Nature as a Community

How important is nature? We all know it's important. But how much of a forested area do we really have left on this earth?

http://www.globalforestwatch.org/country/MYS

With a projected global population to reach 9.7 Billion in 2050, imagine the areas of land (or air space or sea space) that we will need to accommodate the people of the future. Naturally, to make space for dwellings, some existing natural land covers will have to be removed. According to Global Forest Watch, "between 2001 to 2016, Malaysia lost 6.80Mha of tree cover". Not surprisingly, in 2016, Statistica reported that 75.37% of Malaysians live in the city. That was only 2 years ago, and we are now 2 years away from 2020.

To clear a land of trees is practically a lot quicker (and cheaper) than planning for houses and buildings to co-exist with the existing trees or forest. We take the greens out, create spaces for buildings, then we put back the greens at a tender age of perhaps 1 or 2 years old. But how long will it take for the newly introduced forest to regenerate and create a stable ecosystem? A study cited in New Scientist found that it will take about 65 years to mature, but will need up to 4000 years "for the landscape to truly regain its native identity". The study also highlights that the presence of animals is a key ingredient to help forest to regrow. Then only the ecosystem can naturally regenerate. The keyword here: Community. Living things need each other to live and grow, and so does the forest, animals and other abiotic components.

Dr. Solihu from IIUM has written a paper on Valuing Biodiversity: A Qur'anic Account. Some key points from his paper that relates to the concept of the ecosystem community based on the Quran are:

1. Nature has been created with biodiversity. Refer to Surah 16: An-Nahl.

And the things on this earth which He has multiplied in varying colours (and qualities): verily in this is a Sign for men who celebrate the praises of Allah (in gratitude). (13)

2. Animals live in communities. Refer to Surah 6: Al-An'aam.

There is not an animal (that lives) on the earth, nor a being that flies on its wings, but (forms part of) communities like you. Nothing have We omitted from the Book, and they (all) shall be gathered to their Lord in the end. (38)

3. Plants have many purposes. Refer to Surah 13: Al-Rad.

And in the earth are tracts (diverse though) neighbouring, and gardens of vines and fields sown with corn, and palm trees - growing out of single roots or otherwise: watered with the same water, yet some of them We make more excellent than others to eat. Behold, verily in these things there are Signs for those who understand! (4)

So how do we move forward from here? Globally, we have realized the importance of keeping things in balance and putting back what we take out. At least compared to 10 or 15 years ago, the efforts towards making the earth a greener place are more visible than ever. We know that nature is important. And at the same time, we know that we need spaces for living and working as long as the human race continues to reproduce. But how can we ensure that these efforts are done to reach the same goal? Do we just put back what we take out, or should we now be more selective of what we take out? Taking things out may only take a day or two, but we will need to wait 65 years for the forest to regenerate - that's like an average human lifespan these days.

- Thanks Dr. Illyani for sharing with me about the Global Forest Watch in our discussion this morning.