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GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT OUTLOOK FOR YOUTH IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC 2.6 Nurturing nature’s gifts


In this chapter, we have seen how each system plays big ecological roles and provides ecological benefits to both biodiversity and human wellbeing. These various systems are also intricately connected to one another – the processes and activities in one system invariably have impacts on others, both in positive and/or negative ways (Figure 15).


The Asia-Pacific region offers many opportunities for a synergistic relationship between nature and people, with the natural capital of the region providing goods and services that human wellbeing and ensure people’s survival. The health of this cycle of life, with which we co-exist, has a role in achieving sustainable development. Our present-day decisions on the well-being of nature will influence or affect our wellbeing and that of the future generations. The time to change is now as we have the power to save the few remaining pockets of pristine environments.


However, the cycle is overworked and overexploited, and the imperative for us all to live in harmony with nature and shift to using natural resources sustainably has become urgent. Chapter 3 highlights the major environmental issues caused by people, affecting people’s health and wellbeing, and emphasizes that we need to take action right now.


Tips and recommendations:


• When visiting forests, rivers and the ocean, remember – take nothing but pictures; leave nothing but footprints.


• Participate in meaningful activities such as planting more trees, cleaning up waterways and joining dives against marine debris.


• Planting more trees in a city can help beautify the landscape as well as creating refuges for urban wildlife.


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