and climate change. It is crucial that we take action to protect and conserve forests, not only for their ecological and economic benefits, but also for their social and cultural significance. This can be achieved through a range of measures, including sustainable forest management, reforestation and afforestation programs, and the protection of critical habitat areas.

In conclusion, forests are a precious gift of nature that provide a range of benefits for people and the planet. It is our responsibility to protect and conserve these valuable ecosystems for future generations. By working together to promote sustainable forest management and habitat protection, we can ensure that forests continue to provide the ecological, economic, and social benefits that are so essential for human well-being.

Long Essay On Forest A Precious Gift Of Nature

Nature is one of the greatest gifts that we have been blessed with, and forests are a big part of this. Forests provide us with oxygen, food, shelter, medicines, and more. In this essay, we will be exploring why forests are so precious to our world and how we can better protect them for future generations.

Introduction

Forests are one of the most precious gifts of nature. They are home to a large number of plants and animals. They play a vital role in the global ecosystem by providing us with oxygen, food, and shelter. They also help regulate the climate and weather patterns.

However, forests are under threat from various activities such as deforestation, forest fires, etc. This has led to a decline in the forest cover globally. As per the latest report by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the world has lost nearly 3 trillion trees since the start of industrialization. This is equivalent to 40% of all trees that existed on earth just a few centuries ago.

It is estimated that we are losing around 15 billion trees every year due to deforestation. This is primarily due to the conversion of forests into agricultural land or for other commercial purposes such as timber extraction, mining, etc. Deforestation not only destroys the homes of countless plants and animals but also adversely affects our environment in many ways. It leads to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, climate change, and even contributes to global warming.

It is imperative that we take measures to protect our forests and conserve them for future generations. We can do this by planting more trees, creating awareness about their importance, and by stopping activities that lead to deforestation. Only then can we hope to preserve these precious gifts of nature.

The Importance of Forests

Forests are one of the most important ecosystems on Earth. They provide us with oxygen, clean air and water, food, and shelter. They also help to regulate the climate and protect against soil erosion.

Forests are home to many different plants and animals, including some that are endangered. They help to clean the air and water, and they provide us with food, wood, and other products. Forests also play a role in climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Deforestation is a major problem in many parts of the world. It is estimated that we lose about 18.7 million acres of forest each year due to deforestation. This is equivalent to losing an area the size of Panama every year! Deforestation has many negative impacts on the environment, including loss of habitat for plants and animals, increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and soil erosion.

How Human Activity is Affecting the Forests

The forest is a precious gift of nature. It is a storehouse of immense natural wealth. However, it is sad to note that human activities are causing great damage to the forests.

The main reasons for the destruction of forests are: (i) clearing of land for cultivation, (ii) felling of trees for fuel and timber, (iii) overgrazing, (iv) mining, (v) construction of roads and buildings, (vi) tourism, etc. All these activities have led to deforestation which has adversely affected the flora and fauna of the forest.

Soil erosion, floods and droughts are some of the major problems caused by deforestation. The problem of global warming has also arisen due to deforestation as it leads to release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere. This gas traps heat from the sun and causes rise in temperature which is not good for the earth’s health.

Thus, it is high time that we check our reckless ways and conserve this valuable gift of nature – the forest!

Different Types of Forests

There are many different types of forests, each with their own unique characteristics. Here are a few of the most common types:

Coniferous forests are found in cool, temperate regions and are dominated by evergreen trees like pines and spruces. These forests tend to be quite dense, with little understory growth.

Deciduous forests are found in warm, temperate regions and feature trees that lose their leaves in the fall. These forests typically have a more diverse range of plant and animal life than coniferous forests.

Tropical rainforests are found near the Earth’s equator and are characterized by high rainfall and a hot, humid climate. These forests are home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal life, including many rare and endangered species.

What Can We Do To Protect Forests?

Forests are one of the most important natural resources on earth, providing crucial ecosystem services like clean air and water, climate regulation, and habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals.

Despite their importance, forests around the world are under threat from deforestation, forest fires, illegal logging, and other forms of land degradation. This is why it’s so important that we do what we can to protect forests.

Here are a few things we can do to help protect forests:

1. Support sustainable forestry initiatives. Sustainable forestry is an environmentally responsible way to manage forests that takes into account the long-term health of the ecosystem. When you purchase wood products, look for labels that indicate they were made from sustainably sourced wood. 2. Reduce your paper consumption. One of the main reasons forests are being deforested is to make room for plantations that supply the pulp and paper industry. You can help reduce demand for forest products by using less paper in your everyday life. Whenever possible, choose recycled paper or opt for digital alternatives to paper documents. 3. Advocate for forest conservation. There are many ways to get involved in forest conservation, whether it’s through supporting organizations that work to protect Forests or speaking up about the importance of Forests in policy debates. 4. Educate yourself and others about the importance of Forests . The more people understand about the vital role Forests play in our world, the

Forests are an invaluable resource to humanity, providing food, fresh water and a home for millions of species. We must take steps to protect our forests and recognize their importance in the global ecosystem. Conservation efforts must be made to reduce deforestation and restore forest habitats that have already been damaged or destroyed. By taking positive action now, we can ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the precious gift of nature—the forests.

Manisha Dubey Jha

Manisha Dubey Jha is a skilled educational content writer with 5 years of experience. Specializing in essays and paragraphs, she’s dedicated to crafting engaging and informative content that enriches learning experiences.

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Essay on “Forest-A Gift of Nature to The Mankind” for Kids and Students, English Essay, Paragraph, Speech for Class 8, 9, 10, 12, College and Competitive Exams.

Forest-A Gift of Nature to The Mankind

“In Indian mythology Forests are not known simply a resource of wood or other things but it is worshiped and regarded as ‘God of Forest’ (VAN DEVTA).”

Forests that cover nearly one-third of the world’s land are the very important and invaluable gift of nature to the mankind. Since times immemorial, forests are considered as the universal and unending source of many sorts of raw material by the men. From eatables to cooking wood, from clothing to housing facilities, everywhere we are being directly or indirectly benefitted by the forests.

Forests play very important role in the economy of a country. In India, our approximately half the population even today depend on the forests for their fuel needs. The fodder demand for the cattle are met from the forests. From the economic point of view, the paper manufacturing industries are mainly depend upon the forests for the need of the wooden pulp. The soil erosion and flood control are only possible with the existence of forests. Even the rain, on which the Indian agriculture depends, is possible with the forest. Even the rain, on which the Indian agriculture depends, is possible with the forest. The eco-balance means the conservation of the environmental purity is mainly done with the conservation of the forests. Forests rescue the mankind by absorbing the Carbon dioxide and exhaling the life gas, .the oxygen.

India is one of the few countries which has a forest policy since 1894. It was revised in 1952 and again in 1988. The adoption of the National Forestry Policy in 1988 was one of the first steps in checking the depletion of the country’s forest cover. At that time the average forest cover in the countries of the world stood at 27% while India’s forest cover stood at 19.49%. The first step towards probing any problem is inevitably the unraveling of all the threads in it, i.e., finding out the root causes and the magnitude of the problem. The Forest Survey of India, Dehradun was given the mammoth task of finding out the state of the Environment and report it every two years. After a lot of thought, the initiatives that were introduced to combat the shrinking forests were mainly two-pronged, it was decided to not only create new areas of green cover, it was also realized that a participatory approached to the problem was essential. As part of the first approach, large block plantations were made in the existing forest. Part of the second approach was the introduction of the practice of Joint Forest Management where the local people share both the responsibility for managing the resource and the benefits that accrue from this management. This motivates the local to identify themselves with the development and protection of the forest from which they derive benefits. However, practices such as shifting cultivation, continued falling of trees and encroachment remain the main hurdles in our achieving and ambitious target of having a forest cover of 33%. The slogan of Each one plant one’ needs to be put into practice for our land to breathe again with its green lungs. Community based forest management is the latest rage in many countries of the region. Although the details differ from country to country, the rhetoric calls for (i) ending the state monopoly of control over significant tracts of forest land, (ii) recognizing how community needs and knowledge about forest management can complete scientific foresty management, and (iii) relinquishing control over forest management to community based used groups. The rhetoric is full of “participation” “environmental sustainability”, “Cooperation”, and even “equity” and “gender sensitivity”.

Some of the articles in Indian constitution are also related to the protection of Forests. According to Article 48-A the state shall endeavour to protect and improve the environments and to safeguard the forest and wildlife of the country Articles 51-A(g) confers a fundamental duty upon every citizen of India to protect the environment . It shall be duty of every citizen of protect and improve the national environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life and to have compassion for living creatures.

Forests have great values in our live and are important regulators of the ecosystem. Forest have productive, protective and aesthetic values for all living creatures. forest are productive because they provide us with fire factors- food, fodder, fruit, fibre and fertilizers. Forests also generate a healthy environment and help in the conservation of moisture, soil and surface run – off water. Needless to say, our very existence depends on the forest cover we have as forest absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, reducing atmospheric pollution. They maintain a carbon dioxide and oxygen balance in nature. It is time to be careful and cautious while undertaking further deforestation.

Forest not only help the mankind but also a source of livelihood for the wild life and the birds. These beautiful creatures of the Almighty are given full shelter and protection by the forest. Had there been no forest, this earth would have been destroyed since long. No body could have find the Lions, The Tigers, the Zebras, the beautiful birds which have been a source of inspirations to many poets and writers. The merciless destruction of forests must be stopped if the mankind wants to save itself from the curse of the nature. The man has now become aware to the vagaries of the nature and understand the reasons thereof. The need of intensive foresty is being realized in India, we worship the trees and treat them as living creatures. For preservation of this precious gift of the nature in the shape of the forest common needs the general awakening. The presentation and conservation of the forest is essential of the well beings of every creature on this earth.

The great lover of nature, Wordsworth has rightly written :

“One impulse from the vernal wood May teach you more of man Of moral evil and of good Than all the sages can.”

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Essay on Forests — A Gift of Nature to The Mankind

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“In Indian mythology, Forests are not known simply a source of wood or other things but it is worshiped and regarded as ‘God of forest ‘(VAN DEVTA).”

Forests that cover nearly one-third of the world’s land, are the very important and invaluable gift of nature to mankind. Since times immemorial forests are regarded as the universal and unending source of many kinds of raw material by men. From eatables to cooking wood, from clothing to housing facilities, everywhere we are being directly or indirectly benefitted by the forests.

About 17 percent of India’s land area, approximately 50 million hectares, were regarded as forest land in the early 1990s. In FY 1987, however, the actual forest cover was 64 million hectares. However, because more than 50 percent of this land was barren or brushland, the area under productive forest was actually less than 35 million hectares, or, approximately 10 percent of the country’s land area. The growing population’s high demand for forest resources continued the destruction and degradation of forests in the 1980s. An estimated 6 billion tons of topsoil were lost annually. However, India’s 0.6 percent average annual rate of deforestation for agricultural and nonlumbering land used in the decade beginning 1981 was one of the lowest in the world and on a par with Brazil.

Many Indian forests in the mid-1990s are found in high-rainfall, high-altitude regions, areas to which access is difficult. About 20 percent of total forest land is in Madhya Pradesh; other states with significant forests are Orissa, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh (each about 9 percent of the total forests); Arunachal Pradesh (7 percent); and Uttar Pradesh (6 percent). The variety of forest vegetation is large: there are 600 species of hardwoods, sal (Shorea robusta), and teak being the principal economic species.

Forests play a very important role in the economy of a country. In India, approximately half the population even today depend on the forests for their fuel needs. The fodder demand for the cattle is met from the forests. For the shelter of the cattle the required wood is taken from the forests. From an economic point of view, the paper manufacturing industries are mainly dependent upon the forests for the need of the wooden pulp. Soil erosion and flood control are only possible with the existence of forests. Even the rain, on which Indian agriculture depends, is possible with the forests. The eco-balance means the conservation of environmental purity is mainly done with the conservation of the forests. Forests help mankind by absorbing Carbon dioxide and exhaling the life gas, Oxygen.

Conservation of forests has been an avowed goal of Indian government policy since Indian independence. Afforestation increased from a negligible amount of the first plan to nearly 8.9 million hectares in the seventh plan. The cumulative area afforested during the 1951-91 period was nearly 17.9 million hectares. However, despite large-scale tree planting programs, forestry is one arena in which India has actually progressed since independence. Annual fellings of about four times the growth rate are a major cause. Widespread pilferage by villagers for firewood and fodder also represents a major decrease. Also, the forested area has been shrinking as a result of land cleared for farming, inundations for irrigation and hydroelectric power projects, and construction of new urban areas, industrial plants, roads, power lines, and schools.

India’s long-term strategy for forestry development reflects three major objectives: to reduce soil erosion and flooding; to meet growing needs of the domestic wood products industries; fuelwood, fodder, small timber, and miscellaneous forest produce. To achieve these objectives, the National Commission on Agriculture in 1976 recommended the reorganization of state forestry departments and advocated the concept of social forestry. The Commission itself worked on the first two objectives, emphasizing traditional forestry and wildlife activities; in pursuit of the third objective, the Commission recommended the establishment of a new kind of unit to develop community forests. Following the leads of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, several other states also established community-based forestry agencies that emphasized programs on farm forestry, timber management, extension forestry, reforestation of degraded forests, and use of forests for recreational purposes.

Forests not only help mankind but also a source of livelihood for the wildlife and the birds. These beautiful creatures of the Almighty are given full shelter and protection by the Forests. Had there been no forests, this earth would have been destroyed for long. Nobody could have to find the Lions, the Tigers, the Zebras, the beautiful birds which have been a source of inspiration to many poets and writers.

The role of India’s forests in the national economy and ecology was well emphasized in the 1988 National Forest Policy, which focused on ensuring environmental stability, restoring the ecological balance, and preserving the remaining forests. Other objectives of the policy were meeting the need for fuelwood, fodder, and small timber for rural and tribal people while recognizing the need to actively involve local people in the management of forest resources. Also in 1988, the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 was amended to facilitate strict conservation measures. A new target was to increase the forest cover to 33 percent of India’s land area from the then-official estimate of 23 percent. In June 1990, the Central Government adopted resolutions that combined forest science with social forestry, taking the socio-cultural traditions of the local people into consideration.

Since the early 1970s, it is realized that deforestation threatened not only the ecology but livelihood in a variety of ways, people have been more interested in conservation. The best known popular activist movement is the Chipko Movement. In India, in which local women decided to fight the government and the vested interests to save forests. The women of Chamoli District, Uttar Pradesh, declared that they would embrace—literally “to stick to” ( means chipkna in Hindi)—trees if a sporting goods manufacturer attempt to cut down ash trees in their district. Since initial activism in 1973, the movement has spread and become an ecological movement leading to similar actions in other forest areas. The movement has slowed down the process of deforestation, exposed vested interests, increased ecological awareness, and demonstrated the viability of people’s power.

