Tropical Ecology - Why Cloud Forests Are Important for Human Use

There are several ways in which cloud forests can be utilized for human purposes. Though their intrinsic value is certainly important, that alone would not be enough to protect them from being over-utilized. The environmental services provided by Cloud forests are an important reason for protecting the.

One of these services is the water cycle. Without the cloud forests, water cycles would be thrown completely off balance, ruining watersheds and eventually causing desertification. Water is clearly a human necessity. Not only is it important for drinking water but also for irrigation of crops.

A second environmental service provided by cloud forests is the possibilities they hold for bio prospecting. Because cloud forests are a very rich place for biodiversity, there are many opportunities for medicinal properties to be discovered in the flora and fauna. 80% of common medicines on the market today are derived from plants. In order to continue research on new cures, bio prospecting, and cloud forests are important.