The correct answer is: D) All of the above
Afforestation programs aim to increase forest cover, restore degraded forests, and promote sustainable forestry.
- Increase forest cover
Forests play an important role in the environment, providing a number of benefits such as:
* **Climate regulation**
* **Watershed protection**
* **Biodiversity conservation**
* **Air quality improvement**
* **Soil erosion control**
* **Carbon sequestration**
By increasing forest cover, afforestation programs can help to mitigate climate change, improve water quality, and protect biodiversity.
- Restore degraded forests
Deforestation is a major environmental problem that has a number of negative consequences, such as:
* **Loss of biodiversity**
* **Climate change**
* **Watershed degradation**
* **Soil erosion**
* **Air pollution**
Afforestation programs can help to restore degraded forests by planting trees and shrubs, and by providing other forms of support such as fire prevention and pest control.
- Promote sustainable forestry
Sustainable forestry is the practice of managing forests in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Afforestation programs can help to promote sustainable forestry by planting trees that are appropriate for the local climate and soil conditions, and by using sustainable harvesting practices.
In conclusion, afforestation programs aim to increase forest cover, restore degraded forests, and promote sustainable forestry. These programs can help to mitigate climate change, improve water quality, protect biodiversity, and restore degraded forests.