But man is the biggest enemy of mankind. Man has forgotten that his very existence in this world was once at the threshold of the forest. The present-day lust for money is reducing the forests day by day. With the advent of industrialization, the deforestation of the forests has begun. The rapid growth of population, the growth, and development of cities, the increasing need for wood have made the forests a scapegoat. The merciless cutting, the burning of many forests by the unscrupulous contractors, has caused an irreparable loss to this beautiful gift. The extinction of various wild animals, beautiful bird species is because of the deforestation being done by man. The recurrences of a flood, the drought, the famine, the scanty or no rain for years, the earthquakes, the spreading of many unknown diseases because of the polluted environment are nothing but silent revenge of nature against the men’s act of deforestation.

The merciless destruction of forests must be stopped if mankind wants to save itself from the curse of nature. The man has now become aware of the vagaries of nature and understand the reasons thereof. The need for intensive forestry is being realized. In India, we worship the trees and treat them as alive creatures. The preservation of this precious gift of nature in the shape of the forest needs the general awakening of the common man. The preservation and conservation of the forests are essential for the well beings of every creature on this earth. The great lover of Nature, Wordsworth has rightly written:

“One impulse from the vernal wood May teach you more of man Of moral evil and of good Than all the sages can.”

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Paragraph on Forest and its Importance in Human Life

essay on forest a precious gift of nature

Hints: Introduction uses maintains O2, and CO2, balance causes rain deforestation turns the area into desert conclusion

Forest and human life are bound to one another since ancient times. Forests are a part and parcel of human life. Man’s life depends greatly on forests. Forests provide great wealth of a country. It is a beautiful gift of nature. Forests are very much useful to us in many ways. As we all know that human beings breathe out carbon-dioxide and it is used by trees during photosynthesis and trees release oxygen which human beings need to breathe in Forests also supply us timber that is necessary for buildings and furniture.

They supply us food, fuel, flowers and also valuable medicines. Bamboos, leaves, fruits, canes, fibres and grasses are all obtained from forests. It is a great source of paper, rubber, gums, resins etc. A forest directly influences the climatic condition of an area. It causes rain and preserves moisture and this moisture is released by the leaves and this helps in keeping the surrounding atmosphere cool. When the moisture laden winds blow over a forest, the moisture condenses to form clouds which finally dissolves and causes rain.

So if we destroy a forest the area may turn into a desert. The root system of the trees bind the loose top soil and this helps in conservation of soil. The loose top soil is very fertile and so it helps in agriculture. Conservation of soil prevents silting in rivers and checks flood. Nowadays population and industrialisation have increased rapidly and therefore deforestation is taking place.

This is the cause of uneven rainfall, decrease in underground water level and drought. Forests which are the most precious gifts of nature act as a resource for the welfare of human being and so we have to plan to manage it globally. The socioeconomic condition of a particular country depends upon forests. So if we cut down trees indiscriminately then the forest wealth will be decreased. Therefore we have to protect forests to maintain ecological balance to survive in this world and for this man has adopted programmes like ‘Save our Earth and Keep our City Green’.

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Essay on Nature: In 100 Words, 200 Words, 300 Words

essay on forest a precious gift of nature

  • Updated on  
  • Oct 13, 2023

Essay on Nature

Nature is the intricate web of life that surrounds us, encompassing everything from the air we breathe to the majestic landscapes we admire. It includes the delicate balance of ecosystems, the diversity of flora and fauna, and the natural resources that sustain all living beings on Earth. Exploring the beauty and significance of nature is not only a pleasurable endeavour but also a crucial one, as it reminds us of our responsibility to protect and preserve our environment.

Table of Contents

  • 1 Tips to Write the Best Essay
  • 2 Essay on Nature in 100 Words
  • 3 Essay on Nature in 200 Words
  • 4 Essay on Nature in 300 Words

Tips to Write the Best Essay

Here are some tips to craft an exceptional essay:

  • Understand the Topic: Grasp the essence of the topic and its different aspects before you start writing.
  • Structure: Organize your essay coherently, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
  • Thesis Statement: Formulate a strong thesis statement that summarizes the main point you want to convey.
  • Use Vivid Language: Employ descriptive language to bring the beauty of nature to life for your readers.
  • Supporting Evidence: Back up your points with facts, statistics, and examples to make your essay more convincing.
  • Variety of Ideas: Discuss different perspectives and dimensions of the topic to showcase a comprehensive understanding.
  • Proofread: Edit your essay for grammar, punctuation, and clarity before submitting it.

Essay on Nature in 100 Words

Nature is a precious gift, encompassing all living and non-living entities. It provides us with air, water, food, and shelter. The beauty of nature soothes our souls and brings us closer to the marvels of creation. However, human activities are threatening the delicate balance of ecosystems, leading to pollution, deforestation, and climate change. It’s our responsibility to protect and preserve nature for future generations to enjoy its wonders.

Essay on Nature in 200 Words

Nature is the ultimate source of inspiration and sustenance for all life forms on Earth. From the smallest microorganisms to the tallest trees, every aspect of nature plays a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of our planet. The diversity of flora and fauna, the intricate ecosystems, and the natural resources provide us with food, shelter, and even the air we breathe.

Despite its undeniable importance, human activities are wreaking havoc on nature. Deforestation, pollution, and excessive use of natural resources are causing irreparable damage to our environment. Climate change, triggered by human-induced factors, is resulting in extreme weather events and rising sea levels, endangering both human and animal habitats.

Preserving nature is not a choice; it’s a necessity. The responsibility to conserve nature lies in the hands of every individual. Planting trees, reducing waste, using sustainable resources, and raising awareness about the importance of nature are steps we can take to mitigate the damage.

Nature has provided us with boundless beauty and resources, but it’s up to us to ensure its survival. By respecting and nurturing the natural world, we can secure a healthier and more vibrant planet for current and future generations.

Essay on Nature in 300 Words

Nature is a symphony of vibrant life forms and dynamic ecosystems that create a harmonious and intricate web of existence. The lush greenery of forests, the tranquil blue of oceans, the diverse habitats of animals, and the breathtaking landscapes remind us of the sheer magnificence of the world we inhabit. It’s a world that offers us both solace and sustenance, making our survival intertwined with its preservation.

The ecosystem services provided by nature are immeasurable. The forests act as the lungs of the Earth, producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide. Wetlands filter our water, providing us with clean and fresh sources of hydration. Bees and other pollinators enable the growth of crops, contributing to global food security.

However, the rampant disregard for nature’s delicate balance is leading to alarming consequences. The relentless deforestation for urbanization and agriculture is causing habitat loss, leading to the extinction of numerous species. The excessive emission of greenhouse gases is driving climate change, with rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns threatening vulnerable communities.

To ensure the well-being of our planet and future generations, conservation and sustainable practices are imperative. Afforestation and reforestation efforts must be intensified to restore lost ecosystems. Transitioning to renewable energy sources can reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. Moreover, raising awareness and fostering a deep connection with nature can instil a sense of responsibility and inspire positive action.

In conclusion, nature is not merely a resource for human exploitation; it’s a complex and interconnected system that sustains life in all its forms. We must recognize our role as custodians of the environment and act with diligence to protect and preserve it. By embracing sustainable practices and fostering a profound respect for nature, we can secure a future where the world’s natural wonders continue to thrive.

Nature encompasses the entirety of the physical world and its components, including landscapes, flora, fauna, air, water, and ecosystems. It encompasses the natural environment and all living and non-living elements that shape and sustain life on Earth.

Nature is vital for our survival, providing resources like air, water, and food. It maintains ecological balance, supports biodiversity, and offers inspiration and solace. However, human activities threaten its delicate equilibrium, necessitating conservation efforts.

Saving nature requires planting trees, reducing waste, using sustainable resources, and raising awareness about its importance. Adopting renewable energy sources, practising responsible consumption, and fostering a connection with nature are crucial steps in its preservation.

We hope that this essay blog on Nature helps. For more amazing daily reads related to essay writing , stay tuned with Leverage Edu .

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Essay on Forest

A forest is an important part of our ecosystem that needs to be protected. Trees take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere through photosynthesis and release oxygen into the air. The density of trees in a forest is an indicator of the health of an ecosystem. It can also serve as a source of food, shelter and energy for all living things. BYJU’S forest essay teaches kids its importance to our planet and the significance of preserving them.

The forest is a source of life for the plants and animals that live in it. Animals, insects, reptiles, birds, amphibians, and many other creatures find homes in the forest.

essay on forest a precious gift of nature

The forest is a big part of the ecosystem in this world. They can be found all over the world, and they help create habitats for wildlife and protect water sources from pollution.

Table of Contents

Importance of forests, significance of conserving forests, frequently asked questions.

Forest essay in English helps children understand the significance of conserving the precious forests that help balance the ecosystem. The forest is an integral part of the ecosystem by providing oxygen and cleaning our air.

Forests are necessary for a healthy planet. They are vital to our society because they provide many essential resources. Besides, people rely on forests for paper, wood, and other products. Forested land also provides essential habitat for animals and plants and many species of microorganisms.

Moreover, forests have an enormous impact on the environment. They filter air and water and regulate the weather and climate changes.

Some people might not realise the significance of conserving forests. Besides providing habitat for living organisms, they also help prevent flooding when they absorb excess water from rainstorms and prevent erosion from moving soil across the land. With a decrease in forested areas, the existence of flora and fauna is threatened, as they depend on each other for food and shelter. If a much more significant portion of the world’s forests is destroyed, it could have irreversible consequences for our planet.

Conserving forests is beneficial to the world; it provides cleaner air and keeps the climate moderate. The trees are also important for biodiversity and to combat climate change.

Once the little ones have learned the importance of the forests by referring to BYJU’S describing a forest essay, you can ask them to write an essay on forest, explaining the significance of conserving the forests.

Why should the forests be preserved?

Forests must be preserved because they work to regulate the climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions and keep the planet safe. Forests are the lungs of our planet, and we must preserve them. Scientists believe that if we were to lose the forests, we would experience a five-degree rise in temperature.

What do children learn from BYJU’S essay on forest?

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essay on forest a precious gift of nature

Essay on Nature

essay on nature

Here we have shared the Essay on Nature in detail so you can use it in your exam or assignment of 150, 250, 400, 500, or 1000 words.

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Essay on Nature in 150-250 words

Essay on nature in 300-450 words, essay on nature in 500-1000 words.

Nature is a precious gift that surrounds us, encompassing the world’s landscapes, ecosystems, and living beings. It is a source of immense beauty, inspiration, and solace. From towering mountains to vast oceans, lush forests to serene meadows, nature provides us with breathtaking sights and a sense of awe.

Nature is not only visually captivating but also essential for our survival and well-being. It sustains life by providing clean air, fresh water, and fertile soil. It is home to a diverse array of plants and animals, each playing a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.

Furthermore, spending time in nature has numerous benefits for our physical and mental health. It rejuvenates our spirits, reduces stress, and enhances our overall well-being. Immersing ourselves in nature’s tranquility allows us to disconnect from the fast-paced world and reconnect with our inner selves.

However, human activities have taken a toll on nature. Deforestation, pollution, and climate change threaten the delicate balance of ecosystems and the survival of countless species. It is our responsibility to protect and conserve nature for future generations.

Appreciating nature’s beauty and recognizing its significance is crucial. We must strive to live in harmony with nature, practicing sustainable lifestyles and preserving natural resources. By valuing and respecting nature, we can ensure its preservation and continue to enjoy its countless gifts.

In conclusion, nature is a precious and awe-inspiring entity that sustains life and provides solace and inspiration. It is essential for our physical and mental well-being. As stewards of the Earth, it is our responsibility to protect and conserve nature, ensuring its preservation for future generations to cherish and enjoy.

Nature is a magnificent and awe-inspiring gift that surrounds us, encompassing the diverse landscapes, ecosystems, and living beings that make up our planet. From the majestic mountains to the serene lakes, from the vibrant forests to the vast oceans, nature captivates us with its beauty, power, and serenity.

Nature provides us with numerous benefits and is essential for our survival and well-being. It is the source of clean air, freshwater, and fertile soil that sustains life on Earth. The intricate web of ecosystems, comprising plants, animals, and microorganisms, works together to maintain the delicate balance of nature.

Beyond its practical importance, nature has a profound impact on our physical and mental health. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. The sight of a breathtaking sunset, the sound of waves crashing on the shore, or the touch of grass beneath our feet can have a soothing and therapeutic effect, allowing us to reconnect with ourselves and find solace in the beauty of the natural world.

Unfortunately, human activities have had a detrimental impact on nature. Deforestation, pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction threaten the delicate balance of ecosystems and the survival of countless species. It is imperative that we recognize the urgency of preserving and protecting nature for future generations.

Conservation and sustainable practices are vital for ensuring the continued well-being of our planet. We must strive to live in harmony with nature, embracing sustainable lifestyles and adopting practices that minimize our ecological footprint. This includes reducing waste, conserving energy and water, practicing responsible consumption, and supporting conservation efforts.

Furthermore, education and awareness play a crucial role in fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of nature. By learning about the intricate interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of biodiversity, we can develop a sense of responsibility and take action to protect and conserve the natural world.

Preserving nature is not just about ensuring our own well-being; it is a moral obligation to future generations and a commitment to the intrinsic value of all living beings and ecosystems. By valuing and respecting nature, we can create a more sustainable and harmonious future, where humans coexist with the natural world in a mutually beneficial relationship.

In conclusion, nature is a source of wonder, beauty, and vital resources. It sustains life, nourishes our souls, and provides us with a profound sense of connection. As custodians of the Earth, it is our responsibility to protect and preserve nature, adopting sustainable practices and fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world. By doing so, we can ensure a vibrant and thriving planet for ourselves and future generations to enjoy and cherish.

Title: Nature – A Pristine Gift Nurturing Life and Inspiring the Human Spirit

Introduction :

Nature, with its awe-inspiring landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and intricate web of life, is a pristine gift that surrounds us. It captivates us with its beauty, serenity, and transformative power. This essay explores the profound relationship between humans and nature, highlighting its importance for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It also emphasizes the urgent need to protect and preserve nature in the face of environmental challenges.

The Beauty and Diversity of Nature

Nature encompasses a vast array of breathtaking landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to lush forests, from vast oceans to tranquil meadows. Each holds its unique charm, captivating us with its grandeur, tranquility, and raw beauty. From the vibrant colors of blooming flowers to the graceful flight of birds, nature’s diversity evokes wonder and ignites our imagination.

