Land Conservation

“Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land” – Aldo Leopold

We need nature, nature does not need us

“Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it” – Chief Seattle

Looking after the land on which we live, which provides us with the oxygen we breath and the food we eat, is equally as important as looking after our oceans. Land conservation is a broad term given to the protection of sensitive natural areas. It’s the protection of land, natural resources, terrestrial water systems, mountains, valleys and flora and fauna. Without land conservation, human activities such as deforestation, development, agriculture, industry and over-harvesting becomes simply unsustainable and precious resources will fast deplete.

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To protect our planet is to protect ourselves

The planet is made up of thousands upon thousands of ecosystems which are in constant interaction with one another. Humans are a part of a much greater life system than most of us realise. We are just one link in a very long chain. However, in order for the chain to remain functional and intact, there cannot be missing links. The lives of humans are dependant on the natural environment as it provides us with all the necessary resources in order for us to live. By polluting the water, we pollute ourselves, by poisoning the soil, we poison ourselves, by dirtying the air, we dirty our lungs and by killing the bees, we are killing ourselves.

Earth does not belong to us

We tend to view ourselves as the “superior” beings here on Earth, far more intelligent and developed than the animals with whom we share this planet. But I must disagree. “Superior” beings would never willingly wish to share the traits of humans given our track record. They would not act and think like man nor would they destroy their one and only home. They would not rape and plunder the natural environment for the sake of pieces of paper to which only humans have added worth. They would not display such disregard for nearly any and all other life. They would not mow down entire biodiversity rich rainforests to plant invasive, water stealing trees, all in the name of consumerism. They would not put an end to the survival of multiple species, most of which have roamed the Earth far longer than humans can even comprehend.. They would not be so selfish, nor would they be so stupid. Humans are not superior.

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Learn more about land conservation in Africa

Go check out ACF’s (African Conservation Foundation) website to get a better understanding of the hard work that goes into protecting Africa’s beautiful wildlife.

Find out more