If you’re wondering what a boreal forest is, you’re probably not alone. It is comprised of forested lands in the northern hemisphere that contain mainly coniferous trees and reside just south of the frozen tundra region near the pole. These forests are also referred to as taiga. In layman terms, it is one of the largest areas of forested land on the planet; sparsely populated, full of wildlife, and largely appreciated for its natural beauty. It is also the largest repository of fresh water in the world (according to a recent report issued by the Pew Environmental Group) and it houses a hefty store of Earth-bound carbon deposits (nearly a fourth of what is currently estimated to be on the Earth’s surface). And until recently, it needed no protection.