Nurturing Life and Ecosystems

Nature sustains life on Earth, providing vital resources and supporting intricate ecosystems. It supplies us with clean air, freshwater, and fertile soil, enabling the growth of crops and the survival of diverse species. The delicate balance of ecosystems ensures the survival of plants, animals, and microorganisms, each playing a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and ecological harmony.

Physical and Mental Well-being

Spending time in nature has numerous physical and mental health benefits. It reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, promoting a sense of calm and well-being. The healing power of nature can be seen in activities such as forest bathing, where individuals immerse themselves in natural environments to enhance their overall health. Nature provides a respite from the fast-paced urban life, allowing us to disconnect, recharge, and rejuvenate our spirits.

Inspiration and Spiritual Connection

Nature inspires us and stirs our innermost emotions. The grandeur of a mountain range, the rhythmic crashing of waves, or the delicate beauty of a flower can evoke a profound sense of awe and wonder. Nature’s beauty stimulates our creativity, kindles our imagination, and nurtures our spirit. It serves as a reminder of our place in the larger tapestry of life, connecting us to something greater than ourselves.

Environmental Challenges and the Need for Conservation

Nature is facing unprecedented challenges due to human activities. Deforestation, pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction pose significant threats to the delicate balance of ecosystems and the survival of countless species. The urgency to protect and preserve nature has never been greater. Conservation efforts, sustainable practices, and environmental awareness are crucial in mitigating these challenges and ensuring a sustainable future.

Cultivating a Connection with Nature

To protect and preserve nature, it is essential to cultivate a deep connection and appreciation for the natural world. Education plays a vital role in fostering environmental awareness and instilling a sense of responsibility. Encouraging outdoor experiences, nature-based activities, and environmental stewardship programs can nurture a love for nature and promote a sense of guardianship of the planet.

Conclusion :

Nature is a remarkable and invaluable gift, nurturing life, inspiring the human spirit, and offering solace and serenity. It is essential for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. However, it faces significant challenges that threaten its delicate balance and the well-being of future generations. By protecting and preserving nature, adopting sustainable practices, and fostering a deep connection with the natural world, we can ensure a vibrant and thriving planet for ourselves and future generations to enjoy and cherish. Let us embrace our role as stewards of the Earth and work collectively to safeguard nature’s invaluable gifts.

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  • Published: 23 January 2024

The value of forests

Nature Plants volume  10 ,  page 1 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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Forests are fascinating ecosystems that have accompanied our history and are part of our collective tales. Let’s protect them!

Forests cover roughly a third of emerged lands and are one of the most fascinating and complex natural ecosystems. We understand intuitively what a forest is, but it is quite difficult to find a formal definition sufficiently appropriate to encompass their vast global variety, from lush old-growth tropical jungles to icy boreal mountains covered with conifers. The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) defines forests as “land spanning more than 0.5 hectares with trees higher than 5 meters and a canopy cover of more than 10 percent, or trees able to reach these thresholds in situ… not including land that is predominantly under agricultural or urban land use”. But trees are only the visible part.

A forest is a complete living ecosystem, much more than simply the sum of its parts, where most of the interactions within are hidden from view. Small seeds trying to emerge under a layer of decomposing leaves, an immense underground fungi network, billions of bacteria in every teaspoon of rich soil, little insects boring galleries in decaying wood or buzzing around amphibians trying to catch them, birds nesting high up under the canopy, mammals silently hunting at night or foraging for nuts and dispersing them. All of this, and much more, happens around us when we take a walk under the trees, but we barely see any of it.

Maybe the feeling that is conjured up by unfamiliar creatures carrying out unseen activities around us is the reason why forests, throughout history, have been seen as mysterious places, isolated and disconnected from daily human society. The darkness of their undergrowth contrasts with the luminosity of open landscapes. In many cultures, folk tales tell of strange and dangerous creatures that live deep in some ancestral forest. Sometimes these beasts are mythic, sometimes they are real. All children know that if they get lost in the labyrinthine paths of ‘The Forest’, they might meet the big bad wolf, the malevolent witch, the huge grizzly bear or the cruel ogre. At the same time, the aura of fear emanating from secluded forests has been a welcome protection for outlaws, robbers or persecuted and marginalized groups throughout history; as, for example, is depicted in the Robin Hood tales of English folklore. Attacking armies hate forests, which are ideal places for ambushes, hiding, defending and quick escapes.

Artists have long used forests as a backdrop landscape with an important but ambivalent role, sometimes as if it is almost an unnamed character itself. Depending on our cultural background, we all remember books or films that fall into this category. In Joseph Conrad’s novel ‘Heart of Darkness’, its film adaptation ‘Apocalypse Now’ by Francis Ford Coppola, Werner Herzog’s film ‘Aguirre or the wrath of God’ or Colombian director Ciro Guerra’s lesser-known but magnificent ‘Embrace of the Serpent’ about a double botanical quest, the dark jungles of Congo, Southeast Asia and the Amazonian basin are major parts of the story. The deeper into the intimidating and oppressive forest that the outsider characters penetrate, the more they lose their humanity and veneer of civilization, until they become fully insane and sick; the darkness of the forest reveals the darkness of the soul. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘Middle Earth’ stories, forests are protective shrines for Elves, but are also inhabited by powerful and ancient tree-like creatures, the wise and talkative Ents, and the shadowy and aggressive Huorns who can eliminate whole armies when angry. From a more positive angle, woods can also be depicted as welcoming homes for peaceful indigenous tribes, guardians of the land who sustainably use the natural resources around them. They are presented as real self-contained paradises (until disaster comes from outside), as they are in James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ movies, and of the many works that inspired it such as John Boorman’s ‘The Emerald Forest’, the legend of Pocahontas or Ursula Le Guin’s admirably named novel ‘The Word for World is Forest’.

Outside of the arts, forests have always supplied natural resources to nearby human settlements, from timber to food. According to the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), many millions of people still rely on neighbouring forests to live or to earn an income. From loggers in the North of Sweden to subsistence farmers in Rwanda, the economic aspect of woodlands in human society should not be overlooked, particularly as it can play a significant role in several of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals : access to food and clean water, ensuring healthy lives, combating climate change, protecting ecosystems and developing sustainable local economies. It is in fact the central message in the ‘ State of the World’s Forests ’, published by the FAO in 2022.

Despite, or perhaps because of, the long history of human dependence on forests, they are under threat. Woodlands are disappearing globally, although deforestation is happening at different rates depending on the region; and in Europe, planted forests might actually be increasing, even if they are less diverse. On the other hand, primary forests, which by definition have been minimally affected by humans and are immense reservoirs of yet unknown biodiversity, disappear at an alarming rate, particularly in humid tropics. Various solutions are proposed to fight against deforestation. One long-term project has been spearheaded by botanist Francis Hallé, who hopes to recreate a large temperate primeval forest in Europe by stopping all human intervention and letting natural dynamics re-establish themselves, even if this takes a century or more. Resurrecting a primary forest for its own sake and the opportunity to closely monitor the process, without considering the exploitation of this novel ecosystem, is a radical but beautiful experiment.

Without forests, there would be no human beings. They have accompanied us throughout history and are ever-present in our old tales and imagination. But the complexity of the network of interactions happening inside forests has hampered our understanding. Biologists often prefer a reductionist approach, studying their subject in isolation. Growing a handful of Arabidopsis on a sterile plate produces data quickly and limits uncontrollable variables but is a poor model for an ecosystem that develops over a timescale of centuries. For our great grandchildren to appreciate the mysterious sounds and sights of a walk under the canopy, we may require a different scientific practice. Forests helped us as a species; now let’s return the favour by studying, understanding and protecting our remaining forests.

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The value of forests. Nat. Plants 10 , 1 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-024-01622-1

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Published : 23 January 2024

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-024-01622-1

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Revue du mauss 2013/2 no 42, does nature give once and for all the ethics of earth seen from the gift.

  • By Philippe Chanial

Translated from the French by Cadenza Academic Translations

Pages 83 to 96

Journal article

  • [1] Emerson (1849). His friend Thoreau noted in his Journal in December 1841: “These motions everywhere in nature must surely [be] the circulations of God. The flowing sail, the running stream, the waving tree, the roving wind... whence else their infinite health and freedom?”
  • [2] For a critique of the theories of primitive matriarchy and the fascination with the supposed ancient cult of the “Great Goddess,” see Testart (2010), and for a short critique of the critique, Simonet (2012).
  • [3] Echoing this notion, but in a resolutely antiutilitarian and subtly paradoxical vein, Proudhon wrote in Système des contradictions économiques (1846): “Humans do nothing according to nature: they are, if I dare express myself in this way, manufacturing animals . Nothing pleases them unless they alter it: everything they touch, they have to arrange it, correct it, filter it, and recreate it. For the enjoyment of the eyes, they invent painting, architecture, the fine arts, décor, an entire world of extraneous work, for which they cannot explain the reason or the utility.”
  • [4] But also count, calculate, and economize these scarce resources. And then exchange, trade, and sell. What a strange gift that makes us Homo laborans or Homo œconomicus in spite of ourselves!
  • [5] It is true that it gives us life and not only death. But after all, we did not ask for this life. And we have to deal with it. And sometimes when we ask for it, when we want life to come, the life of a long hoped-for child, it refuses us. Clearly Mater generationis hardly makes it easy for us.
  • [6] Sailors do not toy with the sea. Like wanderers lost in the woods, they are no match for it. Farmers bend docilely to the cycle of seasons, to the fickle providence that “bestows rain and sunshine upon them,” as Marx (1852) wrote mockingly in The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte . Leopold (1949, 224) also noted in the same spirit: “Almost equally serious as an obstacle to a land ethic is the attitude of the farmer for whom the land is still an adversary or a taskmaster that keeps him in slavery.”
  • [7] “When will all these shadows of God cease to darken our minds?” writes Nietzsche in The Gay Science , “When will we complete our de-deification of nature?” For a Nietzschean critique of a certain idea of nature, see the classic work by Clément Rosset (1973).
  • [8] Even Emerson recognized how much nature provided, in the first place, for the “commodities” of humankind, through the multiple “advantages,” “benefits,” and “profits” which it grants us. Yet he did not see the relationship between nature and humanity as being purely utilitarian: “The wind sows the seed; the sun evaporates the sea; the wind blows the vapor to the field; the ice, on the other side of the planet, condenses rain on this; the rain feeds the plant; the plant feeds the animal; and thus the endless circulations of the divine charity nourish man.” This relationship, no matter what obstacles we face, is primarily one of gratitude. Nature and its graces are due this gratitude because its extrinsic value, “which all men apprehend” paves the way for the recognition of its intrinsic value (Emerson 1836, 40). This theme of “natural piety” or ordinary human piety for nature is also fundamental in the philosophy of the pragmatist John Dewey, which was shaped by both transcendentalism and Darwinism.
  • [9] Here is the heart of the gift’s paradox. For the gift—selflessness or generosity—to work, it cannot be made in this objective. According to the Carnegie paradox formulated by Jacques Godbout, having friends is very useful for being successful but only on the condition of liking them sincerely and without calculating. “One wins,” the author suggests, “on the condition of not being interested in winning, of not adopting the schemes of personal interest, of not calculating” (Godbout 2000, 167).
  • [10] As Callicott suggests in his recent trip through the great traditions and religions of the world: “In many indigenous cultures, nature was represented as inspired or divine, and was therefore the direct object of respect or of reverence; that in some traditional cultures nature was the creation of God, and thus was to be used with care and passed on intact; that in still others human beings were thought to be part of nature, and a good human life was therefore understood to be one in harmony with it” (1994, 8).
  • [11] Callicott emphasizes this essential point very clearly: “Utilitarians assume that self and other are clearly and distinctly distinct. One must grudgingly respect the interests of ‘others’ if one expects others to respect one’s own interests, and if an orderly society with all its benefits is to be preserved. But from the perspective of ecometaphysics, while others retain their identity and integrity, oneself and others are mutually defining and interdependent” (1994, 208). This is also one of the major insights of the deep ecology defended by Arne Naess (1990). Marie Gaille summarizes it as follows: “If humans are aware that they cannot exist without nature or live apart from it, and that by destroying it, they are preventing their self-realization, then they understand that it has a fundamental relational meaning and that nature is never a simple means to an end” (2012, 226). For an equally relational approach, as a key for “care” and environmental ethics, see also Raïd (2012).
  • [12] To give a Native American example, among many others, the cosmology of the Lakota of the Great Plains sees nature as a vast family that is closely linked. The sky is the father, the earth the mother, and “all living things with feet or wings or roots” are their children (see Callicott (1994, 120)). In other forms, this family metaphor is also very prevalent in Polynesia and in Amazonia. Totemism, in Australia in particular, also displays a deep sense of relation between human and nonhuman members, descendants of a single, eponymous ancestor who is embodied in as many sacred places. And aren’t the ethics of the Stoics an ethics of those who are close ( oikeiosis ) or an ethics of relatives and familiarity (Larrère 2009, 49 and 310)? This metaphorical register still by no means exhausts the many different ways of representing the community of humans and nonhumans.
  • [13] We should also note, in return, that the gift of humans to nature is rarely direct. The anthropological literature highlights the importance of the mediating role of the shaman.
  • [14] As Leopold writes (1949, 72): “When some remote ancestor of ours invented the shovel, he became a giver: he could plant a tree. And when the axe was invented, he became a taker: he could chop it down. Whoever owns land has thus assumed, whether he knows it or not, the divine functions of creating and destroying plants.” Our relationship to nature is based on this “primitive pair.” Like the Lord, humans take and humans give. And, we might add, it is right this way. While the image of the axe is not without reference to our ecological impact, “his signature on the face of his land,” it is also a reminder of how destructive human intervention can be creative as well. It is the wisdom of the gardener who uses the axe to give life to a garden. And wasn’t the ethics of hunting the model for Leopold’s land ethic?
  • Caillé , Alain. 2000. Anthropologie du don . Paris: Desclée de Brouwer.
  • Callicott , John Baird. 1994. Earth’s Insights: A Multicultural Survey of Ecological Ethics from the Mediterranean Basin to the Australian Outback. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.
  • Callicott , John Baird. 2010. Éthique de la terre . Domaine sauvage. Paris: Wildproject.
  • Chanial , Philippe. 2011. La Sociologie comme philosophie politique. Et réciproquement . Paris: La Découverte/MAUSS.
  • Emerson , Ralph Waldo. 1836/2003. “Nature.” In Nature and Selected Essays . New York: Penguin Books.
  • Emerson , Ralph Waldo. 1849/2003. “An Address to the Senior Class in Divinity College, Cambridge, July 15, 1838.” In Nature and Selected Essays . New York: Penguin Books.
  • Gaille , Marie. 2012., “De la ‘crise écologique’ au stade du miroir moral.” In Tous vulnérables? Le care, les animaux et l’environnement , edited by Sandra Laugier. Paris: Payot.
  • Godbout , Jacques. 2000. Le Don, la dette et l’identité . Paris: Éditions La Découverte.
  • Hume , David. 1739/2011. A Treatise of Human Nature . Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Larrère , Catherine. 2012. “Care et environnement: la montagne ou le jardin?” In Tous vulnérables? Le care, les animaux et l’environnement , edited by Sandra Laugier. Paris: Payot.
  • Larrère , Catherine, and Raphaël Larrère . 2009. Du bon usage de la nature. Pour une philosophie de l’environnement . Champs essais. Paris: Flammarion.
  • Latour , Bruno. 1991. Nous n’avons jamais été modernes . Paris: La Découverte.
  • Leopold , Aldo. 1949/1986. A Sand County Almanac . New York: Ballantine Books.
  • Marx , Karl. 1852/2009. The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte. Rockville, MD: Serenity.
  • Mill , John Stuart. 1874/1998. Three Essays on Religion: Nature, the Utility of Religion, and Theism . Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books.
  • Naess , Arne. 1990. Ecology, Community, and Lifestyle . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  • Proudhon , Pierre-Joseph. 1846. Système des contradictions économiques, ou, Philosophie de la misère . Paris: Guillaumin.
  • Raïd , Layla. 2012. “De la land ethic aux éthiques du care.” In Tous vulnérables? Le care, les animaux et l’environnement , edited by Sandra Laugier. Paris: Payot.
  • Rosset , Clément. 1973, L’Anti-nature . Paris: PUF.
  • Simonet , Aurélien. 2012. “La Prohibition des Vénus.” Journal du MAUSS . http://www.journaldumauss.net/spip.php?article931 .
  • Stengers , Isabelle. 2006. “Faire avec Gaïa. Pour une culture de la non-symétrie.” Multitudes 24.
  • Testart , Alain. 2010. La Déesse et le grain. Trois essais sur les religions néolithiques . Paris: Errance.
  • Thoreau , Henry David. 1906/2011. The Journal of Henry David Thoreau, 1837–1861 . New York: New York Review Books.
The misery of man appears like childish petulance when we explore the steady and prodigal provision that has been made for his support and delight on this green ball which floats him through the heavens. Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nature (1836)
In sober truth, nearly all the things which men are hanged or imprisoned for doing to one another are nature’s every-day performances. . . . Anarchy and the Reign of Terror are overmatched in injustice, ruin, and death by a hurricane and a pestilence. John Stuart Mill, On Nature (1874)
Can’t we be good citizens of the biotic community, like the birds and the bees, drawing an honest living from nature and giving back as much or more than we take? John B. Callicott, The Wilderness Idea Revisited (1991)

