Why do natural elements also need to rest and recuperate? (Telling You Nature) Ecology | Earth | Elements
The health of ecosystems such as grasslands, forests, rivers, lakes, wetlands, etc. is a prerequisite for the health of the Earth's ecosystem and the normal functioning of ecological services
Have you experienced the vastness of grasslands, the tranquility of forests, the meandering rivers, the tranquility of lakes, and the grandeur of wetlands? Have you ever heard that grasslands are the skin of the earth, forests are the lungs of the earth, rivers are the blood vessels of the earth, lakes are the eyes of the earth, and wetlands are the kidneys of the earth? In nature, every element maintains the health of the Earth's ecosystem and plays an irreplaceable role.
The health of ecosystems such as grasslands, forests, rivers, lakes, wetlands, etc. is a prerequisite for the health of the Earth's ecosystem and the normal functioning of ecological services. Any problem with any element will lead to a decline in the ecological service function of the Earth's ecosystem. So, natural elements also need to rest and recuperate.
When it comes to grasslands, we often think of the beautiful scenery of "seeing cows and sheep when the wind blows and the grass is low". China has a large grassland area, mainly consisting of northern arid and semi-arid grassland areas, Qinghai Tibet alpine grassland areas, northeastern and northern China humid and semi humid grassland areas, southern grassland areas, etc. However, the proportion of high-quality first and second level grasslands is relatively low, and there are still problems such as overloading in grassland utilization. Forests have a positive impact on climate, soil, water, biodiversity, and more. Over the past 10 years, a total of 1.02 billion acres of afforestation have been achieved nationwide. However, there are still problems with the forest resources in China, such as a large number of low yield forests, a small number of high-quality forest stands, a large number of young and middle-aged forests, and a small number of mature forests. The structure still needs to be improved. Moreover, as the space for expanding forest area becomes smaller and smaller, the difficulty of afforestation also increases. China belongs to a water deficient country, with a per capita water resources of about 1/4 of the world's per capita level. At the same time as water resources are scarce, the spatial and temporal distribution is uneven, and resource based, engineering based, and water quality based water shortages coexist. Water pollution control still requires long-term efforts. Daily monitoring of lake water quality and nutritional status, as well as monitoring of wetland biodiversity, are also important means adopted to assess and maintain the health level of ecosystems.
How can we achieve the recuperation of natural elements? Firstly, it is important to recognize that humans and nature are a community of life, and to attach importance to the recuperation and development of grasslands, forests, rivers, lakes, and wetlands; Secondly, we must adhere to the integrated protection and systematic management of mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, grasslands, and sands. We must not seek solutions from a systemic engineering and global perspective, and take corresponding measures according to ecological laws and local conditions; Thirdly, it is necessary to strictly implement relevant systems for the protection of grasslands, forests, rivers, lakes, and wetlands, and ensure that these systems are implemented effectively; The fourth is to do a good job in evaluating the implementation effect, timely identify key problems, and propose solutions; The fifth is to increase publicity efforts, encourage public participation, and maintain a healthy natural ecosystem.