A Focus On Nature, A Vision For Nature
AFON
Vision for Nature : Wildlife
One thing is certain in life, everything dies. Plants, animals, humans. We all die in the end, but in recent times with the acceleration of the human impact on the world, plants and animals are suffering faster than ever before on our planet. Of course often we read about Rhinos, and Tigers, victims of cruel acts of hunting in far away places, but in reality the loss of species, habitats and environments is right on our doorstep. Right here in the UK.
Naively as youngster I enjoyed strolling around my local nature reserves, taking a huge amount of pleasure and excitement in every new species I clasped eyes on. The Flash of a Kingfisher, the squeals of a swift, the hovering delight of a kestrel. At the time, watching these moments unfold, it almost seemed unimaginable that in the future they would not be there for all to see.
The painful truth however, in 50 years, our once lush pastures and woodlands will be paved over with concrete and tarmac, by the ever extending arm of “progress”. Yet in reality nothing could be more hypocritical.
In a hundred years we would see the destruction and reduction of millions of years of speciation, diversification and natural selection. Species that have evolved to occupy small niches in our beautifully complex habitats will be gone forever. Forever means forever. You see, although these tiny little creatures may not seem to have a huge impact on your day, they underpin everything that has ever played a role in creating you.
The Earth is not just the home of Humans.
It is a sanctuary for millions of species who all, EQUALLY have a right for survival. In scientific probability the resultant factors that caused the initiation of what we call “life” are so rare, arguable so, that we may never find another world such as ours. This is why it is so vital we protect our earth for all creatures who call it home. Because we are far more dependant on them, then they are of us.
Our luck in evolving complex thought, is a gift that should be used for the preservation of our fellow inhabitants of earth, not for our greed and consumerist nature. We should be guardians, not abusers. We know the facts. Global Warming is happening, Species are declining, sea levels rising, sitting back is no longer an option.
Wildlife has always been my greatest love. My vision for nature is a change in attitude. For us to take up our role as guardians of our planet, to help look after the creatures, habitats and incredible natural wonders that make it the most remarkable (although tiny) piece in the jigsaw of our galaxy.
Its time to invest in rebuilding our forest, re connecting our habitats and giving nature back its foothold for success. To be a great civilisation, we must help and nurture the communities of others.