1 More than the French, British, or German Romantics, the American transcendentalists, like Emerson and Thoreau, were the poets, preachers, and philosophers who marveled the most at the constant gifts of nature. A nature where everything is life and gift, where everything is spread and shared, where nothing is kept secret or hidden, where its abundance is vast and gracious. Emerson paints a similar portrait in the introduction to his famous speech on theology at Harvard in 1838, inviting his listeners to wander through a luxurious and prodigious nature where, from the fragrance of pine trees to the song of the robin and the generosity of the vine, God’s gift to humanity is made visible and manifest.  [1]

2 A gift from God. Or from a goddess. Dame Nature, Mater Generationis , and Mother Earth are some of the many feminine representations of a generous, loving, and protective nature. In referring to the figures of a mother goddess—Hecate, Eurydome, Demeter, Rhea—hasn’t a tradition of contemporary ecofeminism invited us to rediscover an older “Gaian” vision of the world that was found in some religious practices of the Neolithic era?  [2] A world before patriarchy, before the victory of male gods—especially the orotund (and chauvinist) Zeus—over the female goddesses of the Earth that preceded them. As if renewing ties with these ancient goddesses could not only free women from male domination but also free nature from human domination.

3 Nevertheless, even identified with divine goodness or the fecundity and kindness of a female or maternal figure, is it certain that nature is naturally and spontaneously generous and giving? As everyone knows, “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away.” He gives life as he gives death. Moreover, as psychoanalysis has taught us to be wary of a mother’s love, we should remember that Pandora, the first woman, the one who received all of the gifts of the gods ( pan-dora ), is also the one who opened the famous box, unleashing so many calamities onto the world.

4 This fundamental ambivalence is even more apparent in the equally numerous figures—male and profane—of violent nature, the theater of a bloody struggle for existence, a world of general predation much more than a giving world. “Eat and be eaten, live and die:” according to John Baird Callicott, the contemporary inheritor of Aldo Leopold’s land ethic (1949), this is “the refrain of the biotic community,” the law of nature, the law of the world of predators and prey where the life of some implies the death of others (Callicott 2010, 73). In this form, nature, unlike what Thoreau suggests, is by no means “goodness crystallized.” As John Stuart Mill reminds us, it is “divided, with scarcely an exception, into devourers and devoured, and a prey to a thousand ills” (Mill 1874, 58). For this reason, unlike the ancients and their teleology, we moderns have no lessons to learn from it. Especially not a moral lesson. Why should we live in conformance with nature, as the Stoics and Epicureans suggested, if it is not synonymous with any good? Mill continues (1874, 30): “Either it is right that we should kill because nature kills; torture because nature tortures; ruin and destroy because nature does the like; or we ought not to consider at all what nature does, but what it is good to do.”

5 If this is the case, why should we honor nature, respect it, give it—or give back to it—anything at all? To achieve “the greatest good for the greatest number,” nature, as Mill emphasizes (1874, 20), is not our friend:

Everybody professes to approve and admire many great triumphs of Art over Nature: the junction by bridges of shores which Nature had made separate, the draining of nature’s marshes, the excavation of her wells,... the turning away of her thunderbolts by lightning rods, of her inundations by embankments, of her ocean by breakwaters. But to commend these and similar feats, is to acknowledge that the ways of Nature are to be conquered, not obeyed: that her powers are often towards man in the position of enemies.  [3]

7 Doesn’t our utilitarian relationship with nature come from the obvious fact that nature does not give for good?

What Nature Gives Us (and What We Could Have Done Without)

8 This point can be further developed. After all, why do we have to see nature as a generous donor? Isn’t it so parsimonious, and even avaricious, that we have to take from it what it refuses to give graciously and effortlessly in abundance? We are working constantly, ceaselessly producing our means of existence.  [4] Nature is poorly made or malicious. Maybe even cruel, as Hume (1739, 311) suggested:

Of all the animals, with which this globe is peopled, there is none towards whom nature seems, at first sight, to have exercised more cruelty than towards man, in the numberless wants and necessities, with which she has loaded him, and in the slender means, which she affords to the relieving these necessities.

10 Worse still, doesn’t it bring us sorrow and harm more than good and benefit? Death, sickness, epidemics, pandemics, famines, typhoons, tsunamis. The list is long. Nature is not fair. It does no favors. And especially not for us humans. Mill (1874, 29) writes:

Nature impales men, breaks them as if on the wheel, casts them to be devoured by wild beasts, burns them to death, crushes them with stones like the first Christian martyr, starves them with hunger, freezes them with cold.

12 And it does all this, he continues, “with the most supercilious disregard both of mercy and of justice.”  [5]

13 And even when we see it as a giving nature, don’t the gifts of nature aim to crush us with its power? Nature is clearly stronger than us. It taunts us.  [6] Aren’t its gifts tainted, displaying its power and putting us under its care, making us indebted and obliged to it? If we owe it everything, life first of all, how can we repay this debt except by giving ourselves up to its power, by making ourselves its weak, submissive, and grateful creatures?  [7]

14 To the question: “What does nature give?” the answer must be, at random: scarcity, economy, and exchange; but also violence, suffering, and death; and finally, alienation, domination, and religion. We could have done without it. How can we confront this power other than trying to appropriate it for ourselves and making it dependent on us—not thanking it for its favors but placing it at our mercy? An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. This, as Callicott suggests, is the modern Western image of human David and nature Goliath: “The up-and-coming hero armed with Promethean science in the struggle with Titanic nature.”

15 It therefore seems quite irenic to understand nature, and especially the relationships between it and man, from the category of the gift. Either nature gives (too) little, or it gives bad(ly), or it only gives to make us submit more. In this sense, to use Mill’s expression again, it is “often towards man in the position of enem[y].” What is human work, moreover, if it is not transforming nature’s parsimony into abundance? And what are science and reason, other than the means to protect ourselves and fight its domination and violence—even to the point of meaning to conquer disease and defy death—emancipating ourselves from the superstitions and other old wives’ tales through which it alienates us? Do humans have any choice other than to remove ourselves from nature and to assert, against it, our legitimate power to act against it?

Why Worry about Nature?

16 As much as we might claim to be David or Prometheus, to the extent that we depend on nature and that nature depends on our exchanges with it, doesn’t a good understanding of our best interests mean that we should respect it? Not because it is intrinsically respectable, like a generous goddess, but because our survival is at stake. Gaia is not worried about us, and we know it. As Isabelle Stengers reminds us (2006, 10), “Bacteria will continue on, no matter what foolish things we do.”

17 Why should we be concerned with nature? Isn’t it for a utilitarian reason? Doesn’t a good understanding of our interests impel us to “stop acting out foolishly” and take care of nature and our environment? It is clearly in our interests to fight climate change if we want to prolong our stay on this planet, but also to preserve its biodiversity, especially in terms of the medical resources that it offers humankind or the capabilities of genetically diversified species in combating epidemics. Isn’t the very notion of sustainable development a symbol of this modern peace treaty between humanity and nature? Or, in the name of the “greatest happiness of the greatest number over the longest time,” there might be the affirmation of a “utilitarian conception of the rational management of ‘natural resources,’ where their ‘conservation’ serves the ‘development’ of the (greatest) happiness of humankind” (Callicott 2010, 206–207).

18 A prudential and utilitarian conception of the human-nature relationship is no more illegitimate  [8] than the extrinsic—or instrumental—conception of the value of nature that it presupposes. If nature doesn’t need us—yet how can we be so sure?—we need it. We are still faced with a strange paradox. Callicott describes it this way: “Unless we evolve a nonanthropocentric environmental ethic, Homo sapiens may not be around much longer.” In short, Homo sapiens paradoxically can only ensure their life and survival on Earth on the condition of subordinating their interests to the good of the entire biotic community—therefore sacrificing their role as masters of the universe to adopt an ecocentric perspective.

19 There are two ways to overcome this paradox. The first can be expressed in the language of utilitarian calculation: faced with nature, it is in humankind’s interest to be selfless, because it would be more rewarding and profitable, all things considered, to show nature some respect. We would reluctantly have to sacrifice our immediate interests, but it would better serve our greater long-term interests—the interests of our survival—or, less dramatically, it would maximize our “sustainable” well-being. The second can be formulated in terms of the gift: humankind will not ensure its lasting presence and happiness on earth unless it respects the earth unconditionally, sincerely, and without calculating.  [9] Or to borrow the words of Catherine and Raphaël Larrère (2009, 270): the more we value nature for its own account, the better (and not less) we can use it for our own account.

Earth Ethics and the Paradox of the Gift

20 There are several arguments in favor of the second option. First, while it is not wrong or ineffectual to measure the ecological impact of what we do with nature in terms of its consequences on human well-being, this anthropocentric and utilitarian concept prevents us from making moral evaluations and limiting human actions that destroy the environment without having a negative impact on human beings. What would be the use, in this case, of combatting the threatened extinction due to human causes of several species—like the Houston toad, Bufo houstonensis —which have no utilitarian value for humanity (Callicott 1994, 10)? There is a multitude of threatened species, however, and they are in fact protected by a set of national and international legislation.

21 Why do we protect them? Why do we give a value to nonhuman natural entities that is greater than their usefulness? Why do we value some species, and more broadly, some ecosystems, oceans, the atmosphere, the biosphere, and so forth for themselves, independently of the services they provide to us?

22 This is where any substantive environmental ethics, especially an earth ethics, encounters the ethics of the gift. As Aldo Leopold, the pioneer of land ethic, asserted with force, “It is inconceivable to me that an ethical relation to land can exist without love, respect, and admiration for land and a high regard for its value.” And, he continues, “By value, I of course mean something far broader than mere economic value; I mean value in the philosophical sense” (1949, 261; see also 245–250).

23 We recognize this (intrinsic) value in nature because it gives rise to these moral feelings in us. The feeling of shared humanity. Or shared naturalness. Or even shared divinity. It doesn’t matter. The main point is that our “modern” relationship with nature—instrumental, utilitarian, anthropocentric, based on the subject-object duality—is neither natural nor universal. It contradicts not only almost all traditional and religious representations,  [10] but also some of our most essential, basic moral institutions—in this sense, to use Latour’s expression (1991), “We have never been (completely) modern”—just as it contradicts what the theory of evolution or contemporary scientific ecology have taught us.

24 In fact, these scientific representations, institutions, and theories invite us, in their most diverse forms, to recognize a certain unity—and not a perfect exteriority—between the self and the world, considering that Homo sapiens is part of a landscape, that it is a member—even a citizen—of the Earth-community, a fellow traveler on the odyssey of evolution. In short, of what comes from the multiplicity of exchanges that have formed and are forming within this broader community of humans and nonhumans to which the species belongs.

25 The respect or even gratitude that we should then show for this community and for all of its members is not only due to personal interest—to the extent that our survival as a species depends on preserving the biosphere—but also because our self, our individual (and collective) identity depends on it just as much.  [11] If, from an ecological point of view, “every entity (including oneself) is a node in a matrix of internal relations,” if “oneself is a nexus of strands in the web of life” (Callicott 2010, 328), then the quality of these relations, of the strands in this web, does indeed have intrinsic value.

26 Isn’t this what we already see in our interhuman relationships? They are important to us—whether they are relationships of love, family, friendship, profession, and so forth—not only because of the benefits they provide, but also and above all because they make us the persons we are. A self enriched by the wealth of exchanges that it forms, by the quality of the gifts that it receives and that invite us to give in return to foster these relationships (Chanial 2011, chapter 4).

27 From this perspective, an earth ethics, by expanding the frontier of the communities to which we belong to the nonhuman creatures with which we live and interact, also calls for the expansion of the frontiers of the gift.

