Look after nature and we look after ourselves
SET in the Maya Golden Landscape (which is globally respected for its amazing biodiversity), in the country of Belize is an area of rainforest known as Boden Creek.
This area has incredible wildlife, such as Baird’s tapirs, jaguars and black howler monkeys. It was recently in danger of being sold to an agricultural company and transformed to a monoculture. This would have been devastating to the wildlife and the ecosystem. Fortunately, however, the champions of the Earth, Fauna & Flora International (who reply upon donations) instead moved in and nationalised the area.
This means it can be guaranteed as a biodiversity hotspot and turned into a neo-paradise which will strengthen the entire planet. They have delegated management of Boden Creek to a local conservation trust known as Ya’axche, who are experts in rainforest management and know the area very well. Ya’axche will administer and manage the wildlife and ecosystem. They will also prevent logging and poaching, as well as cultivate sustainable agroforestry practices and invest in the local community.
This sketch is not just inspiration for the Green movement and all of us who care deeply for planetary issues. It is also an inspiration for Wales and the Bridgend community. We have Newbridge Fields and Bryngarw Park (which is of course excellent), but what we do want is more green space, and to encourage wildlife and the ecosystem. We need to breathe fresh air and enjoy our nature - more trees and flowers, more Mother Earth. If we look after other forms of life such as birds, squirrels and voles, we look after ourselves. It would surely be relatively cheap to use communal or unused land as a site of rural development and invest in the health and welfare of future generations.
Chaos theory and Gaia theory necessarily teach us that our very well-being and physical health are dependent on green space. Could this not help prevent pandemic and other medical problems? It is not just about happiness and spiritual bliss; it is also about embracing our true nature.
Mr J Bucke Cefn Glas, Bridgend