Environmental Conservation Has Strong Influence On Health And PEACE
Greenery has always been a part of the Nairobi’s landscape – hence the name: “green city in the sun”. The city has an array of parks, open green spaces, an arboretum, and impressively, two dense forests within its boundaries. Unfortunately, increased urbanization, population growth and human action has contributed to a loss of most of the original vegetation of the city.
In Japan, people believe that being in the presence of trees is therapeutic and have made the appreciation of nature has become a national pastime. Since 1982, the government of Japan has adapted this as part of their national public health programme referred to as shinrin-yoku – which means, “taking in the forest atmosphere” or “forest bathing”. This practice is backed by numerous scientific studies which found that phytoncides – a chemical released by trees and plants to protect themselves from germs and insects, boosts our immune system function, promote lower blood pressure, increase ability to focus, and improve moods.
“Forest bathing” is not about hiking, jogging or any form of fitness, it is a connection with nature by “just being”. This may entail walking, sitting, and spending time around parks and forests to experience a sense of peace that comes from the exposure to greenery. The quiet natural environment, the scents of the trees, and fresh air in forests ease our stress levels.
City life is particularly stressful due to the fast-paced work life, overcrowded spaces, dormant lifestyles and excessive screen time that have become a prominent feature of our urban experience. The UN estimates that more than half of the world’s population lives in urban areas – contributing to significant environmental and social challenges in urban areas. City dwellers can benefit from the effects of trees and greenery with just a visit to the park or a forest.
Fortunately for us, Nairobi is one of the few cities in the world that still has some green spaces that are easily accessible for residents including: Karura forest, Ngong hills forest sanctuary, Oloolua nature trail, Uhuru park, Nairobi Arboretum, Jevanjee Gardens, City park, Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi National park – amongst others. Many of these green spaces are however affected by human encroachment and deforestation, leading to increase conflict and competition for limited natural resources.
Conservation International estimates that 40% of all conflicts within countries, have a link to natural resources. As one of Rotary’s six focus areas, our peace-building efforts aim to address the root causes of conflict and create conditions that foster peace – including activities that promote the sustainable use of natural resources. Simple actions such as tree planting by individuals in our communities could reverse the negative effect that human actions have had on the environment, reduce conflict, and conserve the environment for future generations.
Locally, we have had role models such as the late Prof. Wangari Maathai, a globally renown Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize winner, who fought numerous attempts to grab forest land and parks and contributed to the protection of green spaces in Nairobi. Every year since she died on September 25th 2011, a community in Muguga has been getting together to plant trees in her memory at a site that was set aside by Kenya Forest Research Institute.
Coincidentally, the International Peace Day and the anniversary of Prof. Maathai’s death are just a few days apart. This year, the theme for the International Peace Day (21st September) was Climate Action for Peace. It appropriately drew attention to the importance of combating climate change as a way of protecting and promoting peace throughout the world. So, on the last weekend of September, for about two hours, Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Nairobi-Lavington teamed up with Muguga community members to clear bushes, plant trees, and attend to over 300 indigenous trees at the memorial site as a symbol of Rotary’s commitment to peace-building efforts, and the Muguga community’s honour to Prof. Wangari Mathai’s peace legacy. The experience – which also consisted of brief walks in the forest and occasional quiet moments with nature, gave us a lot more than what we put into it: a collective sense of inner peace.
Considering that “forest bathing” is an integral part of Japan’s national public health programme, it is no coincidence that the life expectancy of the country tops the global rate at average at 85.7 years. This attests to the healing power of trees. And in these modern times, where we have seen an increase in lifestyle illnesses, a walk in the woods should form part of our preventive healthcare routines as it does good for the mind, body, heart and soul.
Go on Rotarians, give shinrin-yoku a try, and while you are out there, plant a tree or two because… why not?
By: Rtn. Jane Maonga – Rotary Club of Nairobi-Lavington