In Conclusion: The New Frontiers of the Gift

28 How should we think of the gift across the boundaries of species? What does it mean in the broader community of land, air, fauna, and flora? Can we extend the family on the basis that all living creatures are “related” either because, from bacteria to humans, they evolved together, or because we are all the creatures of a creating God, or even the sons and daughters, sisters and brothers of the union of Father Sky and Mother Earth, or of one totemic ancestor?  [12]

29 The extension of the domain of the gift must therefore be carefully measured and circumscribed. While many gifts circulate within this extended community, nature as a whole only gives (to us) in a metaphorical sense. For this reason, religious, mythological, and even poetic languages are important to symbolize this Donatist nature. Nevertheless, the main thing is that most human societies have acted “as if” nature was a (virtual) subject and consequently “as if” it gave to humans.  [13]

30 Let us not forget the ambivalence of nature mentioned above. This ambivalence corresponds to the ambivalence of the gift itself. As any gift can shift into domination or predation, nature can just as equally be a good mother or a bad one, to use Melanie Klein’s words. It can give us the worst and the best. Life and death. Benefits and harm. The cycle of giving, receiving, and returning is inextricably connected with its opposite: taking, refusing, and keeping. Finally, to make it more dialectical, let us not forget that in nature, death can be a source of life. And that goes for human gifts to nature as well.  [14]

31 In this perspective, giving to nature, worrying about it, and taking care of it do not come from utilitarian calculations or from compassion. It is not a question of protecting nature above all because it is vulnerable or weak. As if the roles were reversed and we now had to take care of Gaia, the Mother Nature that took care of us and that we have weakened. As Catherine Larrère has suggested (2012, 255–257), “What is weak and vulnerable is not Gaia but ‘us’…, the ‘us’ that we form with all of the relationships that we have with nonhumans, animals, plants, natural units with which we share a common world.”

32 Yet if we make the hypothesis that interhuman relations are only sustainable through the gift, doesn’t this expanded “us” inclusive of nonhumans also call for the gift? Or to express it differently, as our ability to destroy our environment is unleashed, how do we preserve this shared world in its plurality and its integrity save by wagering on the gift as I mentioned above? Establishing relations of the gift with nature—and not only of exploitation or predation—only depends on us. To put it in terms of the paradox of the gift, “Only engaged gratuitousness and unconditionality are capable of concluding an alliance that will benefit all and in the end will benefit those who take the initiative of selflessness” (Caillé 2000, 151).

33 Shouldn’t we rethink—or reestablish—the alliance between humankind and nature under the register of conditional unconditionality, entering unconditionally into gift/countergift relations with nature, and valuing it for itself in the process—granting it intrinsic value—but in the context of this primary unconditionality also recognizing—in terms of its extrinsic value—what we humans lose or gain in this alliance?

34 On this basis, the ethics of the gift, extended in an ethics of the earth, cannot require the sacrifice of humanity for a few ecological necessities. As Callicott reminds us, earth ethics are not a substitute but a complement to “good old human ethics” (2010, 161). Expanding the area of our loyalty and sympathy—extending the domain of the gift—supposes recognition of our different “relatives” who sometimes agree and sometimes disagree. Confronted with these inevitable family squabbles, the ethics of the gift expanded in this way is first— oikeiosis —an ethics of the close and familiar. Humanity comes before more distant animal relatives just as our children come before distant cousins on the other side of the world (Larrère 2009, 311; Callicott 2010, 160–167). Resolving these conflicts of loyalty cannot, however, be limited to a simple personal ethics. Doesn’t this ability to live with tensions that come from our many relationships—this capacity to balance, measure, and arbitrate between our different attachments—come, as Mauss noted in the final lines of his book The Gift , from this “supreme art— Politics , in the Socratic sense of the word?” Or, even better, from a cosmopolitics?

Cite this article

  • CHANIAL Philippe ,
  • Chanial Philippe ,
  • Chanial P. ,

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What does Nature give us? A special Earth Day article

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  • Yet we have so disconnected ourselves from the natural world that it is easy—and often convenient—to forget that nature remains as giving as ever, even as it vanishes bit-by-bit.
  • The rise of technology and industry may have distanced us superficially from nature, but it has not changed our reliance on the natural world: most of what we use and consume on a daily basis remains the product of multitudes of interactions within nature, and many of those interactions are imperiled.
  • Beyond such physical goods, the natural world provides less tangible, but just as important, gifts in terms of beauty, art, and spirituality.

To read last year’s Earth Day article: World failing on every environmental issue: an op-ed for Earth Day .

There is no question that Earth has been a giving planet. Everything humans have needed to survive, and thrive, was provided by the natural world around us: food, water, medicine, materials for shelter, and even natural cycles such as climate and nutrients. Scientists have come to term such gifts ‘ecosystem services’, however the recognition of such services goes back thousands of years, and perhaps even farther if one accepts the caves paintings at Lascaux as evidence. Yet we have so disconnected ourselves from the natural world that it is easy—and often convenient—to forget that nature remains as giving as ever, even as it vanishes bit-by-bit. The rise of technology and industry may have distanced us superficially from nature, but it has not changed our reliance on the natural world: most of what we use and consume on a daily basis remains the product of multitudes of interactions within nature, and many of those interactions are imperiled. Beyond such physical goods, the natural world provides less tangible, but just as important, gifts in terms of beauty, art, and spirituality.

Earth Day seems as good a day as any to remind ourselves what nature gives us free-of-charge. Here then is a selective sampling of nature’s importance to our lives:

Fresh water: There is no physical substance humans require more than freshwater: without water we can only survive a few hellish days. While pollution and overuse has threatened many of the world’s drinking water sources, nature has an old-fashioned solution, at least, to pollution. Healthy freshwater ecosystems—watersheds, wetlands, and forests—naturally clean pollution and toxins from water. Soils, microorganisms, and plant roots all play a role in filtering and recycling out pollutants with a price far cheaper than building a water filtration plant. According to research, the more biodiverse the ecosystem, the faster and more efficiently water is purified.

Pollination: Imagine trying to pollinate every apple blossom in an orchard: this is what nature does for us. Insects, birds, and even some mammals, pollinate the world’s plants, including much of human agriculture. Around 80% of the world’s plants require a different species to act as pollinator.

In agriculture, pollinators are required for everything from tomatoes to cocoa, and almonds to buckwheat, among hundreds of other crops. Globally, agricultural pollination has been estimated to be worth around $216 billion a year. However large such monetary estimates don’t include pollination for crops consumed by livestock, biofuels, ornamental flowers, or the massive importance of wild plant pollination.

Seed dispersal: Much like pollination, many of the world’s plants require other species to move their seeds from the parent plant to new sprouting ground. Seeds are dispersed by an incredibly wide-variety of players: birds, bats, rodents, megafauna like elephants and tapir, and even, researchers have recently discovered, fish. Seed dispersal is especially important for tropical forests where a majority of plants depend on animals to move.

Pest control: A recent study found that bats save US agriculture billions of dollars a year simply by doing what they do naturally: eating insects, many of which are potentially harmful to US crops.

Almost all agricultural pests have natural enemies, along with bats, these include birds, spiders, parasitic wasps and flies, fungi, and viral diseases. The loss, or even decline, of such pest-eating predators can have massive impacts on agriculture and ecosystems.

Soil health: The ground under our feet matters more than we often admit. Healthy fertile soil provides optimal homes for plants, while participating in a number of natural cycles: from recycling nutrients to purifying water. Although soil is renewable, it is also sensitive to overuse and degradation often due to industrial agriculture, pollution, and fertilizers. Natural vegetation and quality soil also mitigates excessive erosion, which can have dramatic impacts from loss of agricultural land to coastlines simply disappearing into the sea.

Medicine: Nature is our greatest medicine cabinet: to date it has provided humankind with a multitude of life-saving medicines from quinine to aspirin, and from morphine to numerous cancer and HIV-fighting drugs. There is no question that additionally important medications—perhaps even miracle cures—lie untapped in the world’s ecosystems. In fact, researchers estimate that less than 1% of the world’s known species have been fully examined for their medicinal value. However the ecosystems that have yielded some of the world’s most important and promising drugs—such as rainforests, peat swamps, and coral reefs—are also among the most endangered. Preserving ecosystems and species today may benefit, or even save, millions of lives tomorrow.

Fisheries: Humankind has turned to the rivers and seas for food for at least 40,000 years but probably even longer. Today, amid concern of a global fishery collapse, more than a billion people depend on fish as their primary source of protein, many of them among the global poor. Fisheries also provide livelihoods, both directly and indirectly, for around half a billion. Coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass ecosystems provide nurseries for the world’s fisheries, while the open ocean is used for migrating routes and hunting.

Even with the direct importance of the world’s fisheries for food, stewardship has been lacking, allowing many populations to drop precipitously and still permitting ecologically destructive fishing. While the world’s fisheries are primarily threatened by overfishing, including bycatch, marine pollution is also a major problem.

Biodiversity and wildlife abundance: The argument to save the world’s wildlife has often come from an aesthetic point of view. Many conservationists have fought to save species simply because they like a particular species. This is often why more popularly known animals—tigers, elephants, rhinos—receive far more attention than less popular (although just as endangered) wildlife—for example, the redbelly egg frog, the smokey bat, or the bastard quiver tree. But beyond making the world a less lonely, less boring, and less beautiful place—admirable reasons in themselves—many of the services provided by biodiversity are similar to those provided by all of nature. Biodiversity produces food, fibers, wood products; it cleans water, controls agricultural pests, pollinates and dispersers the world plants; and provides recreation, such as birdwatching, gardening, diving, and ecotourism.

In the discussion of biodiversity, however, bioabundance is often ignored. A loss in bioabundance means that species are not just important for their diversity, but for their numbers. While Asian elephants may not go extinct any time soon, their depletion in forests means that the ecosystems lose the elephants’ special ecological talents such as spreading seeds and engineering micro-habitats. The drop in salmon populations in the US has caused the entire freshwater ecosystem to receive less nutrients every year (researchers estimate a nutrient-drop of over 90 percent); this means less food for people, less salmon for predators, and a less rich river overall. Declining nutrients also makes it impossible for the salmon to rebound to optimal populations, creating a vicious circle of bio-decline.

Climate regulation: The natural world helps regulate the Earth’s climate. Ecosystems such as rainforests, peatlands, and mangroves store significant amounts of carbon, while the ocean captures massive amounts of carbon through phytoplankton. While regulating greenhouse gases are imperative in the age of climate change, new research is showing that the world’s ecosystems may also play a role in weather. A recent study found that the Amazon rainforest acted as its own ‘bioreactor’, producing clouds and precipitation through the abundance of plant materials in the forest.

Economy: In the common tension viewed between the economy and the environment—e.g. do we clear-cut a forest or conserve it?—one fact is often neglected: the environment underpins the entire global economy. Without fertile soils, clean drinking water, healthy forests, and a stable climate, the world’s economy would face disaster. By imperiling our environment, we imperil the economy. According to research published in Science , the global worth of total ecosystem services could run between $40-60 trillion a year.

Health: Recent research has found what nature-lovers have long expected: spending time in a green space, such as a park, provides benefits for one’s mental and physical health. Exercising in a park, instead of inside a gym, has shown to provide mental health benefits as a greater sense of well-being. Walking for 20 minutes in a green space has been proven to help children with ADHD improve their concentration, even working as well, or better, than medication. People who live in more natural settings have better overall health, even when research has taken into account economic differences.

Art: Imagine poetry without flowers, painting without landscapes, or film without scenery. Imagine if Shakespeare had no rose to compare Juliet to, or if William Blake had no Tyger to set alight. Imagine if Van Gogh lacked crows to paint or Durer a rhinoceros to cut. What would the Jungle Book be without Baloo or the Wind in the Willows without Mr. Badger? Imagine My Antonia without the red grass of the American prairie or Wuthering Heights without the bleak moors. How would The Lord of the Rings film series appear without the stunning mountain ranges of New Zealand, or Lawrence of Arabia without the desert of North Africa? There is no question that the natural world has provided global arts with some of its greatest subjects. What we lose in nature, we also lose in art.

Spiritual: While some of what nature provides us is measurable, most of what nature gives us is simply beyond measure. Economic measurements are useful; but as with most of what happens in the world, economics is simply incapable of capturing true worth. Science is also a useful measurement regarding the importance of nature, but once again cannot measure what nature means—practically and aesthetically—to each individual.

Perhaps the most difficult gift of nature’s to measure is its ingrained connection to human spirituality. In most of the world’s religions the natural world is rightly revered. In Christianity, Earthly paradise existed in a garden, while Noah, the original conservationist, is commanded by God to save every species. Buddhists believe all life—from the smallest fly to the blue whale—is sacred and worthy of compassion. For Hindus every bit of the natural world is infused with divinity. Muslims believe the natural world was created by Allah and only given to humans as gift to be held in trust. Indigenous cultures worldwide celebrate the natural world as their ‘mother’.

But one need not be religious to understand the importance of nature to the human spirit: one only need spend time alone in a shadowy forest, sit on a forgotten beach, touch the spine of a living frog, or watch the quarter moon swing behind mountain silhouettes.

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Physics Wallah

Nature Essay in English for School Students

Despite nature's blessings, we forget that we are plundering her treasures. In Nature Essay, children can explore nature's abundance and variety.

Photo of author

November 18, 2023

Nature Essay

Table of Contents

Nature Essay: Nature encompasses the interaction between physical surroundings and all living beings, including the atmosphere, climate, natural resources, ecosystem, flora, fauna, and humans. It is a precious gift from God to our planet, providing everything necessary for sustaining life. Often referred to as ‘Mother Nature’, she continuously nurtures us with her abundant offerings. From the food we eat and clothes we wear to our homes, nature provides it all. Everywhere we look presents a glimpse of nature’s beauty – trees, flowers, landscapes, insects, sunlight, breeze – all elements of our environment. Simply put, our environment is nature itself. And it has existed since long before the dawn of humanity.

Nature Essay in 100 words in English

Our planet, Earth, is undeniably stunning with its pristine and alluring nature abundant in lush greenery. It generously provides us with all the necessary resources for our sustenance. From clean water to breathe, nourishing food to eat, and land to call home – nature truly is our closest companion. However, we must appreciate and cherish nature’s blessings without disrupting its delicate balance. Let us take responsibility for preserving its peacefulness and cleanliness, preventing destruction so we may continue relishing its wonders indefinitely. After all, nature is a precious gift bestowed upon us by God for enjoyment, not harm.

Nature Essay in 150 words

The natural world is a source of immense beauty and joy, providing us with a healthy environment in which to live. It offers diverse flowers, birds, animals, plants, sky, land, rivers, seas, forests, air, mountains, valleys, and hills. This wondrous creation is the work of God, and it sustains our well-being.

