But what exactly is reconciliation ecology? It is the science of inventing, establishing, and maintaining new habitats to conserve species diversity in places where people live, work, or play. I am not suggesting inventing new habitats in reserves, or in acreage where restoration is going on. I am saying that people now use most of the of the world's land surface, and we can use it better. We can use it in a way that reconciles our needs with those of the wild, native species.
Professor Rosenzweig has a point to make. If we are determined to preserve biodiversity, we should start looking at our own backyards. In his book, he discusses the three strategies of conversation biology (reservation, restoration, and reconciliation) and how the third strategy is the most sound of them all, considering how much land we humans already occupy and use.
It basically boils down to an ecological law: the larger the area, the more species it harbors. Unfortunately, the human race has wreaked havoc against biodiversity, claiming more and more land while displacing and ultimately decimating the populations of the species who stand in our way.
So the solution now is more realistic, albeit a bit novel. We have to fully utilize the value of the land, ecologically speaking. We have already set aside natural reserves all across the country. We have tried to restore lands back to their pre-industrial bounty. Now, it's time we make sure our habitats don't conflict with the habitats of the other species in the area.
This starts by examining how we build our homes, our buildings. Even before construction, we have to take into account how our actions would affect the others and look for ways to mitigate those effects. Say, if there are several native birds residing in my area, I could at least incorporate the building of a birdhouse somewhere in the roof. This way, I could still make up for the loss of greenery (because of my house) with a shelter the birds can call their own.
If I were to daydream, I would envision a day where an ordinance reflecting the tenets of reconciliation ecology is in effect. Architects and engineers alike would have to be concerned at not just how structurally sound or aesthetically pleasing the building is but at how the building can support another species other than humans. Perhaps, such an ordinance can dictate that a tree over several decades old must be preserved or transferred prior to start of construction or that any plantation must sustain several native species in addition to the cash crops being cultivated. Maybe, such an ordinance can also recommend the implementation of green roofs in urban properties, thus lessening the "heat sink" problem as well as nurturing potential nurseries for endangered and endemic plant species.
You see, the possibilities are endless if only we humans learn how to share. And the best part is we can indeed preserve biodiversity in the very same areas sporting dense human populations. We have the techniques and the science in place. Now, all we need is a little imagination.
-Michael L. Rosenzweig, Win-Win Ecology
Professor Rosenzweig has a point to make. If we are determined to preserve biodiversity, we should start looking at our own backyards. In his book, he discusses the three strategies of conversation biology (reservation, restoration, and reconciliation) and how the third strategy is the most sound of them all, considering how much land we humans already occupy and use.
It basically boils down to an ecological law: the larger the area, the more species it harbors. Unfortunately, the human race has wreaked havoc against biodiversity, claiming more and more land while displacing and ultimately decimating the populations of the species who stand in our way.
So the solution now is more realistic, albeit a bit novel. We have to fully utilize the value of the land, ecologically speaking. We have already set aside natural reserves all across the country. We have tried to restore lands back to their pre-industrial bounty. Now, it's time we make sure our habitats don't conflict with the habitats of the other species in the area.
This starts by examining how we build our homes, our buildings. Even before construction, we have to take into account how our actions would affect the others and look for ways to mitigate those effects. Say, if there are several native birds residing in my area, I could at least incorporate the building of a birdhouse somewhere in the roof. This way, I could still make up for the loss of greenery (because of my house) with a shelter the birds can call their own.
If I were to daydream, I would envision a day where an ordinance reflecting the tenets of reconciliation ecology is in effect. Architects and engineers alike would have to be concerned at not just how structurally sound or aesthetically pleasing the building is but at how the building can support another species other than humans. Perhaps, such an ordinance can dictate that a tree over several decades old must be preserved or transferred prior to start of construction or that any plantation must sustain several native species in addition to the cash crops being cultivated. Maybe, such an ordinance can also recommend the implementation of green roofs in urban properties, thus lessening the "heat sink" problem as well as nurturing potential nurseries for endangered and endemic plant species.
You see, the possibilities are endless if only we humans learn how to share. And the best part is we can indeed preserve biodiversity in the very same areas sporting dense human populations. We have the techniques and the science in place. Now, all we need is a little imagination.
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