GETTING BACK TO NATURE OR GETTING NATURE BACK ?
NATURE
Nature is everything around us, except for human-made things. It includes all plants, the animal kingdom, the sea, forests and so on. We rely on nature for our basic necessities such as air, water, food and so on. As humans, we are the only species that is able to deftly and consciously manipulate the environment to our benefit and advantage. Despite this gift bestowed on us, we are poor stewards of taking care of nature. Too often, due to our own human self-centeredness and short-sightedness, we exploit and waste the resources of nature that are put into our hands. In the recent decade, the conservation of nature as well as green issues has been the heated topics among people of all walks of life, be it in politics, academic or scientific fields.
In Malaysia, conservation efforts include preserving the oldest tropical rainforest in the world, Taman Negara, which is located in Pahang. Estimated to be more than 130 million years old, this reserve rainforest is home to a plethora of plants and animals. Boasting more than 200 species of trees , it forms a thick canopy which provides shade to visitors to the National Park as well as resting areas for animals such as the birds and monkeys. As part of our studies, we had a trip to Taman Negara to experience the unadulterated natural surroundings and to identify the green issues faced locally.
GETTING NATURE BACK
Souce: http://news.mongabay.com/2013/1115-worlds-highest-deforestation-rate.html
One of the most inevitable environmental issues in Malaysia is deforestation. According to a team of researchers who had worked on the Google forest map project, Malaysia had the world’s highest rate of forest loss between 2000 and 2012. What is deforestation, and why is it such a serious problem? Deforestation denotes as the loss or destruction of naturally occurring forests, primarily due to human activities such as logging, urban sprawl or other types of development. Deforestation is a growing global problem with extensive environmental and economic consequences, even some which may not be fully realised until it is too late to prevent them. The intensive destruction of forests has led an immediate effect on the local level. The local community loses the underappreciated services of the forest such as regulating the water cycle which adds to local humidity through transpiration. Acting as a sponge, the forest absorbs rainfall while holding the soil together. When forests are cut down, less moisture is evapotranspired into the atmosphere, causing less rain clouds to form, resulting in undesirable droughts during the dry season. Conversely, during the rainy season, surface runoffs rapidly flow into streams and elevate the river levels, provoking potential flood and soil erosion as the absence of forest trees cause higher saturation of rainwater on the ground but with less root uptake. In addition, tropical rainforests are incredibly vulnerable and at risk as tourism has led to deforestation to create facilities such as resorts as a result of greed for quick wealth. The purpose of providing facilities and amenities to the people has caused major problems, such as endangering the wildlife as their habitat is being destroyed besides threatening the
unique flora and fauna. Habitat loss is believed to be one of the most immense threats to biodiversity as it is the number one reason species go extinct. An issue corresponding to habitat loss is habitat fragmentation whereby a continuous habitat is split up into smaller pieces. This impacts the animals as they can’t move between patches of suitable habitat, causing them harder to find food and mates as they are isolated from each other, thus decreasing survival and reproduction of the species. On top of that, the overdevelopment and urbanization of the major cities in Malaysia contributes to excessive deforestation, bringing about the disruption of the carbon cycle. The forest trees take carbon dioxide as well as pollutants from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. When the trees are destroyed, the stored carbon is released into the air as CO2 and methane known as greenhouse gases. When the earth cools down after absorbing heat energy from the sun, it gives off a different form of energy called infrared radiation. As the excessive greenhouse gases absorb more of the radiation before it escapes to outer space, it generates a warmer atmosphere than it normally should be. This is followed by an increase in the temperature of the earth’s surface, triggering the formation of urban heat island (UHI).
Preserved forest in Taman Negara, Pahang. Most of Malaysia’s early deforestation was of clear felling which denotes the total removal of trees, causing by far the most damage to the ecosystem. Nevertheless, the Malaysian government has increasingly perceived the significance of the forests and has been finding methods by means of protecting nature and getting nature back. Of the main methods they have used is increasing the number of Natural Parks and protected land. Take for example, the Taman Negara (National Park) in Pahang. Taman Negara is one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforest and is the most extensive protected area of pristine, lowland, evergreen rainforest in Malaysia. Even though rainforests only constitutes less than 10% from the total forest of the world, more than half of the plant species are found there. The park utilizes the land in perpetuity, for protecting and also preservation of the unique flora and fauna. In order to preserve the forest, the park harnesses a zoning system to manage human activities, whereby recreational visitors are only allowed to enter the visitor zones while the conservation zone is solely for habitat protection and scientific research.