These gifts from nature should be cherished and protected; we must not harm or exploit them for our gain. We are responsible for maintaining the balance of the ecosystem and preserving nature’s originality. Our surroundings offer us endless opportunities for enjoyment, and we must keep it clean and free from destruction. Sadly, many human activities in today’s world disregard this responsibility and have caused great harm to nature. However, we must all strive to uphold the beauty of our natural environment.

Nature Essay in 200 words

Nature is the encompassing beauty that surrounds us. We have the privilege to witness and appreciate it in every passing moment, from its vibrant transformations to its soothing sounds and sensations. It is essential to embrace nature’s gifts by stepping out for a morning walk, breathing in fresh air and basking in its magnificence. Throughout the day, we can marvel at how nature continuously changes, like when the sun rises, painting everything in a bright orange glow, and as it sets, casting a dark orange hue before turning into a soft dusk.

Despite nature’s abundant resources, we fail to reciprocate and instead continue to deplete its assets for our selfish desires. With the constant stream of technological advancements, we often overlook the environmental impact. We must take action to preserve our dwindling natural resources to ensure the sustainability of life on this planet. Neglecting this responsibility puts future generations at risk. Let us recognise and appreciate the value of nature and work towards preserving its natural state.

Nature Essay in 250 words

Nature is a precious and invaluable gift bestowed upon us by God for our life on Earth. It facilitates daily living by providing essential resources, and we should express gratitude for its role as a nurturing mother figure. Sitting peacefully in an early morning garden allows us to appreciate nature’s soothing sounds and captivating scenery. However, seeing this gift gradually diminishing due to human ignorance and technological advancement is disheartening.

Like a loving mother, nature always nourishes us and never causes harm. Walking in nature’s embrace early in the morning strengthens our physical health. It protects us from various dangerous illnesses such as diabetes, heart diseases, high blood pressure, liver problems, digestive issues, infections, and brain diseases. The gentle melodies of birds chirping, the rustling of the breeze, and the sound of fresh air and running water in the river contribute to our well-being. 

Nature Essay in 300 words

The natural world is an essential and inseparable aspect of our existence. We have all been graced with God’s steadfast love in the magnificent form of nature. It would be a shame to overlook the joy and wonder nature offers. Artists, poets, writers, and painters have long been drawn to depict the beauty of nature in their works. This divine creation is a precious gift bestowed upon us by God. Nature encompasses everything around us: from water and air to land and sky, fire and rivers, forests and animals, birds and plants, sun and moon, stars and sea, lakes and rain, thunder and storms. It is a vibrant display of both living beings and inanimate objects.

The natural world holds its strength and distinctiveness given by a higher power. It takes on various shapes and shades that shift with time – from morning to noon; for example, the sea transforms from a brilliant blue to a deep emerald green. Similarly, the sky undergoes a colourful transformation throughout the day: a soft pink sunrise, vibrant blue midday, fiery orange sunset, and dusky purple twilight. The changing nature also influences our emotions – feelings of contentment and optimism in sunny or rainy seasons and joy under moonlight, yet fatigue can set in during peak sunlight.

The transformative power of nature can affect our mood and behaviour. It can also aid in the recovery of patients when a pleasant environment is provided. Therefore, we must maintain a clean and conserved natural environment for the well-being of not only ourselves but also future generations. We must refrain from damaging actions such as deforestation or polluting our oceans and rivers, as well as contributing to adverse effects like the depletion of the ozone layer or global warming through selfish activities. We must become fully aware of our impact on nature and try to preserve its natural state for its ability to sustain life on Earth indefinitely.

Nature Essay in 400 words

The forces of nature, including the environment, offer us constant protection and sustenance. We are wholly dependent on air, land, water, fire, and the sky for our survival on this planet. Nature encompasses all living things, such as plants and animals, as well as natural phenomena like rivers, forests, rain, lakes, birds, oceans, thunderstorms, the sun and the moon. The weather conditions in our surroundings shape the atmosphere and physical features like mountains and deserts. Despite being a source of nourishment for us, nature also holds immense power to cause destruction.

In modern society, people have less time to appreciate nature. Amid a growing population, we often overlook the benefits of connecting with nature for our well-being. As a result, we rely on technological devices to maintain our health and fitness. However, it is undeniable that nature can rejuvenate and sustain us in the long term. Countless writers have praised the beauty and advantages of nature in their works. Nature has a powerful effect on our mental well-being and can even aid in healing physical ailments. Unfortunately, we are witnessing a gradual decline in our natural surroundings due to technological advancements. It is now more important than ever to raise awareness and take action towards preserving our precious resources.

We have never been tired of seeing how beautiful God created everything. Still, we have forgotten that we are also responsible for nature, especially the relationship between nature and humans. After a long day of crush, it looks like such a beautiful scene in the morning with the sunrise, the sounds of birds, the sounds of lakes and rivers, and the happy gatherings of friends in the evening in the garden. But we should have enjoyed the beauty of nature in fulfilling our duties towards our families.

On our vacations, we often spend the entire day indoors, whether watching TV, reading the news, playing games, or using the computer. However, we must remember that there are many fascinating things to do outside in nature. Unfortunately, we tend to leave all our lights on and unnecessarily use electricity at home, contributing to global warming. Additionally, our actions, such as cutting down trees and forests, release excess amounts of CO2 into the environment and contribute to the damaging effects of greenhouse gases and global warming.

If we want to be happy and healthy always, we should try our best to stop our foolish and selfish activities and save our planet and its beautiful nature. We should keep ecosystems in balance by not cutting trees and forests, conserving energy and water, and so on. Since we are the ultimate users of nature, we should care for it as much as we can.

Nature Essay FAQs

Nature refers to the natural world around us, encompassing everything from landscapes and living organisms to the elements. It includes the flora, fauna, and the physical environment in which they exist.

Nature plays a crucial role in our lives, providing essential resources like air, water, and food. Additionally, spending time in nature has proven benefits for mental and physical well-being, fostering a connection to the environment and promoting a sense of tranquillity.

Nature encompasses various elements, including landscapes, plants, animals, weather patterns, and geological features. It encompasses the entirety of the physical world, both living and non-living, outside human-made environments.

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Essay on Nature a Precious Gift From God

Students are often asked to write an essay on Nature a Precious Gift From God in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Nature a Precious Gift From God

Introduction.

Nature is a precious gift from God. It is filled with beautiful landscapes, fascinating animals, and diverse plants.

Beauty of Nature

The beauty of nature is breathtaking. From majestic mountains to serene seas, it’s a visual treat.

Life and Nature

Nature supports life. It provides us with food, water, and shelter. It’s our duty to protect it.

Nature is a divine gift that needs our care. Let’s cherish and protect it for future generations.

250 Words Essay on Nature a Precious Gift From God

The splendor of nature.

Nature is a grand tapestry of interwoven elements, each with its unique beauty and purpose. The towering mountains, the vast oceans, the serene forests, and the vibrant wildlife – all are divine masterpieces that inspire awe and reverence. They are not merely physical entities, but spiritual sanctuaries that offer solace and wisdom.

Nature: The Life-Giver

Nature is the life-giver, the sustainer. It provides us with resources vital for survival: air, water, food, and shelter. It is an intricate system where every element is connected, ensuring the continuity of life. This interdependence underscores the importance of preserving every aspect of nature.

Humanity’s Responsibility

As beneficiaries of this divine gift, humans bear a significant responsibility. We must respect nature’s sanctity, understanding that our survival hinges on its well-being. Our actions should reflect a commitment to conserve and protect nature, ensuring its beauty and bounty for future generations.

Nature, a precious gift from God, is a testament to divine artistry and benevolence. It is a source of life, wisdom, and spiritual enrichment. As stewards of this gift, we must uphold its sanctity, promoting conservation and sustainable practices. By doing so, we honor God’s creation, ensuring its preservation for posterity.

500 Words Essay on Nature a Precious Gift From God

Nature, in its essence, is the divine manifestation of God’s creativity. It is a precious gift from the Almighty, providing solace and inspiration while serving as a constant reminder of our intrinsic connection to the world around us. The beauty and diversity of nature, from the smallest microorganism to the vast expanses of the universe, are a testament to the infinite creativity and power of God.

The Beauty and Diversity of Nature

Moreover, the diversity of nature is staggering. From the variety of flora and fauna to the multitude of ecosystems, nature is a grand display of God’s creativity. Each species, with its unique traits and roles, contributes to the balance and harmony of nature. This intricate web of life is a clear demonstration of God’s wisdom and foresight.

Nature as a Source of Inspiration and Solace

Nature has always been a source of inspiration and solace for humans. The tranquility of nature provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing us to reconnect with our inner selves and find peace. Many great thinkers, artists, and writers have drawn inspiration from nature, using it as a metaphor to express profound thoughts and emotions. This highlights the spiritual and emotional significance of nature in our lives.

The Responsibility Towards Nature

As recipients of this precious gift, we have a moral responsibility to protect and preserve nature. The rampant exploitation of natural resources, pollution, and climate change are threatening the balance of nature. It is imperative that we adopt sustainable practices and promote conservation. By doing so, we are not only ensuring our survival but also showing our gratitude and respect for God’s gift.

Nature, indeed, is a precious gift from God. It is a source of beauty, inspiration, solace, and wisdom. Its diversity and complexity are a testament to God’s creativity and power. As beneficiaries of this divine gift, we must cherish, protect, and respect nature. For in preserving nature, we are preserving the divine manifestation of God’s creativity and ensuring its continued inspiration for future generations.

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English Summary

The Gifts of Nature Lesson Summary and Explanation in English Class 6th

Back to: Karnataka Board Class 6th English Guide and Notes

Table of Contents

Introduction

The lesson ‘gifts of nature’ emphasizes the essence of nature as well as the wonderful things that contribute to its loveliness. We are all aware that God has bestowed upon us the most precious gift – Nature.  Nature’s treasures are ours to appreciate, enjoy, and protect . It is our moral responsibility to care for the things that God has given us. We must learn to protect and preserve Nature’s treasures so that they are not destroyed or harmed.

Nature’s Bounties And Our Duties

Mountains, seas, rushing streams, deep woods, animals, birds, insects, bright flowers, fruits, and the soil, as well as the air we breathe, are all gifts from Nature. It is our moral obligation to save and maintain these wonders of nature.

There were a lot more creatures hundreds of years ago than there are now. For fun or food, man has hunted them down. The majority of animal species have become extinct. Tigers, lions, and other endangered animals are now on the verge of extinction. We will only be able to see them in photographs if they are not safeguarded and conserved. 

If you ever go on a riverside picnic, make sure not to dump your trash, tins, and bottles into the water. Dishwashing in the river should be avoided. Help in keeping river water clean and drinkable.

We must be careful not to pick flowers from public gardens when walking in the woods, and we must put out our campfires to avoid forest fires. Pollen-carrying honeybees and butterflies play a significant role in nature by transporting pollen from one place to another. They should not be killed. We must learn to appreciate nature’s beauty and protect God’s marvellous creation.

The extract expresses an appreciation for everything we witness in nature. Flowers, fruits, trees, insects, and anything else one can think of must be protected in order to maintain nature’s beauty and avoid humanity’s extinction.

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Essay on Nature for Children and Students

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Table of Contents

Nature Essay: Nature is an integral part of our lives. But even while we appreciate the blessings she bestows on us, we forget that we are plundering her treasures and thereby denying our children the pleasure of enjoying nature in all her abundance and variety.

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Find very simple and easy to understand essay on nature. Bring some creativity in the education of your lovely kids, children and students who are studying in nursery, KG, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. Nature is the most important thing for our life and our kids should know about this. So motivate their learning through following nature essay.

Long and Short Essay on Nature in English

Nature essay in 100 words.

We live on the most beautiful planet, Earth which has very clean and attractive nature full of greenery. Nature is our best friend which provides us all the resources to live here. It gives us water to drink, pure air to breathe, food to eat, land to stay, animals, plants for our other uses, etc for our betterment. We should fully enjoy the nature without disturbing its ecological balance. We should care our nature, make it peaceful, keep it clean and prevent it from the destruction so that we can enjoy our nature forever. Nature is a most precious gift given by the God to us to enjoy but not to harm.

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Nature Essay in 150 words

Nature is the most beautiful and attractive surrounding around us which make us happy and provide us natural environment to live healthy. Our nature provides us variety of beautiful flowers, attractive birds, animals, green plants, blue sky, land, running rivers, sea, forests, air, mountains, valleys, hills and many more things. Our God has created a beautiful nature for the healthy living of us. All the things we use for our living are the assets of nature which we should not spoil and damage.

We should not destroy the originality of the nature and should not imbalance the ecosystem cycle. Our nature provides us beautiful environment to live and enjoy so it is our responsibility to keep it clean and away from all the damages. In the modern era, many selfish and bad activities of the human being have disturbed the nature to a great extent. But we all should try to maintain our nature’s beauty.

Nature Essay in 200 words

The nature is everything around us which surrounds us with beautiful environment. We see and enjoy it every moment. We observe natural changes in it, hear it and feel it everywhere. We should take full advantage of the nature and go out of home for the morning walk daily to breathe pure air and enjoy morning beauty of nature. All though the day it changes it beauty like in the morning when sun rises everything looks bright orange and then yellowish. In the evening when sun sets it again becomes dark orange and then light dark.

The nature has everything for us but we do not have anything for it even we are destroying its property day by day to just fulfill our selfish wishes. In the modern technological world lots of inventions are getting launched daily without its advantage and disadvantage to the nature. It is our responsibility to save the declining assets of our nature to make possible the existence of life forever on the earth. If we do not take any step towards nature conservation, we are keeping our future generations at danger. We should understood its worth and value and try to maintain its natural shape.

Nature Essay in 250 words

Nature is the most precious and valuable gift to us from the God to live our life here on the earth. Nature makes our life easy by providing all the required resources for daily living. We should thankful to our nature for helping, caring and nurturing us like a mother. We can enjoy the sweet sound and scenery of the nature if we peacefully sit in the early morning in the garden. Our nature is adorned with lots of scenic beauty which we can enjoy anytime. Earth has geographical beauty and known as the city of garden or heaven. But it is sad to say that such beautiful gifts of God are declining day by day due to the technological advancement and high level of ignorance of the human beings.

Nature is like our real mother which never harms us but always nourishes us. Walking in the lap of nature in the early morning makes us healthy and strong as well as keeps us away from many lethal diseases like diabetes, chronic heart diseases, high blood pressure, liver problem, digestive system ailments, infections, brain disease, etc. It is good for our health to hear the soft sound of the birds, rattle of the breeze, sound of running fresh air, sound of running water in the river, etc in the early morning. Most of the poets, writers and people used to of yoga and meditation are seen in the early morning in the garden to re-energize their body, mind and soul.

