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Hi Netters,
(Longish - I got carried away, too)
I have been contemplating adding my thoughts to this discussion for a
while. Every time I read or hear about the destruction going on, including last
night on the ABC, makes my blood boil. But I have held off
posting those thoughts expecting other people to be far more political in
the way they word things. Which has mostly proven true. However I think there is
one main point being missed in the discussion. And this is why, in my
opinion, this out-of-control destruction is allowed to take place. It is
something I come across daily - it is an enormous lack of awareness, if not
understanding, of the value of nature and all things natural, especially among
those communities closest to it: rural communities. In fact, this lack
of awareness is so strong among many, it is quite often expressed as
fear, resistance, or "mental block".
Yes I know it's generalising, and I know there are many farmers and other
people in rural areas who are not like that at all, and who are doing the right
thing. But it seems that those people suffering from resistance of accepting the
true value of nature, are often the ones most outspoken and seem, either through
their numbers, their outspokenness, their historical contacts, or whatever, most
successfull in pushing their case - in this case, allowing out-of-control
woodland destruction to occur at a rate that puts Australia among 5 obscure
countries.
The "decade of LandCare" has produced some great results, especially in
changing the mindset of rural communities. However it seems to me that on a
national level, the closer you get to a more densely populated area, the more
successful the landcare activities. I argue that this would be a direct
reflection of the level of awareness / understanding of the value of nature and
biodiversity.
If people think that clearing land can stop erosion, that regeneration
after clearing is beneficial for wildlife and vegetation, that to me clearly
shows they don't understand (or that the land in question was already badly
degraded from current management practices).
Too often do I hear the mallee being referred to as "useless scrub". Too
often do I hear fragile wetland ecosystems being referred to as
"mosquito-infested swamps". And too often do I still sense the pioneering spirit
where "conquering" the natural environment is considered normal, whereas showing
an appreciation for nature is considered ab-normal.
Well I think I better put an end to it - by now you'd get my point. Unless
we can change the attitude of people that "manage" the land for our future
generations, it's going to be a long, hard road...one that unfortunately seems
to run downhill for this country at present.
And by the way, I live in a rural community.
Regards
Peter Waanders
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