The environment – Conservation
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the next best time is today.”
– Old Chinese proverb
HOW HAVE you been over the last week? I should not have to ask; you have been well, and I know that this good feeling is going to continue because you have confidence in yourself and your ability to succeed at whatever you choose to do!
This week, we will conclude our study of the environment and we will do so by looking at some of the ways in which we can help to preserve it, not only for our continued use, but also for the use of generations to come. We have already discussed some of the negative effects of human activities on the environment. Let us now see if there are ways to improve or correct these activities.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
This is the term given to cover the different ways that can be used to protect the earth’s environment, i.e., using the natural resources wisely so that future generations will be able to enjoy and benefit from using these resources. We have covered some of these ways in previous lessons, hence these will only be mentioned in this lesson.
In a previous lesson, we discussed the effects of man’s negative activities on forests. Now, we will look at how we can reduce these impacts.
Reforestation: This involves replanting the trees that have been cut down; not necessarily planting a tree for a tree, but being specific in replanting and planting a cedar tree to replace a cedar or a mahogany to replace a mahogany. This would require coordinating efforts between the loggers and plant nurseries.
Sustainable management of forests: This, again, would require coordination between loggers and government agencies so that trees are removed at the right age and replanting occurs at the right time.
Providing alternative fast-growing species: This is necessary to account for the cutting down of trees to provide charcoal and also to provide yam sticks in the yam-growing areas of Jamaica.
We can reduce our consumption of certain goods. We can also begin to recycle; many developed countries are ahead of us in this respect. Additionally, we can begin to, or increase our attempts to, reuse anything that is reusable. We can reduce our use of fossil fuels by conserving electricity or changing the methods used to generate electricity by developing wind and solar energies.
We can seek to develop our public transportation system so that less dependence is placed on private motor vehicles. This would also reduce our consumption of fossil fuels.
While farming exploits the land, fishing exploits the sea. There is a large dependence on fishing in all of the Caribbean, and if this industry is not properly managed, it will continue to suffer from the negative impact of humans.
WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR PROPER MANAGEMENT?
Regulation in the size of the nets and traps used to catch fish, crabs and lobsters so that the young remain to continue the generations.
Regulation of harvesting so that these animals are not fished during their breeding seasons.
We can also change farming practices by monitoring the use of fertilizers and reducing the use of pesticides. This will reduce agricultural run-off, as well as prevent harm to wildlife such as birds.
We can also conserve what remains of our ecosystems. The aim of conservation is to help the ecosystem to remain stable even if environmental conditions change. Conservation helps to preserve biodiversity, and biodiversity serves to make the ecosystem more stable.
Conservation methods can be either in situ or
ex situ.
In situ methods take place in the natural habitat of the organism – in parks, sanctuaries, reserves. These areas are usually protected through legislation.
Ex situ takes place outside of the natural habitat of the organism. CONSERVATION METHODS:
Zoos: ex situ method – Zoos around the world are involved in captive breeding programmes. Animals belonging to endangered species are bred in these zoos and are reared until they are less susceptible to predation and are then released back into the wild. In Jamaica, this is being done for the Jamaican iguana.
Botanic gardens: ex situ – In botanic gardens all over the world, endangered plants are collected and grown for conservation, research and education.
Seed banks: ex situ – These conserve seeds of endangered as well as valuable species of plants. Conditions in these banks are optimal to ensure continued viability of the seeds.
Germ banks: ex situ – Sex cells from plants and animals are stored in a dormant state. Restricting trade in endangered species. Controlling pollution, especially in sensitive environments where species are at the risk of extinction.
Restricting urban and industrial development.
Legally protecting endangered species.
Did you enjoy this section of the syllabus? I hope you did, because I did! Here is where you can make a difference: Be bold, be brave, and stand up for planet Earth.