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Nature Essay in 300 words

Nature is the most important and integral part of the lives of everyone. Everyone has been blessed with the true love of God in the form of beautiful nature. We should never miss the pleasure of enjoying the nature. Nature has been the most favourite topic of the works of many famous poets, writers, painters and artists. Nature is the beautiful creation of the God which he blessed to us as a precious gift. Nature is everything which surrounds us like water, air, land, sky, fire, river, forests, animals, birds, plants, sun, moon, stars, sea, lake, rain, thunder, storm, etc. Nature is very colourful and has both living and non-living things in its lap.

Everything in the nature has their own power and uniqueness provided by the God. It has its many forms which are changing by season to season and even from minute to minute such as sea looks bright blue in the morning but by noon it looks emerald green colour. Sky changes its colour all through the day from pale pink at sunrise, dazzling blue in late morning, bright orange in evening at sunset and purple by twilight. Our mood also gets changed according to the nature such as happy and hopeful at sun shine, rainy season and spring season. We feel heartily happy at moonlight and little bored and tired in high sun light.

Nature has some powerful transformative power which changes our mood and behaviour accordingly. Nature has power to recover the patients from their diseases if they are provided with the required and pleasant environment. Nature is very essential for our healthy life so we should keep it clean and conserve it for our future generations. We should cut trees and forests, should not despoil the ocean, rivers, should not make hole in ozone layer, should not increase green house effect, global warming and many more through our selfish activities. We should get fully aware about our nature and try our best to keep it natural so that it can nourish life on the earth forever.

Nature Essay in 400 words

Nature is the natural environment which surrounds us, cares us and nourishes us every moment. It provides us a protective layer around us to prevent from the damages. We are not able to survive on the earth without nature like air, land, water, fire and sky. Nature includes everything around us like plants, animals, river, forests, rain, lake, birds, sea, thunder, sun, moon, weather, atmosphere, mountain, desserts, hills, ice, etc. Every form of nature is very powerful which has ability to nourish as well as destroy us.

Now a day, everyone has less time to enjoy nature. In the increasing crowd we forgot to enjoy nature and improve health. We started using technological instruments for our health fitness. However it is very true that nature has power to nourish us and fit us forever. Most of the writers have described the real beauty and advantage of the nature in their writings. Nature has ability to make our mind tension free and cure our diseases. Because of technological advancement in the life of human being, our nature is declining gradually which needs a high level of awareness to keep it in balance and to conserve natural assets.

God has created everything very beautifully seeing which our eyes can never be tired. But we forgot that we too have some responsibility towards our nature to relationship between nature and human beings. How beautiful scenery it looks in morning with sunrise, songs of birds, sounds of lakes, rivers, air and happy gatherings of friends in the evening in garden after a long day of crush. But we forgot to enjoy the beauty of the nature in just fulfilling our duties towards our families.

Sometimes during our holidays we spend our whole day by watching TV, reading news paper, playing indoor games or on the computer but we forgot that outside the door we can do something interesting in the lap of nature ad natural environment. Unnecessarily we left on all the lights of home, we use electricity without need which ultimately increases the heat in the environment called global warming. Our other activities like cutting trees and forests increase the amount of CO2 gas in the environment causing green house effect and global warming.

If we want to be happy and healthy always we should try our best to save our planet and its beautiful nature by stopping our foolish and selfish activities. In order to keep ecosystem in balance we should not cut trees, forests, practice energy and water conservation and many more. Ultimately we are the real user of the nature so we should really take care of it.

Essay on Nature FAQs

What is the nature essay.

A nature essay is a written piece about the natural world, often describing its beauty and significance.

What is nature in simple English?

Nature, in simple terms, refers to the outdoors, including plants, animals, and the environment around us.

What is nature 5 points?

Nature comprises trees, rivers, animals, mountains, and the sky. It's where we find beauty and life.

What is the beauty of nature?

The beauty of nature is seen in its landscapes, from colorful sunrises to lush forests, evoking awe and serenity.

What can I write about the beauty of nature?

You can write about breathtaking sunrises, calming lakes, diverse wildlife, and the peace nature brings.

How do you describe a nature walk?

A nature walk is a leisurely stroll in the outdoors, appreciating the scenery and observing plants and animals.

What is the purpose of a nature walk?

The purpose of a nature walk is to connect with nature, enjoy its tranquility, and learn about the environment.

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Ten Love Letters to the Earth

By thich nhat hanh.

essay on forest a precious gift of nature

Alison Wright / The Image Bank Unreleased via Getty Images

Thich Nhat Hanh (1926–2022) was a world-renowned Buddhist Zen master, poet, author, scholar, and environmental and social activist, who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Hailed as “the monk who taught the world mindfulness” by Time magazine, he is the author of many influential books, including Being Peace and Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet. Through his books and retreats at the monasteries he founded in Europe, the United States, Asia, and Australia, he became one of the most beloved figures in contemporary Buddhism, offering accessible teachings deeply rooted in ancient wisdom.

In this series of tender meditations, Ten Love Letters to the Earth , Vietnamese Buddhist monk and Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh invites us to be truly present with the Earth, our Mother.

Beloved Mother of All Things

D ear Mother Earth,

I bow my head before you as I look deeply and recognize that you are present in me and that I’m a part of you. I was born from you and you are always present, offering me everything I need for my nourishment and growth. My mother, my father, and all my ancestors are also your children. We breathe your fresh air. We drink your clear water. We eat your nourishing food. Your herbs heal us when we’re sick.

You are the mother of all beings. I call you by the human name Mother and yet I know your mothering nature is more vast and ancient than humankind. We are just one young species of your many children. All the millions of other species who live—or have lived—on Earth are also your children. You aren’t a person, but I know you are not less than a person either. You are a living breathing being in the form of a planet.

Each species has its own language, yet as our Mother you can understand us all. That is why you can hear me today as I open my heart to you and offer you my prayer.

Dear Mother, wherever there is soil, water, rock or air, you are there, nourishing me and giving me life. You are present in every cell of my body. My physical body is your physical body, and just as the sun and stars are present in you, they are also present in me. You are not outside of me and I am not outside of you. You are more than just my environment. You are nothing less than myself.

I promise to keep the awareness alive that you are always in me, and I am always in you. I promise to be aware that your health and well-being is my own health and well-being. I know I need to keep this awareness alive in me for us both to be peaceful, happy, healthy, and strong.

Sometimes I forget. Lost in the confusions and worries of daily life, I forget that my body is your body, and sometimes even forget that I have a body at all. Unaware of the presence of my body and the beautiful planet around me and within me, I’m unable to cherish and celebrate the precious gift of life you have given me. Dear Mother, my deep wish is to wake up to the miracle of life. I promise to train myself to be present for myself, my life, and for you in every moment. I know that my true presence is the best gift I can offer to you, the one I love.

essay on forest a precious gift of nature

Your Wonder, Beauty and Creativity

Each morning when I wake up you offer me twenty-four brand new hours to cherish and enjoy your beauty. You gave birth to every miraculous form of life. Your children include the clear lake, the green pine, the pink cloud, the snowcapped mountain top, the fragrant forest, the white crane, the golden deer, the extraordinary caterpillar, and every brilliant mathematician, skilled artisan, and gifted architect. You are the greatest mathematician, the most accomplished artisan, and the most talented architect of all. The simple branch of cherry blossoms, the shell of a snail, and the wing of a bat all bear witness to this amazing truth. My deep wish is to live in such a way that I am awake to each of your wonders and nourished by your beauty. I cherish your precious creativity and I smile to this gift of life.

We humans have talented artists, but how can our paintings compare to your masterpiece of the four seasons? How could we ever paint such a compelling dawn or create a more radiant dusk? We have great composers, but how can our music compare to your celestial harmony with the sun and planets—or to the sound of the rising tide? We have great heroes and heroines who have endured wars, hardship, and dangerous voyages, but how can their bravery compare to your great forbearance and patience along your hazardous journey of eons? We have many great love stories, but who among us has love as immense as your own, embracing all beings without discrimination?

Dear Mother, you have given birth to countless buddhas, saints, and enlightened beings. Shakyamuni Buddha is a child of yours. Jesus Christ is the son of God, and yet he is also the son of Man, a child of the Earth, your child. Mother Mary is also a daughter of the Earth. The Prophet Mohammed is also your child. Moses is your child. So too are all the bodhisattvas. You are also mother to eminent thinkers and scientists who have made great discoveries, investigating and understanding not only our own solar system and Milky Way, but even the most distant galaxies. It’s through these talented children that you are deepening your communication with the cosmos. Knowing that you have given birth to so many great beings, I know that you aren’t mere inert matter, but living spirit. It’s because you’re endowed with the capacity of awakening that all your children are too. Each one of us carries within ourself the seed of awakening, the ability to live in harmony with our deepest wisdom—the wisdom of interbeing.

But there are times when we have not done so well. There are times when we have not loved you enough; times when we have forgotten your true nature; and times when we have discriminated and treated you as something other than ourself. There have even been times when, through ignorance and unskillfulness, we have underestimated, exploited, wounded, and polluted you. That is why I make the deep vow today, with gratitude and love in my heart, to cherish and protect your beauty, and to embody your wondrous consciousness in my own life. I vow to follow in the footsteps of those who have gone before me, to live with awakening and compassion, and so be worthy of calling myself your child.

essay on forest a precious gift of nature

Walking Tenderly on Mother Earth

Every time I step upon the Earth, I will train myself to see that I am walking on you, my Mother. Every time I place my feet on the Earth I have a chance to be in touch with you and with all your wonders. With every step I can touch the fact that you aren’t just beneath me, dear Mother, but you are also within me. Each mindful and gentle step can nourish me, heal me, and bring me into contact with myself and with you in the present moment.

Walking in mindfulness I can express my love, respect, and care for you, our precious Earth. I will touch the truth that mind and body are not two separate entities. I will train myself to look deeply to see your true nature: you are my loving mother, a living being, a great being—an immense, beautiful, and precious wonder. You are not only matter, you are also mind, you are also consciousness. Just as the beautiful pine or tender grain of corn possess an innate sense of knowing, so, too, do you. Within you, dear Mother Earth, there are the elements of Earth, water, air and fire; and there is also time, space, and consciousness. Our nature is your nature, which is also the nature of the cosmos.

I want to walk gently, with steps of love and with great respect. I shall walk with my own body and mind united in oneness. I know I can walk in such a way that every step is a pleasure, every step is nourishing, and every step is healing—not only for my body and mind, but also for you, dear Mother Earth. You are the most beautiful planet in our entire solar system. I do not want to run away from you, dear Mother, nor to hurry. I know I can find happiness right here with you. I do not need to rush to find more conditions for happiness in the future. At every step I can take refuge in you. At every step I can enjoy your beauties, your delicate veil of atmosphere and the miracle of gravity. I can stop my thinking. I can walk relaxingly and effortlessly. Walking in this spirit I can experience awakening. I can awaken to the fact that I am alive, and that life is a precious miracle. I can awaken to the fact that I am never alone and can never die. You are always there within me and around me at every step, nourishing me, embracing me, and carrying me far into the future.

Dear Mother, you wish that we live with more awareness and gratitude, and we can do this by generating the energies of mindfulness, peace, stability, and compassion in our daily lives. Therefore I make the promise today to return your love and fulfill this wish by investing every step I take on you with love and tenderness. I am walking not merely on matter, but on spirit.

essay on forest a precious gift of nature

Your Stability, Patience, and Inclusiveness

You are this infinitely beautiful blue planet, fragrant, cool, and kind. Your immeasurable patience and endurance makes you a great bodhisattva. Even though we’ve made many mistakes, you always forgive us. Every time we return to you, you are ready to open your arms and embrace us.

Whenever I am unstable, every time I lose touch with myself, or am lost in forgetfulness, sadness, hatred, or despair, I know I can come back to you. Touching you, I can find a refuge; I can reestablish my peace and regain my joy and self-confidence. You love, protect, and nurture all of us without discrimination.

You have an immense capacity to embrace, handle, and transform everything that is cast at you, whether it be great asteroids, refuse and filth, poisonous fumes, or radioactive waste. Time helps you to do this, and your history has shown that you always succeed, even if it takes millions of years. You were able to reestablish equilibrium after the devastating collision that created the moon and have endured at least five mass extinctions, reviving yourself every time. You have an extraordinary capacity to renew, transform, and heal yourself—and also us, your children.

I have faith in your great power of healing. My faith comes from my own observation and experience, not from something others have told me to believe. That’s why I know I can take refuge in you. As I walk, sit, and breathe, I can surrender myself to you, trust wholly in you, and allow you to heal me. I know I don’t have to do anything at all. I can simply relax, release all the tension in my body, and all the fears and worries in my mind. Whether I’m sitting or walking, lying down or standing, I allow myself to take refuge in you, and allow myself to be held and healed by you. I entrust myself to you, Mother Earth. Each one of us needs a place of refuge, but we may not know how to find it or how to get there. Looking deeply today, I can see that my true home, my true place of refuge is you, my beloved planet. I take refuge in you, Mother Earth. I do not have to go anywhere to find you; you are already in me and I am already in you.

Dear Mother, each time I sit in stillness on your Earth, I will be aware that because you are in me, I can embody your wonderful qualities: of solidity, perseverance, patience, and forbearance; of depth, endurance, and stability; of great courage, non-fear, and inexhaustible creativity. I vow to practice wholeheartedly to realize these qualities, knowing that you have already sown these potentials as seeds in the soil of my heart and mind.

essay on forest a precious gift of nature

Heaven on Earth

There are those of us who walk the Earth searching for a promised land, not realizing that you are the wondrous place we’ve been looking for our whole lives. You already are a wonderful and beautiful Kingdom of Heaven—the most beautiful planet in the solar system; the most beautiful place in the heavens. You are the Pure Land where countless buddhas and bodhisattvas of the past manifested, realized enlightenment, and taught the Dharma. I do not need to imagine a Pure Land of the Buddha to the west or a Kingdom of God above where I will go when I die. Heaven is here on Earth. The Kingdom of God is here and now. I don’t need to die to be in the Kingdom of God. In fact, I need to be very much alive. I can touch the Kingdom of God with every step. When I touch the present moment deeply in the historical dimension, I touch the kingdom; I touch the Pure Land; I touch the ultimate; and I touch eternity. In deep contact with the Earth and wonders of life, I touch my true nature. The exquisite orchid flower, the ray of sunshine, and even my own miraculous body—if they do not belong to the Kingdom of God, what does? Contemplating the Earth deeply, whether a floating cloud or a falling leaf, I can see the no-birth, no-death nature of reality. With you, dear Mother, we are carried into eternity. We have never been born and we will never die. Once we have realized this, we can then appreciate and enjoy life fully, no longer afraid of aging or death, nor caught in complexes about ourselves, nor yearning for things to be different than they are. We already are, and we already have, what we are looking for.

