Degradation, Deforestation and Denudation

DEGRADATION, DEFORESTATION AND DENUDATION

by Antonio C. Antonio

December 14, 2013

Are the terms forest “degradation”, “deforestation” and “denudation” the same?  They are definitely different because they don’t sound the same and don’t spell the same way either.  At the same time, all 3 words have something in common... they all begin with “de” and end with “ation”.  The favorite among males is “denudation” for reasons I know everyone knows.  How is that for starters?

I wanted to start on a happy note since the words “degradation,” “deforestation” and “denudation” are truly sad and worrisome terms. It should be noted that these three words are largely geological terms with different sets of action process and effects on the surface of the earth.  It is also important to note that degradation, deforestation and denudation pertains to either geology or the environment.

Degradation, deforestation and denudation are different in terms of action... but when all three are considered as parts of a process, they become the same in terms of effect.

DEGRADATION, from the environmental standpoint, is any change or disturbance to the environment which are not desirable.  Although there are natural occurrences in the environment which lead to degradation, most causes are anthropogenic or man-made.  These causes result to the depletion of resources (such as air, water and soil) and the destruction of ecosystems which results to the extinction of life forms.  Life forms are the numerous flora and fauna which balances the ecosystems.  The United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction defines degradation as: “The reduction of the capacity of the environment to meet social and ecological objectives and needs.”  There are numerous contributory factors to environmental degradation of which I would consider land use conversion and uncontrolled population growth as the primary causes in the Philippine setting.  The result of these two causes of environmental degradation would lead to a more disturbing problem of food security.

DEFORESTATION is the systematic felling and clearing of trees with the objective of converting the forest to other land use.  The common knowledge on the cause of deforestation is commercial logging.  Unfortunately, a moratorium (but in reality a ban) on harvesting activities in the natural forest has already been in effect for three years but deforestation still continues.  It is now safe to say that other causes of deforestation exist and have been in existence even when commercial logging was permitted by government.  People will now have to look elsewhere to fan their favorite pastime of pointing accusing fingers on who they perceive to be the main culprits to deforestation...

“The Benefits Derived from the Forests” (Antonio, 2013) enumerates the different products and benefits the forest offers.  For all these benefits, it is easy to understand the important role the forest on life on earth... be it the satisfaction for economic and financial gains, the aesthetic and pleasure values of forest products, or the simple air that we breathe.  It is critical to consider the continued and sustainable supply of these valuable “commodities”.

We now come to the dreaded part which is the end-effect of deforestation.  I’ll just keep this short (I just hate dwelling on negative things.)... Deforestation leads to damage in habitat, biodiversity and soil erosion. Soil erosion leads to aridity.  Aridity leads to population displacement, food security nightmares and desertification.  And a desert is not an ideal place to live in especially after enjoying the comforts of biodiversity.

Still pertaining to the forest, DENUDATION is the term used to describe stripping a forest of the vital elements and ingredients which are essential to keep trees and other plants alive and functioning.  Denudation is largely considered the sum effect of deforestation.

Although denudation is commonly attributed to mining, other land use conversion activities (such as logging, dam construction, urbanization and, more importantly, high population growth rate) are also contributory factors.  Aside from these man-caused denudation factors, there are also natural occurrences (such as typhoons, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and forest fires caused by lightning) that contribute to denudation.

When the forest is stripped of something it needs in order to exist it will lose its capacity to also provide for those which depend on it... other life forms --- flora and fauna.  Extinction of these life forms will automatically follow.  Because of deforestation, over a million species of plants and animals have been lost so far and are continually being lost if continued denudation persists.

 Just my little thoughts...