Growing human population puts more pressure on forests

By Burak Bir

ANKARA (AA) – The growing human population is taking a toll on forests, with an annual reduction in tree-cover the size of the U.K., according to an international environmental group.

"Deforestation has led to catastrophic impacts on forest-dwelling wildlife, with populations declining on average by more than half in just over 40 years," World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) said in a statement on Thursday.

Ahead of the International Day of Forests on Saturday, WWF said people need forests to breathe in clean air.

"They help keep our climate stable – absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen – regulate our water supply, provide a space for recreation and are home to iconic animals," it said in the statement.

Stating that the world annually loses more than 60 million acres of tree-cover, WWF urged people to show support for their cause by using the #connect2forests.

The UN General Assembly designated March 21 as the International Day of Forests in 2012.

Every year on the day, countries are encouraged to take up local, national and international efforts to organize activities to save forests, such as tree planting drives.