Besides that, the government has also implemented selective cutting. In Malaysia, the ecotourism industry is constantly being practised to generate revenue to financially sustain and provide experience and attraction in the natural areas. In Taman Negara, a portion of the forest is being cut down to make way for Mutiara Taman Negara Resort and other facilities such as its accommodation and the jungle trekking path. However, to reduce impact, footpaths were limited to only 5% of the park or just the borders of the forests, while most of the environment remains undisturbed by visitors. The strategy of certain trees or group of trees being cut down leaves the majority of the ecosystem intact, allowing ecotourism to be a more sustainable development and preserve nature at the same time. Another way of getting nature back is through urban forestry. By bringing people into the natural areas of Taman Negara, it promotes care towards the environment and educates people about the biodiversity of the earth. This may encourage them to reclaim nature into the urban areas by replanting of trees. The shading of trees prevents solar radiation from reaching the pavements and other surfaces, decreasing the heat conducted into the surrounding air. By reducing the temperatures, it reduces the needs for air conditioning and energy use. This in return reduces the carbon emissions which contribute to the greenhouse gas.
GETTING BACK TO NATURE
One of the most apparent thing that we experience when entering the reserve forest for both activities, the Night Jungle Walk and the Canopy walk, was that the temperature was generally cooler and did not fluctuate much and it reminded us of the contrast in temperature that we felt in the city. We identified this to be a green issue called Urban Heat Island (UHI) which affects most metropolitan areas in Malaysia such as Kuala Lumpur, Klang, Johor Bahru, Georgetown along with Kajang, Dengkil and Cheras.
Urban Heat Island, or UHI, stem from the phenomenon where the surfaces of urban buildings absorb heat and increases the temperature of the area compared the the areas surrounding it. This creates a heat bubble, known as Urban Heat Island. This occur because due to the lack of foresight in urban planning as well as lack of consideration when choosing building materials. Sani (1987) has conducted comprehensive researches regarding this subject in Kuala Lumpur. The above study analyzed both air temperature distribution and air pollution levels in the city and observed the urban-rural temperature difference of 4.4-5°C. As a result of this phenomenon, these metropolitan area have higher average temperature and caused a considerable increase of annual cooling loads for buildings and thus this increases urban evergy consumption.
A general overview of the buildings in Kuala Lumpur (KL) revealed stretches of urban buildings constructed with concrete bricks and road paved with bitumen. These materials are two of the biggest contributers to UHI. Due to the fact that most buildings and roads have dark surfaces made of concrete and bitumen, these surfaces absorbs more heat and traps the heat. Less heat is released compared to white or shiny surfaces that are able to reflect the sun’s ray and heat. As a result, these buildings require more cooling from air conditioning. Compounding on that, air conditioners exchange heat with atmospheric air, resulting in more local heating. In addition to that, the lack of greenery in the cityscape means there is lesser evaporation processes which reduces heat. This causes a cascading effect that collectively results in the expansion of urban heat islands.
Comparing this to Taman Negara, the national park has lush green trees which regulates the temperature of the atmosphere by absorbing carbon dioxide, CO2, which contributes to UHI, and converts it to oxygen. We stayed at the hostel in Woodland Resort. Althought the hostel did not incorporate sustainable design during construction, the temperature which we experienced while staying there (with the air conditioner switched off) is averagely lower than the temperature we experienced at home in KL. The main contributing factor to this difference in temperature is due to the existing trees and greeneries enclosing the hostel which provide shade and uses evotranspiration to cool themselves and the surrounding air.
UHI has detrimental effect on the human health as it reduces the air quality. The combination of increase pollution and higher temperature causes smog at ground-level ozone which aggravates diseases such as asthma. According to a study by the Center for Health and the Global Environment at Harvard Medical School, “the combination of air pollutants, aeroallergens, heat waves and unhealthy air masses increasingly associated with a changing climate causes damage to the respiratory systems, particularly for growing children, and these impacts disproportionately affect poor and minority groups in the inner cities.�As the effect of UHI can seriously impair the quality of lives of urban dwellers, we realised the importance of returning to nature to bringing back a balance in the urban areas.
There are several efforts that should be implemented in Malaysia to reduce the UHI phenomenon. One of the approach is installing green roofs. As most metropolitan areas such as Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown has too little land for forestry, rooftop garden has the advantage of not taking up additional land and it keeps the building occupants cooler as the trees undergoes evapotranspiration. 144 In addition to that, green roofs improves human health as it reduces the need for air conditioning and provides cooler and safer environment for residents. Besides saving money, it also reduces green house gasses that contribute to the atmophere temperature. Even though this will not achieve the full cooling effect as experienced in Taman Negara, but if it is implemented widely, with the support of the government, it will significantly reduce the urban heat island in these hot spots.
