"All things are
connected, like the blood that unites one family. Whatever befalls the earth, befalls the
sons of the earth. Man did not to weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it.
Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself"- Chief Seattle.
- The lack of environmental conservation has had a great impact on Greater Johannesburg
and its people. Soil degradation, fewer species and decreased biodiversity are just some
of the negative effects that have resulted from the lack of conservation. Ignorance about
these natural resources has also resulted in their abuse and degradation.
- Natural areas are also responsible for the absorption of pollutants and are the green
lungs of the metropolitan area.
- The lack of water in the metropolitan area impacts on the way people view and handle
this resource, especially in informal settlements. Ignorance, wastage and the inefficient
use of this limited resource are just some of the problems that disadvantaged communities
face.
- The impact of urbanisation in a city environment, due to the lack of conserved natural
environments, is highlighted below (Hugo et.al., 1997).
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- Urbanisation also affects the land surface, as the only naturally occurring soils can be
found in gardens, parks and other green belts. The purification and transportation of
sufficient water to all the households and industries is another major problem associated
with the urban environment. The atmospheric and energy balances are also greatly affected
in an artificial city environment. Natural areas therefore need to be conserved in order
to support the artificial urban environment (Hugo et.al., 1997).
- The positive impacts of nature conservation include:
- the economic value of resources;
- ecological value in fulfilling a role in the ecosystem;
- scientific value as a genetic pool of plant and animal species;
- cultural value as the emblems of cities;
- nutritional value as a source of food;
- medicinal value;
- ethical value based on the belief that species have the moral right to exist;
- an aesthetic-psychological value that adds to the quality of life;
- a recreational and tourism value for relaxation and economic growth;
- an educational value for people to become environmentally orientated, and
- an ethno-botanical value, meaning the use of veld plants for medicinal purposes.
- Trees have a lot of purposes and value (Enviro Facts, 1999h):
- Ecological value: Plants are the only species to manufacture its own food
through photosynthesis, by taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Trees thus help
to maintain low levels of CO2, thereby reducing the greenhouse effect. Trees
are also called the "lungs" of a city, for absorbing pollutants and releasing
oxygen. Soil benefits from trees, as their far-reaching roots hold the soil in place,
preventing erosion. Some trees, like acacias, have bacteria in their roots, which convert
nitrogen from the air into nitrates which the tree can use to grow, whilst the soil is
enriched. The leaves of trees are also eaten by many insects, and dead leaves are
transformed into humus. Trees also provide nesting and breeding sites for birds.
- Commercial value: Trees provide timber, pulped wood is used to make paper. Lots
of people in informal settlements in Greater Johannesburg still use wood for heating and
cooking purposes. Extracts from trees are used for chemicals or medicines. The inner bark
of trees provide latex, the main ingredient of rubber. Trees are also great providers of
fruit and nuts.
- Shelter: The shade of trees is welcomed by man and beast, providing shade
for parking, walking or selling goods in the hot city.
- Aesthetic value: The beauty and variety of form, make trees ideal for
decorating and adding life to gardens, cities and even industrial estates.
REFERENCES
Enviro Facts 1999h: The Value of Trees. http://www.botany.uwc.ac.za/EnvFacts/facts/trees.htm
Hugo, M.L.; A.T. Viljoen & J.M. Meeuwis 1997: The
Ecology of Natural Resource Management. Kagiso: Pretoria. |
