Environmental Protection and Ecosystem Issues (The 14th High School)

 
The problem of destruction of natural ecosystems is noticeable worldwide. In Poland fully natural habitats are almost not survived, though unexploited area of Białowieża Forest, Biebrza Valley or higher parts of mountains can be mentioned among them. The main problem are invasive species, which displace native flora and fauna. An excellent example of this mechanism is colonization of meadows by giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea) and Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), where grows nothing except those species a few years after their appearance. As for the forest ecosystems - the economy is focused on the disposal of weakened trees, which are the best biotope for many species of fungus, insects and other invertebrates.

 
 What should we do to protect our ecosystems? First of all, we should create nature reserves with plans to protect them. Reserves, without any conservation work, are doomed to extinction - an example may be rudimentary xerothermic grasslands in Ligota Lower Reserve, which are gradually overgrowing by pine. It is also necessary to change the barbaric forest management, which is focused only on the in dustrialization of forests and replacing them with sterile plantation. Protecting the natural environment should be one of the highest priority issues. Fortunately - first positive changes can be already noticed. Next catastrophic aspect of the environment are draining peatlands, which are absolutely unique ecosystems, that settle relic and endangered species. Finally example from the area of Wrocław - Odra riverbed broadening involves the destruction of natural verdure above water and wet meadows with Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinale) - a rare plant which is worthy of protection.

The earlier people start to think about the problems of environment, the more species and habitats will have a chance to survive.