THE ROLE OF YOUNGSTERS IN PROTECTING OUR NATURE AND WILDLIFE

I was fortunate to visit many protected areas and sanctuaries in Kerala like Thekkady,Wayanad,Neyyar etc. These places have rich biodiversity and houses many exotic life forms.I have always wondered at the skill of nature who have devised such diverse life forms.Our hearts would be filled with joy on seeing such greenery and diverse sounds of animals.The forests of kerala itself is very diverse. It consists of tropical evergreen forests,moist deciduous forests,grass lands,shola forests etc.Due to this diversity of forests ,the flora and fauna are also very diverse.The Silent Valley sanctuary is one of the biodiversity hot spots.But the sad thing is that forest cover is decreasing.Here comes the role of youth and students.

The reason why I specially address, the role of youth is because, they are the future of a country.It is difficult to change the mind of our elders and grand parents,because their thoughts and ideas are solidified in the mould of olden days.But the mind of youngsters are like clay, which could be molded very easily.The governments and schools should give adequate awareness and knowledge about nature and wild life to all children.This will automatically impart a sense of love and affection in the minds of the children.This will also make the children accept the fact that all the animals and plants are also our friends and they share the same ecosystem as we do.Greater awareness should be given in the text books about the hazards of forest destruction and elimination of wild life.This will evoke a sense of urgency and duty in their minds.
In India there are a lot of youth organizations like NSS,NCC etc.This organizations can play a vital roll in environmental protection.I am a member of NSS and our College unit itself has planted many trees in the past few years.The dedication,discipline and service mindedness of NSS volunteers could be utilized in saving our environment.Also the nature clubs of the schools and colleges can do a greater roll in protecting our environment.

The major problem in any protection program is peoples participation.Without the participation of the local people , the protection programs may not be complete.An initiative taken by Kerala government in this direction is Eco-Tourism.Through eco-tourism projects people become the direct participant in the protection programs and also they can generate economy through protection.There are incidences in Kerala where the poachers, themselves turned to protectors.Now they work as forest guards and guides for tourists and are proudly earning their income.This example can be followed in many countries.

All the climatic and environmental problems arise from the destruction of nature.Saving the nature is like saving our future.Save nature and save earth.If we don't protect our nature now, our future generations will curse us or we may even deny their fundamental right by taking the life away from them.So I request all the fellow beings of the earth to save our nature.At least try to save the environment around you as small drops make an ocean.

GREEN EARTH HEALTHIER EARTH