Saikat Kumar Basu
Our agricultural lands provide us with food and sustenance, and is an integrated part of our nature and natural ecosystems. This photo humbly attempts to establish this eternal connection to demonstrate how in soute of modern agricultural technologies developed; we are still dependent on our weather atternd and climate cycles, natural soil quality and rain and groundwater as our natural resources to produce a batch of successful crop. We often forget how closely integrated and dependent on our natural ecosystems for our survival and sustainability.
We often forget the fact that our agrieconomy and ecosystem in the form of our local soil, available water resources, microclimate and human resources are integrated together on a common platform. Without taking care of our agriecosystems as a human society our economy could not thrive or survive. We need to protect our nature and build our economy at the same time, creating an integrative model. This sustainable model only could help us survive the challenges of the present time by integrating economy and ecology (in the form of our soil and water resources). Both are realistically indispensable for our mere existence on this planet, one cannot thrive without the support of the other like two sides of the same coin. It is important to seriously emphasize upon the need of ecological conservation and economic construction simultaneously to help build a sustainable planer and provide hope and security to billions of people across the globe in both hemispheres.
While walking by an irrigation canal running beside a pasture do we ever remember how blessed we are for this opportunity? A lonely tree welcomes the first ray of the vibrant morning sun blessing the land and water. Do we know how to capture the earnest hope of dynamism, sustainability, productivity and pulsating life regenerating from our soil and water complex that sustain our life, livelihood and local economy; and hence, think of ‘A New Beginning !’ Just like the morning sun brings hope to the ecosystem to sustain and survive one more day on this planet; similarly, it brings hope to our local soil, water and crop trio to find a new future to start with with the advent of a new day as a fesh start, a rejuvenating push to live and let others live and a boost to conservation of our ecosystem and an inspiration for humanity to continue with zeal ..
Soil, water, air, sun, climate regimes constitute the natural tools to create a habitat; and thus it has regenerated life on this planet for millions of years from the tiny unicellular algae to modern humans. This spectacular cycle has been repeated millions and millions of tines by nature and natural ecosystems time and again to create and recreate life in a speechless theatrical performance for ages to come. We often forget the role both biotic and abiotic factors play continuously to sustain our lives, livelihood and in building the economy for our survival on this planet. We need to be sensitive and respectful towards our pre ioys finite natural resources like soil and water that helps to sustain us and has helped us to thrive as a species on this planet. Soil and water has been regenerating and reshaping our lives from time immemorial.
The Twin Falls Territorial Park is comprised of three main areas, linked together by a scenic walking trail: the Alexandra Falls Day Use Area, the Louise Falls Campground and Day Use Area and the Escarpment Creek Group Campsite. The Park boasts a beautiful two tiered waterfall, pretty day use area, a scenic 2 km trail walking trail to Alexandra Falls and a spectacular winding spiral staircase that leads to the river and the top of the Louise Falls. This nature park and the multicolored waterfall is an inspiration for us to be able to enjoy and explore the vastness of nature created out of soil, sand, stones, gravels, boulders, rocks, vegetation and water resources. The spectacular site brings peace and serenity to all while pointing to the fact that soil and water are the basic building blocks of our planet. It reminds us that they need to be respected and conserved for all species sharing the planet as habitat including humans. The waterfalls is a spectacular nature’s canvas that connects us to the deeper meaning of our planetary existence and moral wellbeing. Nature proves us with a bounty of natural resources like soil and water; we as humans need to be responsible for their judicious use for bettering our lives and protecting nature for our next generation.
Photo credit: Saikat Kumar Basu
