On Saturday 22 March, the Luxembourg Science Centre hosted the “Forest Days”. The Minett UNESCO Biosphere was present with its own stand. This enriching day allowed visitors to our stand to discover the multiple facets and essential ecosystem services provided by trees.
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© Minett UNESCO Biosphere
Practical experiences for understanding
Through hands-on and interactive experiments, participants were able to explore two fundamental functions of trees. The first was CO2 absorption, where visitors learned to measure the CO2 stored in trees and calculate the number of trees needed to offset their own personal CO2 footprint. The second function explored was heat regulation, which was demonstrated through a simple experiment using a rock wrapped in a damp cloth. Additionally, a deeper temperature analysis was done with the participants regarding the heat distribution in cities, highlighting how green spaces play a crucial role in maintaining a pleasant temperature for us.
The workshop also highlighted the remarkable range of ecosystem services provided by trees. In the natural world, they regulate the climate, produce oxygen, prevent soil erosion and provide essential ecological corridors. In urban areas, their presence reduces noise pollution, increases property values and provides natural wind protection. Trees also make a significant contribution to our physical and mental health by providing spaces for relaxation and leisure. Not to mention that they are a valuable source of natural resources, providing timber, food and components for medicine.
A major ecological role
The Forest Days were a reminder that our forests are much more than just green spaces. They are complex ecosystems that play a vital role in combating climate change and maintaining our quality of life. Given the current climate challenges, their conservation is more important than ever.
This event is perfectly in line with the Minett UNESCO Biosphere’s mission to raise environmental awareness and contribute to a better understanding and protection of our precious natural heritage.