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Celebrating World Environment Day - Lahore_Real_Estate - 06-05-2010 01:45 PM
It is believed that the human race has existed on earth since around 200,000 years and the rate started increasing with now a total population of over 6.5 billion people. With the humans occupying the planet, natural resources became extinct, pollution increased, technology grew. In today’s fast paced world, technological progress, developments and advances are happening everyday. As a consequence, the whole equilibrium of ecosystem is badly disturbed. The collapse of the ecosystem structure means a gradual collapse of the ecosystem functions too that will cause extinction threats and alarming issues for other biodiversity, which raises a question if we can save them or not?
If we talk about Pakistan, it is home to a number of endangered species, including the woolly flying squirrel, markhor, blue whale, Pakistani sand cat, the ibex wild goat, and several species of birds, whales and turtles. Certain mammals, which could be found in abundance at one time have now become the rarest mammals in the world, such as the snow leopard, the Marco Polo sheep and the Indus river dolphin. In response to the rapidly decreasing rate of the wildlife population, the government action plans on increasing the number of national parks etc cannot only bring a drastic change without individual contribution. We all need to step forward and understand our responsibility for the sake of a green environment and sustainable growth in the long term.
Biodiversity is the foundation for a sustainable development. Its ecosystem services provide the basis for all economic activity. Biodiversity concerns need to be integrated into all areas of policy-making. Measures include market incentives, development assistance, biodiversity-friendly trade and international governance processes. Some critical issues and possible suggestions can be followed in this regard as:
Without biodiversity there will be no agriculture. Farming practices should not jeopardize species survival: improving farmland diversity and reducing the usage of pesticides and fertilizers are key efforts for saving biodiversity. Encourage buying of food, preferably organic food—vegetables, fruits.
Seventy five percent of all fisheries are fully exploited or over-fished. If we do not move towards sustainable use, there will be no fish left for our grandchildren. Similarly export of rare fish species from ports should be banned with an immediate effect. Develop habits to eat sustainable harvested seafood.
Roads, factories and housing schemes destroy habitats for animals and plants. If urban and rural development continues to ignore nature, our surroundings will be dominated by concrete and pollution. Encourage plantation, avoid herbicide/pesticide sprays and herbal medicines.
Climate change is considered to be the greatest challenge for humanity. With changing conditions, ecosystems and habitats will change as well. It is an obligation to fight climate change and make sure that species do not migrate or adapt to new surroundings. Reduce climate change impacts by taking public transport, bike, walk, or carpool to work at least one day a week, and avoid air travel where possible.
Waste and sewer dumped into water bodies is the major cause of death for aquatic ecosystem. Being responsible citizens, avoid such rude acts (beach, river side, canals etc) and give life to aquatic species. For industrial waste dumps, written laws should be implemented against with full honesty.
Tell everyone at home, learning institutes, parks, place of worship and work about what you are doing to conserve biodiversity and ask them to also contribute. Environmental friendly campaigns/ messages can be communicated for the general public awareness and media can play a vital role in this regard as well.