We should heed value of nature

Re: We need nature for our own good health, May 10 Kudos to Sherry Nigro for her timely article, outlining why everyone benefits from nature.

The Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre has been active for the past 30 years in connecting people to the natural world, providing a better understanding and appreciation for local wildlife and encouraging coexistence.

A decade ago, people would call us, upset about a wildlife or green space issue, expecting us to take action. Now, people are rallying together to become guardians of treasured pieces of habitat in their community.

As a public health professional, Nigro makes a compelling case for the essential physical, mental and spiritual benefits that having access to nature provides all of society.

Given the overwhelming challenges facing our healthcare system, she rightly stresses that nature is an underutilized intervention which holds great potential as a low-cost/no-cost way to shift the focus from treatment to prevention.

Governments need to take heed. Here in Ottawa, the city needs to better balance the value of a natural capital against unrelenting development pressures. As Nigro suggests, municipal policies related to tree-canopy targets and wildlife strategies need to contribute to the integrity and accessibility of nearby nature.

Donna DuBreuil, president, Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre