Until the nineteenth century, the level of natural exploitation was not felt as strongly as the world’s population was low. But from the nineteenth century onwards, the world’s population was steadily increasing, and by the end of the twentieth century, it had grown to a huge size. Naturally, as the population grows, so does human arbitrariness over the environment.

As a result, the deterioration of the natural environment is becoming more and more evident. The direct exploitation of human beings is largely responsible for the loss of life in forests and wildlife. Since ancient times, people have been using wild nature indiscriminately. Neither plants nor wild animals and birds have been exempted from the list of human exploitation.

Although the absorption of plants was relatively low before the modern era, wildlife has not escaped human greed. As we have seen in the pages of past history, hunting various kinds of wild animals was considered a matter of pride at that time. In ancient and medieval times, many kings, rich people, and even the so-called civilised rulers considered hunting wild animals as a special pastime.

Then in the modern era, people are somewhat aware of the unbridled exploitation of wild animals, but the process of indiscriminate deforestation has begun for the purpose of urbanisation. Moreover, the oppression of various smugglers of wildlife cannot be stopped even today.

Climate change as well as global warming has reached its climax today as the level of greenhouse gases in the world has increased exponentially. Even the ozone layer in the Earth’s atmosphere has been particularly damaged by excessive pollution. The average sea level is rising every year as the polar ice caps melt. All these have direct effects on the change of seasons. In particular, the forests and wildlife, which depend exclusively on the climate, are particularly affected.

A study by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) found that in the last 40 years, we have lost 60% of the world’s biodiversity forever due to various reasons. These include all types of aquatic animals, amphibians, birds, mammals, etc. According to another study, sea pollution alone has wiped out about 89% of the world’s coral reefs. On the other hand, about 30% of the world’s birds have become extinct due to human exploitation and pollution.

For example, dodo birds and passenger pigeons can be seen only in the pages of history. Besides, in the heart of rural Bengal, as before, there are no more colourful birds without their names. In addition, the number of unicorns, rhinos, black deer, toothed elephants, tigers, Asian lions and many other animals around the world has dropped significantly.

Governments around the world have been taking various measures to protect forests and wildlife across the country since the middle of the twentieth century. Free zones have been set up for wildlife in the country. Moreover, numerous state parks have been formed at the national level. Special emphasis is being laid on the development of forests and wildlife sanctuaries by identifying different areas. On the other hand, special laws have been enacted to curb uncontrolled deforestation and stop smuggling.

Along with taking initiatives at the national level, the human race must also take action at the international level because this need is not limited to one country or region. Realising this extreme truth from the middle of the twentieth century, various organisations have started to form at the international level. Various laws have been enacted at the international level, which are mandatory for every country.

Various organisations, such as the IUCN, have been particularly proactive in protecting forests and wildlife by calculating statistics. Moreover, various international personalities also encourage the world in this work.

Finally, we need to keep in mind that as much as we humans have rights in this world, so do other animals and plants. According to the infallible law of creation, no creature is self-sufficient in this world. It is not possible for anyone to survive without interdependence. Mankind is only a part of this creation.

So if forests and wildlife are endangered, human civilisation will also be ruined. Therefore, in the interest of civilisation, people have to take the lead in conserving forests and wildlife. Above all, we must take responsibility for ensuring sustainable development for our environment and future generations as well as resilient infrastructure for disaster in a particular area and share in this primitive resource of nature as well.

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The writer is a research assistant (RA), Institute of Water and Flood Management (IWFM).

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