My walk for wildlife

Society has drowned us into an utopian world of 6 figure paycheck, having a huge bank balance, own a car and everything is fine. But throughout the years, I always had an embedded interest for plants and wildlife. I used to take quick pictures of different animals and plants around us.

The interest in knowing about different species grew in me from my father. He is a wildlife enthusiast. He used to watch Animal Planet and National geographic on TV back in the days when there was no internet facilities. He always made me watch shows with him and explained to me about the majestic creatures. Day after day he made me more curious to know about them.

In our society, we usually follow trends on Social Media. Many people share their thoughts on conservation of natural habitat but only a few people have the courage to step out of their comfort zone and actually do something hands on. Even I didn't have that zeal. I was not confident enough because in our society if we do anything that doesn't yield money, we are called lunatic and wasting or precious time and money of our parents.

It was two years ago that I stepped out to volunteer in an NGO 'Sangbedan' and in the first day we planted some saplings in our area. I know it is a small initiative but you know small things add up and it makes a difference. Then on the next day I volunteered and took part in feeding stray animals. Even during the pandemic, we fed many stray animals. 

I gained so much confidence. These things made me happy. I enjoyed my time doing something for the nature.

Even though I'm an Engineer, I think I have taken major decision in pursuing my passion for wildlife. My major inspiration in this field in Sir David Attenborough. I follow all his works. He is the one who taught me to pursue my interest as my profession. Long Live Sir Attenborough!

    

Couple of questions might arise in our mind.

Why do we need to conserve nature? What will we get from it? What are our benefits?

A six-figure salary, a cozy seat with air conditioned room. That's our Wishlist. 

But what about the oxygen we breathe in, what about the balance of ecosystem and the food chain for which we are still alive. That's where conservation of planet comes into action.

The most obvious reason for conservation is to protect wildlife and promote biodiversity. Protecting wildlife and preserving it for future generations also means that the animals we love don’t become a distant memory. And we can maintain a healthy and functional ecosystem.

Another pretty big reason for conservation work that is talked about a little less often is the impact that it has on human health. Both in terms of preventing the emergence of new diseases, and the production of medicines that we rely upon. Having wild habitats for animals serves as a barrier. It prevents emerging infectious diseases from jumping from animals to humans. Previously undisturbed habitats have been cleared to make way for humans and agriculture. This has brought wild and domestic animals together and helped to facilitate the jump of diseases to humans. One such example is the Ebola outbreak.

A lot of the medicines that we use as humans are also derived from chemicals that are produced by animals or plants. So by protecting nature we also protect the lifesaving drugs we rely upon, including anti-cancer drugs.

Simply put, we cannot be healthy in an unhealthy environment. It is in our own best interests to preserve the natural world as much as we can. The exploitation of the natural world threatens our capacity to provide food and water for the people on earth. And things like pollution are directly harmful to human health.

It’s no secret that the future of our planet desperately needs to be safeguarded, with climate change already wreaking havoc on our natural environment. In order to preserve the earth for future generations, we not only need to reduce the amount of harm that human activities have on the environment but support the natural world as much as we can.

Finally I would like to say that everybody's effort is required for the conservation of nature. Speak up and share your passion for saving the planet with your parents. Tell your friends and acquaintances how they can help. Ask everyone you know to stop wildlife poaching and deforestation.

Whether you are into protecting natural habitats or preventing wildlife trafficking, find the organization that speaks to your passion and get involved. Become a member. Stay informed and actively support the organization of your choice.

Join hands to save mother nature!