|
 ProjectsLifestyles and Citizen Action: Sustainable LivingBackground
A growing number of organizations are providing people around the world with alternatives to destroying forests and other natural habitats to clear land, obtain firewood or raise livestock. In tropical areas, land cleared of rainforest can be farmed for only a few years because of poor soil. Organizations are now helping these farmers survive in ecologically friendly ways through donation of solar cookers and heaters, aid in establishing small farms that utilize bio-gas (methane obtained from manure and sewage), and promotion of self-sustaining farming methods that do not destroy the environment. In Madagascar, primatologist Patricia Wright protected the forest home of endangered lemurs by convincing the government to establish a large national park. It provided many jobs for local people. She then raised money for the construction of schools and clinics. Deforestation has virtually stopped as a result, and the people have become protective of the forest after learning how it prevented mudslides. Providing this type of help for people in poor areas of the world will be a major project of Conservation International, which plans to integrate this approach with its land protection and biodiversity studies, through a donation it received of more than $1 billion.
Activities
o Select one or more threatened habitats that are being destroyed as a result of over-grazing, deforestation or other means by people in developing countries. Many examples are given in the main text of this book. In classroom discussion, explore the ways in which these areas are being destroyed. What habitats and threatened species are disappearing as a result? What do you think should be done to prevent this situation from continuing and to help the people at the same time? For example, in Central Asia, so many sheep, yak, horses and other livestock are grazed by nomadic people that they are ruining the grasslands, leaving little food or habitat for native gazelles, wild camels, antelope and wild horses. Native predators, such as wolves, bears and Snow Leopards, are killed as potential threats to the livestock. Make specific suggestions that would provide for the basic needs of the people by alterations in their lifestyle and simple technology, while preserving the ecosystem.
o Consult the Internet and other sources for organizations that distribute solar cookers and simple technology, as well as agricultural advice. Contact them with suggestions for areas to donate that harbor many endangered species and habitats. Ask which countries are the recipients of this aid. Find out which parts of the world are not receiving international aid and, if these areas are environmentally threatened, suggest that they receive aid.
|
|
