From that atman (Supreme soul), space came into being, from space wind, from wind fire, from fire water, from water earth, from earth plants, from plants food and from food man came into being.
Taittiriyopanisad
There is a realisation about the importance of Pancha Bhutas in the Indian ancient Knowledge systems and profess the need to maintain a balance. The journey of mankind to achieve progress and enhance the quality of life has resulted in imbalance, overexploitation of resources, and the planet’s survival is being challenged. It is crucial to be conscious that everything we do depend on Nature and impact it. Conservation of Nature is of utmost priority for all human beings and their life on this planet. World Nature Conservation Day is observed on July 28 to raise awareness about the importance of preserving natural resources and protecting them. The origin of commemorating and the history of World Conservation Day is unknown. It is good to see people worldwide come together and organise events to preserve precious natural resources.
Humans derive essential ingredients like water, air, food, minerals, etc., from Nature. Hence, it is the responsibility to draw these resources sustainably. Nature is threatened by many of our actions, deforestation, pollution, use of chemicals, loss of wildlife. Humans’ responsibility is to protect Nature and create a healthy environment in the present to leave something behind for future generations.
Natural resources are limited and took millions of years to form minerals. Humans are exploiting them at a pace challenging to sustain the resources. Human beings have become a threat to natural resources leading to a state of self-destruction. Some challenging to digest estimates. About 130 species are getting extinct a day on average, plastic materials kill nearly 1 million sea creatures, 100 acres of Rainforests are disappearing in a minute. Efficient use of energy, enhance the use of renewable energy, plant more trees, and use recyclable and biodegradable products are ways to conserve Nature.
The three R’s of conservation: Reuse, Recycle and Restore. We can add one more R to it, which is to Reduce consumption.
Conservation measures include protecting, maintaining, controlling and/or restoring habitats and natural resources. Conservation measures encompass, Environmental, Wildlife and Marine conservation. Initiatives of the Indian Government like the Nagar Van Udyan Scheme, Waste Management under Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan and National Wetland Conservation Program contribute to nature conservation. While Governments and big corporates contribute to preserving Nature, we, the people, and our participation make it successful.
Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.
Mahatma Gandhi
Toons: Anusha and Reema Jaiswal
Logs: Sai Baba
*Toonlogs on the topic posted in 2020:
