By Dr Sumana Paul
Man is an integral ingredient of physical and biological world in which he lives. In a broader sense, his physical and biological world may be defined as ‘Environment’ which consists of biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components. Forest environment provides ecological balance and forests are the rich natural resources of the mother earth for mankind. Man and natural environment has cordial relationship from time immemorial. Forest environment provides ecological balance and forest are the rich natural resources of the mother earth for mankind. Forests are the most vital component of the biosphere and the source of basic resources as well. That’s why it is called GREEN GOLD. Immediate steps are needed to save our environment. We should permanently put a full stop to the ruthless destruction of forests.
Judicious use of forest resources can not only ensure sustainable livelihood support but also can ensure existence of healthy ecosystem in this region. Present forestry scenario in the North East Region is alarming. At the same time the efforts made by different agencies for conservation of natural resources are also encouraging. There is still huge gap between the demand and supply of our natural resources which results in continuous shrinkage of forests. As per the state of Forest Report 2005, though the forest cover in the North Eastern Region is 66.67% of the total geographical area, the forest cover having effective control of government is about 23.89% only. It clarifies that it is not only the Government agencies alone that can ensure conservation of the forests. It is the common people in general who need to play a very crucial role for conservation of the same.
The need of the hour is to make the life comfortable by conserving and managing the forests of the region for our sustainable use.
What should we do??Here are Some Quick, Painless Ways that Can Help us to save the Environment!!
Encouragement for Tree farming – trees are called “Earth’s Lungs” because they evolve oxygen through the process of photosynthesis and make the atmosphere pure. Villagers should also be involved in tree plantation programme and they should be helped to identify the possible area of tree plantation (like roads, riversides or barren lands).
Preservation and Management of forests –forests reduce global warming, prevent soil erosion and also act as pollution moderators. So preservation and management of forests for sustainable growth is the need of the hour.
Saving water for saving earth- each one of us should be aware of how precious the water is. We should start using water to its optimum and stop wasting it
Say no to plastic bags – save the mother earth save it for our future .Use of plastic especially plastic bags pollutes the environment. Plastic bags are non-biodegradable. So when they are thrown away they create many environmental problems. Streams and rivers are affected by plastic bags. Some plastic bags contain toxic dyes. When the plastic bag is used for packing the food stuffs, the toxic dyes can leak into food stuffs endangering consumer health. Plastic cannot be continuously recycled. Since most carry bags are made of recycled materials, there further use to the reprocessing industry is limited. Burning results in air pollution and toxic ash. We need to participate actively in stopping the use of plastic bags.
Value based environmental education -there has been a lot of discussion regarding the tremendous value crisis our society is facing today. Looking into the value crisis it is an imperative need to make the education of our younger generation value oriented. Environmental awareness is also a kind of value and should become a part of everyone’s value system. So it is necessary that a person should live in the atmosphere of environment consciousness. It is indeed a difficult task to make people environment conscious only through teaching the subject, so it is necessary to create an atmosphere of environment consciousness. Once we are successful in making ourselves and our younger generation environment conscious then probably we may be in a position to save and protect our environment.
Popularize the idea of community gardening- the idea of community gardening should also be popularized among the rural folk.
Reviving the primitive culture- At this point of time it is very important to revive our primitive culture. Reflections of such cultural values need to ensure through text-books, stories, poems etc. If we really want to save our nature we must take lessons from the past.
Conservation of wildlife- Appropriate steps should be taken by the concerned authorities to conserve the wildlife. It is our duty to work for the sustainable protection of wild birds, primate population of different species, endangered species and their natural habitats.
The crisis in the environment needs to be addressed immediately. This crisis to a large extent is a man-made phenomenon. So to prevent the crisis PEOPLES PARTICIPATION is essential. Celebrating Environment Day once in 365 days and sitting idle the rest of 364 days will not serve the purpose. Regular awareness campaigns should be conducted by voluntary agencies and nature lovers to create awareness among the general public. Lack of awareness among the people in general, regarding conservation of natural resources as well as environment, is a major cause of destruction of forest of the region. Non –Government organizations have a vital role to play in the field of conservation of environment. In fact a massive drive is required to make the people aware about the seriousness of the situation and their duties and responsibilities towards it and which can be done through educating our younger generation for developing a positive attitude towards our natural heritage, media publicity, organizing public meetings, workshops, seminars etc. The author feels that along with the NGO’s, Students, Public leaders and the Women folk should be the priority target groups in such awareness campaign, who has the potency to create a lot of impact on the society.
(Dr Sumana Paul is a Faculty, Department of Education, Women’s College, Shillong)
