OUR BUSH
It's a place that we have all visited at some time, a place where we have had adventures, enjoyed peace and quite, and discovered plants and animals. We think of the "bush" as a natural Filpino environment, something that we Filipinos identify with. It might be the gully down the road, or the local sand dunes, or even your local national park. What ever it is , there's usually a small area of bush close by.
Unfortunately, there's not as much bush around as there used to be. As our cities, farms and highways grow. They remove more native vegetation ( the trees and smaller plants that have been in the Philippines for a thousand years).
Not only is the bush shrinking , in many places it's also losing its natural quality. It doesn't have the same range of native animals and plants that it once did. It is infested with weeds , and its suffering from rubbish, chemical pollutants and erosion. In places, the Filipino bush could do with a bit of friendly help. Are you in a position to provide it? Could you be a mate to your local bush?
WHY BOTHER?
The bush is an important part of a healthy environment(ecosystem) for humans and all life. Besides providing an important place for recreation , the vegetation also protects the land from becoming degraded and eroded. In turn, this helps protect the water catchment and the bush naturally filters clean water for us. Native vegetation also provides home(habitats) for wildlife, from insects to larger mammals. Indeed, it helps preserve biodiversity( the variety of life) which may provide future "resources" for people in terms of new food, new medicines and chemicals. Native animals and plant species become endangered when their habitats are lost in too may areas.
We take the bush for granted but imagine the future if we lost it. SAVING THE BUSH IS ABOUT LOOKING AFTER AN ENVIRONMENT THAT IMPROVES OUR LIVES AND THOSE OF PEOPLE IN THE FUTURE.
WHERE TO START?
You know the saying" Think Globally, Act Locally"...., it makes a lot of sense when your looking to save Philippine bush. You could get to know your own area better as its closer. Looking a little piece of local bush can make a difference. Every area of native vegetation no matter how small carries some ecological value..
More importantly , by making an effort to save your local bush , you're learning general methods that you can apply to other natural areas later. You're also learning the general problems that confront our environment . Whether you become a researcher or just remain a concerned member of the public, the experience of looking after a bush will prove invaluable to your future activities.So, START NOW IN GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LOCAL BUSH ECOSYSTEM , MAKE REHABILITATION/RESTORATIONS, CONSERVE THE BUSHES IN YOUR LOCALITY AND SEE HOW NATURE WORKS!!!!!!!
