1.1 GEL Flashcards
how are the local community and nature dependent on each other ?
people are dependent on nature as it provides essential air, water for humans to survive. Living organisms like bees help pollinate their crops, ensuring a continuous supply of food and it also provides space for recreation and leisure activities which allows people to bond with family and friends, helping to maintain healthy physical and metal well-being.
example; Npark’s therapeutic gardens help to connect people with nature and reduce stress, improving overall physical, mental and social well-being
Nature areas are also dependent on local community to thrive. people in the neighbourhood may tend to the health of nearby nature areas , ensuring plants and animals continue to thrive. Individuals in local communities can encourage one another to enjoy nearby nature areas in a sustainable manner without causing irreversible damages.
example: NParks organises a range of activities for schools during the week of international day for biodiversity in May. (1)
Green wave campaign aims to educate youths about the importance of protecting our natural environment.
how does local communities and nearby nature areas mutually affect each other?
they bring about benefit to each other. The presence of green spaces and urban wildlife in neighbourhoods can enhance the mental health and well-being of local communities. Human activities in nature areas enhances biodiversity.
example: Through reforestation activities, people gain enjoyment and enhances mental health and well-being.
how do people and nature bring benefits to each other?
(lowering air temperature)
The presence of vegetation provides shade and reduces the amount of direct sunlight that reaches the surface. It cools surrounding air through evapotranspiration as the water that plants absorb through their roots is released into the air as water vapour. this process uses heat from the surrounding, thus cooling it.
how do people and nature bring benefits to each other? (removal of pollutants)
during photosynthesis, vegetation absorbs carbon dioxide and other air pollutants and releases oxygen. Small particles are intercepted by leaves, which are washed to the ground when it rains. Wetland plants can trap suspended materials and absorb excess nutrients in the water, thus improving water quality.
how do people and nature bring benefits to each other? (provision of recreation space)
nature areas offer numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. direct and frequent interactions with nature can bring about health and well-being benefits to people which reduces severity and occurrence of health conditions
how can people bring benefits to nature through community activities that promote the importance of environmental protection?
local communities can collectively raise awareness about the value of nature areas through encouraging positive behaviour that does not damage nature.
example: NParks citizen science initiative, Dragonfly Watch, trains participants to identify different dragonfly species at their assigned sites. this results in greater protection of the species by raising awareness of their importance in the environment.
Local communities can also organise or participate in conservation efforts through clean-up programmes to remove pollutants from the environment and help restore natural habitats and provide healthy environment for species to thrive.
example: the waterways clean-up programme organised by the Waterways Watch Society creates opportunities for schools to pick up trash from Marina Reservoir.
what are the disadvantages people and nature bring to each other?
(causing soil erosion and damaging vegetation)
when people hike along non-designate trails in nature areas, they may
1. cause soil compaction which prevents rainwater from infiltrating the surface, leading to higher surface flows and soil erosion as flowing water washes away soil particles
2. trample on vegetation, damaging plants and affecting their growth
example: In 2014, human activities led to severe soil erosion and habitat degradation in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Resulted in limiting public access to nature reserve for 2 years.
what are the disadvantages people and nature bring to each other?
(worsening pollution and distributing wildlife)
littering can worsen pollution in natural areas. Animals can get cut by metal cans or become entangled with plastic containers and bags. Some animals mistake litter for food and consume them, causing animals to get hurt and suffer, leading to their death. Feeding wild animals may lead to changes in habits and behaviours of wildlife , and human-wildlife conflicts can increase when animals associates food with people.
why does human wildlife conflict increase?
urban expansion:
sg urbanise and develop, leads to natural habitats shrinking. Wildlife may venture out of nature areas in search of food/shelter, potential increasing the frequency of human-wildlife encounters.
greening efforts by state:
sg aims to bring nature back in city and promote human-wildlife encounters.
As wildlife population in city increase, people who may not know how to deal with them may unintentionally provoke animals, leading to attacks.
some animals may be confused and fearful when they venture into unfamiliar urban spaces, increasing likelihood of attacks when fearful or triggered.
why environmental protection is perceived to be limiting development?
some people feel that protection of nature is one at expense of their needs.
example: cross island MRT was proposed to be built around Central Catchment Nature Reserve to protect largest primary rainforest. However, the nature reserve is home to numerous endangered species. The construction may damage habitat, affecting the animals’ survival.