Another approach is to intergrate sustainability in building material choices by using natural resources An deeper study of materials used to construct the hostel which we stayed in Taman Negara revealed that they did not intergrate the use of sustainable design at all during construction. Researches into concrete revealed that it has high embodied energy and high carbon footprint as the cement industry creates up to 5% worldwide of manmade emissions of this gas as shown in Fig 1.
Contrasting this with Mutiara Taman Negara Resort, which used timber wood as its main building material for the chalet, the total embodied energy in wood and the potential emmision of CO2 gas is significantly lower, as seen in Fig 2. Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), we can compare the total energy used to produce each material from the start to finish as well as measure the percentage of green house gasses emitted. According to an LCA study on using concrete instead of wood can generate 80% more green house gasses and requires about 40% more energy. Thus sustainable materials such as wood should be used more widely than concrete as the production and usage of concrete is more detrimental to the environment. Such an effort should be pushed forward by the construction industry and building designing as a collective effort to reduce pollution and ultimately as an extension, it will reduce the UHI phenomenon.
In conclusion, as part of urbanization, we know that environment sustainability and ecnomic development are contending imperatives. The key is to moderate and find a balance point between the two factor. As deforestration is a necessary evil to clear the pathway for economic development, efforts and measures must be implemented to regulate the rate of deforestration such that it does not severely upset the ecosystem and at the same time replanting of trees should be a continuous effort to ensure that the tree replacement ratio should be at least 1:1 to get nature back. Just as preserving nature is important, we can get back to nature to get inspired and implement green efforts as part of our urbanization progress. While urbanization increases the standard of living of humans, it also has its many side effect, one of which that is faced in Malaysia is the Urban Heat Island issue. To reduce or counter the effects of this phenomenon, it takes collective effort from the government, the building industry as well as the people to make green decisions such as choosing sustainable materials with low embodied energy,and also to opt for a green roof. Hence the efforts to get nature back and to get back at nature to ensure environmental sustainabilty is an issue that requires everyone’s participation as nature is everyone’s responsibility to protect.
Individual Reflective Essay (JOANNE BERNICE CHUA YUNN TZE 0315905) It was already 3pm. The journey from Taylor’s University to Pahang took us about 6 hours. As soon as we stepped off the bus, the first thing I could feel is the heat of the sun penetrating as we walked towards Woodland Resort. Before going on this trip to Taman Negara, we went to Kuala Selangor Nature Park for our Architectural Studio 2 project. When I heard that we were going to another nature park for 3 days and 2 nights, I was expecting the same amount of mosquitoes, another dirty washroom and an uncomfortable hostel. Surprisingly, when I entered the hostel, it was clean and inviting (with an attached bathroom!) and the reluctant feeling of going to this park I had earlier quickly fades away.
Woodland Resort hostel in Kuala Tahan, Pahang.
View of Pahang River and the floating restaurants
Initially, we were supposed to start off with a quick trip to Lata Berkoh and Kelah Sanctuary but the weather wasn’t in our favour as it started to pour outside. We had no choice but to stay inside and wait for the rain to subside. In the evening, we walked over to the floating restaurant area to grab dinner. Upon reaching, we were welcomed by a beautiful view of the Pahang river. We had a short briefing after dinner before proceeding to our first activity of the day which is the Night Jungle Walk. We were assigned to a ranger in a group of 10 and were told beforehand to bring torchlight and comfortable footwear as the forest will be dark. After the walk, I felt that it was a good experience as it exposes us to nature during the night and we were able to engage and feel nature in a different way.
Tapir seen during the night walk
Jungle Trekking
The next day, we went for jungle trekking after breakfast. Since we visited the park during the less peak season and were assigned to a very informative ranger, it gave us a better overall experience. Walking along the wooden path, we were introduced to many of the flora and fauna in the jungle. The ranger informed us about some flora that can be a natural antiseptic or even soap. Through the trekking, I gain knowledge about certain species and developed concern about protecting the species of the flora and fauna as it gives many benefits to humans. After the trekking, we went up to the canopy walk. One success story in sustainable development in Taman Negara is the construction of the 200 metre long canopy walkway, which is the longest in the world. Instead of cutting down trees, forest giants were used to link wooden planks laid on ladders and these are held up by strong ropes attached to metal cables. From the canopy walkway, I was able gain a unique view of the rainforest where more than half the life exists.