The Kingdom of Heaven exists, not outside of us, but within our very own hearts. Whether we’re able to touch the Kingdom of God or not at every step, depends on our way of looking, our way of listening, our way of walking. If my mind is calm and peaceful, then the very ground I’m walking on becomes a paradise.

There are those who say that in their heaven there is no suffering. But if there is no suffering, how can there be happiness? We need compost to grow flowers, and mud to grow lotuses. We need difficulties in order to arrive at realizations about them; enlightenment is always enlightenment about something.

Dear Mother, I promise to cultivate this way of looking. I promise to enjoy the practice of dwelling peacefully with mindfulness in the here and the now, so I can touch the Pure Land, the Kingdom of God, day and night. I promise that with every step I will touch eternity. With every step I will touch heaven here on Earth.

essay on forest a precious gift of nature

Our Journey of Eons

Do you remember when you and Father Sun first formed from the dust of exploded stars and interstellar gas? You didn’t yet wear the silken cloak of freshness that you do today. At that time, Mother, more than four and half billion years ago, your robe was made of molten rock. Soon it cooled to form a hard crust. Although Father’s light was far less than it is today, your thin atmosphere captured the heat and kept your oceans from freezing. In those first few hundred million years, you overcame many great difficulties to create an environment capable of sustaining life. You released great heat, fires, and gases from your volcanoes. Steam was expelled from your crust to become vapor in your atmosphere and the water in your great oceans. Your gravity helped anchor the life-sustaining sky, and your magnetic field prevented it from being stripped away by solar winds and cosmic rays.

But even before forming the atmosphere, you endured a collision with a great heavenly body, almost the size of Mars. Part of the impacting planet became you; the rest of it, along with some of your mantle and crust, became the moon. Dear Mother, the moon is a part of you, as beautiful as an angel. She is a kind sister to you, always following you, helping you slow down and keep your balance, and creating tidal rhythms on your body.

Our entire solar system is one family, revolving around Father Sun in a joyful and harmonious dance. First there is Mercury, metallic and cratered, closest to the sun. Next is Venus with her intense heat, high-pressure atmosphere, and volcanoes. Then there is you, beloved Mother Earth, the most beautiful of all. Beyond us orbits the Red Planet, cold and desolate Mars; and after the asteroid belt there comes the gas giant Jupiter, by far the largest planet of all, attended by an assembly of diverse moons. Beyond Jupiter orbits Saturn, the spectacularly ringed planet, followed by Uranus, tilted on his side after a collision, and, finally, distant blue Neptune with his turbulent storms and high winds.

Contemplating this splendor, I can see that you, Mother Earth, are the most precious flower in our solar system, a true jewel of the cosmos.

It took you a billion years to begin to manifest the first living beings. Complex molecules, perhaps brought to you from outer space, started to come together in self-replicating structures, slowly becoming more and more like living cells. Light particles from distant stars, millions of light years away, came to visit and stay a while. Small cells gradually became larger cells; unicellular organisms evolved into multicellular organisms. Life developed from deep within the oceans, multiplying and prospering, steadily improving the atmosphere. Slowly, the ozone layer could form, preventing harmful radiation from reaching your surface, and allowing life on land to prosper. It was only then, as the miracle of photosynthesis unfurled, that you began to wear the exquisite green mantle you do today.

But all phenomena are impermanent and ever-changing. Life over vast areas of the Earth has already been destroyed more than five times, including sixty-five million years ago, when the impact of a giant asteroid caused the mass extinction of dinosaurs and three quarters of all other species. Dear Mother, I am in awe of your capacity to be patient and creative, despite all the harsh conditions you have endured. I promise to remember our extraordinary journey of eons and to live my days with the awareness that we are all your children, and that we are all made of stars. I promise to do my part, contributing my own energy of joy and harmony to the glorious symphony of life.

essay on forest a precious gift of nature

Your Ultimate Reality: No Death, No Fear

You were born from the dust of distant supernovas and ancient stars. Your manifestation is but a continuation and when you cease to exist in this current form you too will continue in another. Your true nature is the ultimate dimension of reality—the nature of no-coming and no-going, no-birth and no-death. This is also our true nature. If we’re able to touch this we can experience the peace and freedom of non-fear.

And yet, because of our limited view, we still wonder what will happen to us when our physical form disintegrates. When we die, we merely return to you. You have given birth to us in the past, and we know that you will continue to give birth to us time and time again in the future. We know we can never die. Each time we manifest, we’re fresh and new; each time we return to the Earth, you receive and embrace us with great compassion. We promise to train ourselves to look deeply, to see and touch this truth—that our lifespan is your lifespan, and your lifespan is limitless.

We know that the ultimate and the historical—the noumenal and the phenomenal—are two dimensions of the same reality. Touching the historical dimension—a leaf, a flower, a pebble, a beam of light, a mountain, a river, a bird, or our own body—we can touch the ultimate. When we deeply touch the one, we touch the all. This is interbeing.

Dear Mother, we vow to see you as our body, and to see the sun as our heart. We will train ourselves to recognize you and the sun in every cell of our body. We will find you both, Mother Earth and Father Sun, in each tender leaf, in each flash of lightning, in each drop of water. Diligently, we will practice to see the ultimate and realize our own true nature. We will practice to see that we have never been born and we will never die.

We know that in the ultimate dimension there is no birth and no death, no being and no nonbeing, no suffering and no happiness, and no good and no evil. We will train ourselves to look deeply into the world of signs and appearances with the insight of interbeing, in order to see that if there were no death, there could be no birth; without suffering, there could be no happiness; without the mud, the lotus can’t grow. We know that happiness and suffering, birth and death, lean on each other. These pairs of opposites are only concepts. When we transcend these dualistic views of reality, we’re freed from all anxiety and fear.

Touching the ultimate we’re happy and at ease—we’re in our element, free from all notions and concepts. We’re as free as a bird soaring in the sky, as free as a deer leaping through the woods. Living deeply in mindfulness, we touch our true nature of interdependence and interbeing. We know we are one with you and with the whole cosmos. The ultimate reality transcends all notions and concepts. It can’t be described as personal or impersonal, material or spiritual, nor as the object or subject of mind. Ultimate reality is always shining and shining on itself. We don’t need to look for the ultimate outside of ourselves. We touch the ultimate in the very here and now.

essay on forest a precious gift of nature

Father Sun, My Heart

D ear Father Sun,

Your infinite light is the nourishing source of all species. You are our sun, our source of limitless light and life. Your light shines upon Mother Earth offering us warmth and beauty, helping Mother Earth to nourish us and make life possible for all species. Looking deeply into Mother Earth, I see you in Mother Earth. You aren’t only in the sky but you are also ever-present in Mother Earth and in me.

Every morning, you manifest from the East, a glorious rosy orb shining radiantly in the ten directions. You are the kindest of fathers with a great ability to understand and be compassionate, and yet at the same time you are incredibly bold and courageous. The light particles you radiate travel over 150 million kilometers from your immensely hot crown to reach us here on Earth in just over eight minutes. Every second you offer a small portion of yourself to the Earth in the form of light energy. You are present in every leaf, every flower, and every living cell. But day by day, your great physical mass of fusing plasma, 330,000 times the size of our Earth, is slowly diminishing. Within the next ten billion years most of it will transform into energy, radiating throughout the cosmos, and even though you will no longer be visible in your present form, you will be continued in every photon you have emitted. Nothing will be lost, only transformed.

Dear Father, your creative synergy with Mother Earth makes life possible. Mother’s slight tilt in her orbit offers us the four extraordinary seasons. Her miracle of photosynthesis harnesses your energy and creates oxygen for the atmosphere to protect us from your blazing ultraviolet radiation. Over the eons, Mother has skillfully harvested and stored your sunlight to sustain her children and enhance her beauty. Birds can enjoy soaring through the sky and deer can enjoy darting through the woods because of your creative harmony with Mother Earth. Each species can delight in its element thanks to your nourishing light and the miraculous canopy of the atmosphere embracing, protecting, and nurturing us all.

There is a heart inside of each and every one of us. If our heart were to stop beating, then we would die instantly. But when we look up toward the sky, we know that you, Father Sun, are also our heart. You aren’t just outside of this tiny body of ours, you are within every cell of our body, and the body of Mother Earth.

Dear Father, you are an integral part of the whole cosmos and our solar system. If you were to disappear, then our life, as well as that of Mother Earth, would also end. I aspire to look deeply to see you, Father Sun, as my heart, and to see the interrelationship, the interbeing nature between Father Sun, Mother Earth, myself, and all beings. I aspire to practice to love Mother Earth, Father Sun, and for human beings to love one another with the radiant insight of nonduality and interbeing in order to help us transcend all kinds of discrimination, fear, jealousy, resentment, hatred, and despair.

essay on forest a precious gift of nature

Homo Conscius

We have given ourselves the name homo sapiens . The precursors of our species began to appear only a few million years ago, in the form of apes such as orrorin tugenensis who could stand, leaving their hands free to do many things. As they learned to use tools and communicate, their brains grew and developed, and over six million years they gradually evolved into homo sapiens. As agriculture and societies emerged, we acquired new capacities unique to our species. We became self-aware and began to question our place in the cosmos. Yet we also developed traits in discord with our true nature. Because of our ignorance and suffering, we have acted with cruelty, meanness, and violence. But we also have the ability, with spiritual practice, to be compassionate and help- ful toward not only our own species but also other species—to become buddhas, saints, and bodhisattvas. All humans, without exception, have this potential to become awakened beings able to protect you, our Mother, and preserve your beauty.

Whether we’re human, animal, plant, or mineral, each of us has the nature of awakening because we are all your offspring. Yet we humans are often proud of our mind consciousness. We are proud of our powerful telescopes and ability to observe distant galaxies. But few of us realize that our consciousness is your own; you are deepening your understanding of the cosmos through us. Proud of our capacity to be aware of ourselves and the cosmos, we overlook the fact that our mind consciousness is limited by our habitual tendency to discriminate and conceptualize. We differentiate between birth and death, being and nonbeing, inside and outside, individual and collective. Nonetheless, there are humans who have looked deeply, cultivated their mind of awareness, and overcome these habitual tendencies, to attain the wisdom of nondiscrimination. They have been able to touch the ultimate dimension within them and around them. They have been able to continue you on the path of evolution, guiding others toward the insight of nonduality, transforming all separation, discrimination, fear, hatred, and despair.

Dear Mother, thanks to the precious gift of awareness, we can recognize our own presence and realize our true place in you and in the cosmos. We humans are no longer naive in thinking ourselves the masters of the universe. We know that in terms of the universe we are tiny and insignificant, and yet our minds are capable of encompassing numberless worlds. We know that our beautiful planet Earth is not the center of the universe, and yet we can still see it as one of the universe’s many wondrous manifestations. We have developed science and technology, and discovered reality’s true nature of no-birth and no-death, of neither being nor nonbeing, neither increasing nor decreasing, neither the same nor different. We realize that the one contains the all, that the greatest is contained within the smallest, and that each particle of dust contains the whole cosmos. We are learning to love you and our Father more, and to love one another in the light of this insight of interbeing. We know that this nondualistic way of seeing things can help us to transcend all discrimination, fear, jealousy, hatred, and despair.

Shakyamuni Buddha was a child of yours who attained full awakening at the foot of the Bodhi tree. After his long journey of seeking, he realized that the Earth is our true and only home, and that heaven, the whole cosmos, and the ultimate dimension can be touched right here with you. Dear Mother, we promise to remain with you throughout countless lifetimes, offering you our talent, strength, and health so that many more bodhisattvas can continue to rise up from your soil.

essay on forest a precious gift of nature

Can You Count on Us?

The human species is but one of your many children. Unfortunately, many of us have been blinded by greed, pride, and delusion, and only a few of us have been able to recognize you as our Mother. Not realizing this, we have done you great harm, compromising both your health and your beauty. Our deluded minds push us to exploit you and create more and more discord, putting you and all your forms of life under stress and strain. Looking deeply, we also recognize that you have enough patience, endurance and energy to embrace and transform all the damage we have caused, even if it takes you hundreds of millions of years.

When greed and pride overtake our basic survival needs, the result is always violence and unnecessary devastation. We know that whenever one species develops too rapidly, exceeding its natural limit, there is great loss and damage, and the lives of other species are endangered. For equilibrium to be restored, causes and conditions naturally arise to bring about the destruction and annihilation of that species. Often these causes and conditions originate from within the destructive species itself. We have learned that when we perpetrate violence toward our own and other species, we are violent toward ourselves. When we know how to protect all beings, we are protecting ourselves.

We understand that all things are impermanent and without a separate self-nature. You and Father Sun, like everything else in the cosmos, are constantly changing, and you are only made of non-you elements. That is why we know that, in the ultimate dimension, you transcend birth and death, being and nonbeing. Nonetheless, we need to protect you and restore balance, so that you can continue for a long time in this beautiful and precious form, not just for our children and their children but for five hundred million years and beyond. We want to protect you so you can remain a glorious jewel within our solar system for eons to come.

We know that you want us to live in such a way that in each moment of our daily lives we can cherish life and generate the energies of mindfulness, peace, solidity, compassion, and love. We vow to fulfill your wish and respond to your love. We have the deep conviction that generating these wholesome energies, we will help reduce the suffering on Earth and contribute to alleviating the suffering caused by violence, war, hunger, and illness. In alleviating our suffering, we alleviate yours.

Dear Mother, there have been times when we suffered greatly as a result of natural disasters. We know that whenever we suffer, you suffer through us. The floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis aren’t punishments or manifestations of your anger, but are phenomena that must occur on occasion, so that balance can be restored. The same is true of a shooting star. For balance in nature to be achieved, at times some species have to endure loss. In those moments, we have turned to you, dear Mother, and asked whether or not we could count on you, on your stability and compassion. You didn’t answer us right away. Then, beholding us with great compassion, you replied, “Yes, of course, you can count on your Mother. I will always be there for you.” But then you said, “Dear children, you must ask yourselves, can your Mother Earth count on you?”

Dear Mother, today, we offer you our solemn reply, “Yes, Mother, you can count on us.”

From Love Letter to the Earth by Thich Nhat Hanh (2013). By permission of Parallax Press , the publishing house of the Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism .

Image Credits: NASA

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