The Different Primary Values of Tree Species

Biodiversity

Certain trees provide disproportionately large ecological benefits, supporting a vast array of other species. Some trees produce food (in the form of fruits, flowers, leaves or seeds) in much greater quantities than others. The morphology of certain species may also be of high ecological importance. Trees with hollows in their trunk or branches provide shelter and nesting space for scores of species. Certain trees also make significant ecological contributions by affecting nutrient levels in the soil.
Species that support biodiversity

Carbon capture

Perhaps one of the most commonly discussed values of trees today is their potential to capture (sequester) carbon. Large-scale carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere is possible through reforestation efforts, but many of these efforts plant non-native tree species disastrous to local habitats. Planting the right, native tree species can allow for carbon capture alongside a host of other benefits, 

Species that support carbon capture

Flagship

Flagship species act as ambassadors for their environments, reminding people of the importance of conservation efforts around the world. These are species which capture the heart of the public. They often form the basis for conservation programmes. Because many threatened trees grow in forests, protecting a single iconic species has the added effect of saving other tree species and protecting the habitat for other plants and animals. These trees can also play important cultural roles in the lives of local communities.

Flagship species

Food for people

People from all over the world gather nutritional products from trees including fruits, nuts, seeds, leaves, bark and even sap. Tree products have been an important part of diets for thousands of years, from early humans gathering fruits and nuts to the first cultivation of important trees. Today, products such as apples, oranges, pistachios and brazil nuts are routinely eaten the world over and form the basis for multi-million dollar industries – the apple industry is estimated to be worth US $10 billion a year, for example.

Species that provide food for people

Medicinal

Medicine from trees, extracted from the wood, bark, roots, leaves, flowers, fruits or seeds is fundamental to the well-being of millions of people. Where access to modern pharmaceuticals is limited, trees offer living pharmacies open to anyone with traditional knowledge on their medicinal properties. Medicine from trees is also traded internationally, with many prescription drugs based on molecules taken from trees.

Sustainable extraction of medicine from wild trees can provide an economic value to conserve forests and the medicinal trees within them. However, without careful management, over-exploitation, driven by strong market demand, poses a significant threat to many trees.

Species with medicinal properties

Musical instruments

Some of the world’s most threatened tree species are highly valued as timber to produce musical instruments such as guitars, bagpipes and clarinets. Several of these trees are chosen because of the favourable properties of their timber: the colour, the grain density and/or the sounds they produce. Many of these instruments have been made using the same materials for centuries and are highly sought after. However many of the common materials come from threatened trees.
Species that are used to make musical instruments

Ornamental

Many threatened tree species are grown ornamentally around the world. These species are often characterised by beautiful flowers, berries or leaves and are planted to improve the aesthetics of gardens worldwide. However over-demand for some of these species has led to their decline in the wild, resulting in them being threatened with extinction.
Species of ornamental value

Resin

Resins are thick hydrocarbon liquids exuded by many members of the plant kingdom including a large number of the world’s tree species. Resins from different tree species vary in form and chemical structure enabling people to harness them for an equally varied number of uses.

Common uses for resins include varnishes, adhesives or, for some of the particularly aromatic resins, incenses.

Species used for resin

Supporting local communities

Tree species can provide a number of benefits to local communities such as the development of local nurseries and local income streams through alternative livelihood and incoming generating activities. 

Species that support local communities

Timber

Trees provide a huge variety of products for humanity. However, it is their timber that provides the greatest economic contribution. From tropical forests alone, timber exports exceed US$20 billion per year, but this figure excludes the vast amount harvested, traded and used locally throughout the world.
Species for timber