Know our environment to learn to protect it

Knowing is not just knowing . Although knowledge helps us to know the ecosystem around us -be it the balcony itself, the garden , the park next to the house or the closest natural green areas, let’s say-, sensitizing and respecting something more is needed what knowledge. Much more, actually.

Knowing to know how to protect means understanding that beyond familiarizing ourselves with the flora and fauna, with the threats that endanger species or ecosystems, there is an ethics and an eco-friendly attitude that translates into environmental responsibility. It is, in reality, a matter of attitude and sensitivity, one that does not provide theoretical knowledge or the utilitarian approach, a connection with the environment that turns knowledge into care and protection.

Respect for life is something that is seen as natural, that is desired and carried out for a simple matter of justice. Far from utilitarianism, economic interests , comforts and selfishness, caring for the planet through the most immediate becomes an end in itself. Why do it? We owe it to the planet, our home, simply.

The most immediate environment, in effect, is a school of learning to become better people, more respectful of other living beings, the animal and plant world that lives near us. Among many other possibilities, we can choose local plants in danger of extinction instead of exported plants, which require a lot of irrigation and do not represent a refuge for the area’s biodiversity.

Helping wild hedgehogs, great nocturnal walkers , to enter our garden by removing obstacles is another possibility. Or, of course, help control feline colonies through sterilization and feeding to turn a potential public health hazard into environmental wealth.

When going to the countryside it is mandatory to practice respectful hiking, observe birds and other animals from a distance, without disturbing them, do not uproot plants in general, especially if they are in danger of extinction and, finally, respect biodiversity . Likewise, these tips are applicable if we go wild camping.

In addition to respecting it, it will be easy to promote it through gardening or a mini urban garden. Doing things right requires more than just using organic products and dispensing with pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Only when biodiversity is well known can organic farming be done, both to make it our ally, since the environment will achieve a balance that will act on its own when it comes to preventing pests and obtaining a good harvest.

In everyday life we ​​come across situations that test our critical spirit. Knowing is essential to be able to give an opinion, no doubt, especially when we also know how to connect empathically and be in solidarity with abused animals and exploited environments.

Again, we can cite a multitude of examples. The typical example of the frog that ends up in a canal on the table in the school laboratory for children to learn anatomy is perfect. Knowing it in its environment would be much more instructive, that of course, and not only to learn about amphibians, but also to know its importance for the ecosystem. Not using it in the laboratory is therefore a sign of well-understood intelligence.

The case of Jane Goodall is also paradigmatic. The famous primatologist who with her example now strikes consciences to sensitize us about the importance of respecting wildlife, was a great connoisseur of primates. His later experience with them ended up transforming his life. Delivered to them, it is a clear demonstration that knowing them through science and coexistence is the perfect formula to get involved.

Rachel Louise Carson, pioneer of environmentalism, also serves as inspiration in this regard. Knowing his biography is understanding how important the pairing of knowledge and empathy is. She was fascinated by everything related to the ocean and, although she lived in an inland area, she ended up settling on the coast of Maine, next to its beloved sea, a move that resulted in enormous success for her books worldwide.

They are famous cases that demonstrate the importance of getting involved with the environment knowing it in full swing. The Nature it is only when not domesticated. It is essential to know it as is, without seasonings of any kind. Far from the zoos, from the gardens that put her around her waist, pervert and mistreat her. At this point, conservation associations are a good foothold to learn and help by showing empathy.

Supporting them is approaching an unknown world, different ecosystems of great wealth that are being exploited by humans. Proximity, accessing information that the media does not usually highlight, and often even silences, is a fundamental step to support causes, for example against the hunting of seals or mink farms, the production of pâté, the deforestation, the plastic garbage that pollutes the ocean, the use of animals in the circus … And, of course, also to fight against animal abuse and death in the meat industry.

Getting involved is making a difference. But to get involved you have to connect with that injustice. Closeness comes from information, from that empathic feeling that does not need words or from that adhesion that causes an eloquent image, sensitizes and conscience. The need to act will be the next big step. There are a thousand ways to help, and getting started is a point of no return. Our behavior changes, our mind, we are connected with the outside. Only knowledge, knowledge and feeling make us critical spirits, free souls, and without those ties it is easy to love our neighbor, regardless of their species …

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