Do forests provide any other environmental services?

The physical structure of forests–a canopy that shelters the soil surface, and a network of roots that anchors soil and rocks—provides protective services to the environment, especially in mountainous areas where steep slopes and geological activity are sources of instability. The degree of protection afforded by forests depends on variables such as the steepness of the slope, the root systems of the forest and undergrowth, other land uses such as grazing, the stability of the underlying soils and rock surfaces, and the intensity of winds, rainstorms and snowfall. Forest cover is important for environmental protection, but the presence of forests is not sufficient to guarantee that that there will be no erosion or other forms of environmental degradation.

The protective function of forests is particularly important in mountainous areas. In countries where hydroelectricity is a significant form of electricity, a regular flow of water free from silt (soil runoff from erosion) is vital for power generation.