G. Venkatesh

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #15 – Life on Land aims to conserve all terrestrial life-forms in the biosphere (flora and fauna), by protecting ecosystems, restoring biodiversity, sustainably managing forests, combating desertification, and reversing land degradation. Mikhail Gorbachev once said that the value of water is known only when the well runs dry. The same applies to floral and faunal species on earth, the worth of which is comprehended by humans either when they are on the verge of becoming extinct, or have already disappeared from the surface of the earth. When we think of the usefulness of wildlife from a purely anthropocentric point of view — usefulness in promoting social welfare and economic growth — we are scratching the surface, and thereby missing a great deal. Laurent Tillon’s book, Being an Oak — Life as a Tree, promises to play a key role in spreading awareness about the intrinsic value of flora and fauna…read more on NOPR