Coca-Cola kills red, does carbon kill biodiversity?
- escuelabosque3
- Aug 2, 2024
- 3 min read
Ecosystem Restoration in Colombia goes beyond Tree Planting.
Ecosystem restoration is an urgent priority in Colombia, a country facing critical environmental challenges due to deforestation and degradation of its forests . The Amazon , known as the “lungs of the world,” is losing hectares at an alarming rate, which threatens to take us to a point of no return in terms of ecological functionality. This text focuses on the importance of restoring biodiversity in a scientific and sustainable way, beyond simply planting trees.
During the dry season, known locally as “summer season,” forest fires devastate thousands of hectares of forests in the Amazon and other ecosystems. These fires are caused by illegal activities, extreme weather conditions and improper agricultural practices. The consequences of this loss are serious: the Amazon regulates the climate and produces water that supplies cities like Bogotá. Without this forest, ecological functions deteriorate, affecting the entire planet.
To avoid the point of no return, it is essential to restore ecosystems scientifically. This implies knowing the origin of the seeds used in reforestation . Planting trees without considering their origin can lead to genetic and health problems in the plants, which in the long term could compromise the viability of restored forests . Furthermore, the indiscriminate collection of seeds can affect local fauna and the natural regeneration of forests .
The current restoration and deforestation figures in Colombia are worrying. In the department of Caquetá, between 27,000 and 30,000 hectares of forest are lost annually, while restoration only covers between 1,000 and 2,000 hectares. This imbalance highlights the need to significantly increase restoration efforts.
Collecting data on biodiversity is crucial for making informed decisions in ecosystem restoration . In Colombia, knowledge about biodiversity is limited, especially in regions such as the Amazon . Less than 5% of the country's biodiversity data corresponds to fungi, bacteria, insects, amphibians and reptiles. Without a proper understanding of genetic and species diversity, restoration efforts may be ineffective or even harmful.
One proposed solution is to invest in information generation before undertaking large reforestation projects. This includes the identification and analysis of native mother trees, the health of these trees and their interaction with local fauna . Furthermore, it is essential to manage seed collection sustainably, ensuring that sufficient quantity is left for wildlife and natural regeneration.
Biodiversity restoration should not be seen only as a means to sequester carbon . It is essential to maintain the health and functionality of ecosystems . The speed with which reforestation projects are designed and implemented, driven by greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals set in international agreements, often prioritizes carbon over biodiversity . However, biodiversity must be at the center of these efforts.
To ensure successful restoration, several steps must be followed: first, verify the suitability of the seeds and plants used in reforestation ; second, invest in the generation of information and capacities on biodiversity ; and third, recognize and adequately manage the knowledge of local communities and biodiversity experts. This holistic approach will help ensure that restored ecosystems are resilient and sustainable over the long term.
In conclusion, ecosystem restoration in Colombia requires an approach based on science and sustainability. Planting trees is only part of the process; It is essential to understand and manage biodiversity in a comprehensive manner. With coordinated efforts and greater investment in research and education, it is possible to reverse the trend of degradation and ensure a healthy future for the forests of Colombia and the world.
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