Leaves scrubbed with water forming natural antiseptic
Canopy Walkway
We had lunch after the canopy walk and rested for a bit before proceeding to the next activity, which is the rapid shooting. Of all the activities we had, this was my most favourite part of the trip as it was the most fun and exciting outdoor water activity I had ever experienced. During the boat ride, we were literally surrounded by amazing views of nature; it was something that words cannot describe how beautiful nature seemed during that moment. In our daily lives, we are seldom exposed to such sceneries as we are indoors most of the time. But through this activity, the love I had for nature deepens extensively. The ride was actually to bring us to the village of the Orang Asli, which is the Batek people. From there, we learned about making fire from rattan and wood in a matter of a few minutes. WE also learned about their hunting skills, which is using self-made blowpipes and poisoned darts. It was a rewarding experience as the Batek people were willing to share their knowledge, skills, customs and also their beliefs with us.
Rapid Shooting
Orang Asli
We went back to shower after all the activities and had dinner before getting a good night sleep. The following day, we packed up to go home. So what is my conclusion? Taman Negara is home to many important species of flora and fauna. The canopy walkway and the boat ride allowed us to get a very beautiful view of the surrounding nature. As I find myself getting back into the bus, I was now reluctant to be away from nature. Looking back, the trip has engaged me with nature in a very special way and has given me a better understanding of nature itself. I really hope that one day I can re-engage with it. Nature, see you again soon.
Individual Reflective Essay (TEH GIE ENG 0316179)
In all honesty, I was skeptical on what I would learn or gain from this trip when it was first announced. A big part of me was tempted to forgo the trip and just try to attempt to complete the project by visiting Taman Negara myself. Partly it was due to the hefty price required for the trip. Despite it all, I still paid for the trip and went to Taman Negara.
The journey there took longer than I expect but the view during the journey was rewarding as stretches of palm tree plantations and forests along the way. When we reached Taman Negara, I was excited for the retreat and activities lined up for us.
My favourite parts of the trips were the Jungle trekking as well as the rapid shooting trip to get to the Orang Asli settlement on the second day. The jungle trekking was an honest discovery of nature to me. With a camera in my hand, I set out to capture nature and I was really amazed at what I’ve captured. Enthralled with the many textures found in nature, it sparked many ideas in my head to create designs that mimic nature.
Figure 1 A wild mushroom with intricate pattern
There were many animals as well. It was interesting for me to look at them close up as I had never had this many animals in so close proximity to me. To a city girl, I felt rather excited at the whole new experience and it sparked a thought in me. I wonder if preservation of these national parks had not been done, I wouldn’t have had this privilege to discover the many
facets of nature and I wondered if the next generations will have the same privelege as me. As I walked on, I ruminated on things that I can actually do to preserve these treasures.
Figure 2 Colourful butterflies
Figure 3 Slithering snake found on the plants beside the pavement.
The canopy walk was a challenging segment for me as I was inherently afraid of height and the canopy walk was the highest walk I had every done before. However my fear was soon
subdued when I was greeted by the amazing view above ground level. It felt surreal, as though walking on air.
Figure 4 The beautiful view from the canopy walk
As all of us had to stagger when walking on the canopy, I was able to experience a unity with nature on my own and it was a fleeting but uplifting moment, as it dawned upon me how small we are in this world and how big Mother Nature is.
We had quite a bit of fun when we were on our way to the Orang Asli Settlement. The rapid shooting session was an epic time for us as we were racing and splashing the river water on each other. It reminded me of the childhood stories my mother used to share to us where she and her sibllings will spend their entire afternoon playing in the river. It’s a foreign concept for me to spend so much time with nature and yet I realised that is the one of the biggest ignorance of us city-dwellers. We are so attached to the comforts of our homes and couch, that we have failed to discover the world and and the beauty of nature. Figure 5 our bumpy boat ride
When we reached the Orang Asli settlement, I can’t say that I wasn’t surprised at their way of life. It made me really wonder at how do they survive with what only the bare necessities that they had. It really helped me to realign my priorities and cleared my mind of what is truly needed. T
The way they live is a very humble lifestyle. As I looked at their surroundings and took in the environment, I realised the many wonders of the place. Suddenly I was reminded of all the polluted air, noisy vehicles, rush of traffic, and the terrible heat that seem to be so far away from this place even though it was in the afternoon. It reminded me of the importnace of trees as part of our nature that regulates the temperature of the atmosphere. We left the settlement soon after and went back to hostel for a shower before dinner.
It had been a wonderful day and nature decided to bestow us with a gift, a truly breathtaking view of the sky outside our hostel.
Figure 6 Our bumpy ride
As a conclusion, these two activities were the ones that sparked the most thoughts in my head when I revisit my memory of the trip.It was when nature became a true fascination for me and suddenly I could understand Frank Lloyd Wright’s quote much better. “Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.” F.L. Wright.
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