Allotments

Does the world face ecological disaster? - 30.12.2015

Global warming troubles scientists and politicians from around the world. In order to develop cooperation that would stop this dangerous phenomenon, COP21 United Nations conference on climate change took place in Paris between November 20th - December 11th 2015. Its meaning is a breakthrough because for the first time in the history delegates from 195 countries agreed on common actions in order to save the climate. It is also a signal that we should take special care of green areas.

The united nations conference on climate change, which resulted in the signing of an agreement on December 12th, may raise hope for improvement in the climate of the world. - This is a victory for our planet and future generations. The world is united, which will give us the strength to follow that way for the Earth's sake. Wise, responsible and sustainable way- commented US Secretary of State John Kerry, who represented the United States. You cannot deny him because, as scientists estimate, without specific actions against climate change, by 2100 the world's temperature would rise by up to 4.5 degrees C.

Countries from around the world decided to make an effort that  temperature growth will not exceed  2 degrees C. What does it mean? Countries must reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Moreover, by 2020, developed countries intend to assign  total of up to $ 100 billion each year to fight climate changes. They also committed themselves to financially support poorer developing countries. Polish contribution will be $ 8 million.

In addition, every five years, representatives of all countries will meet to monitor the progress of implementing the provisions of the agreement and develop further actions for the future.

Implementation of the agreement at the COP21 conference will be a challenge. However, the challenge is not just a matter of being more environmentally friendly, but is primarily a concern for future generations. That the state of the environment is truly disastrous and instead of improving is still getting worse, was confirmed by the fact that the global climate agreement was concluded for the first time in history. 195 representatives from different countries managed to unite in the fight against global warming and eliminate the greenhouse effect. - This is the best chance to save the only planet we have - summed up the deliberations of the conference, US President Barack Obama.

The Polish Allotment Gardens Federation fights with climate changes

It is certainly important news for the Polish allotment gardeners who cultivate plots in 4.846 family allotment gardens. They’ve sought earth-friendly organic methods of cultivation of the environment for a long time. These actions are supported by The Polish Allotment Gardens Federation which leads family allotment gardens and provides the necessary educational materials, whether during training or through brochures and specialist literature.

This is shown well in a book "Ecological protection of plants on a plot" issued by the National Council, which was written by Prof. Kazimierz Wiech. Allotment gardeners can learn from it, among others, ecological ways of fighting with pests and diseases. The National Council of the Polish Allotment Gardens Federation sent this publication free of charge to the Management Boards of family allotment gardens in whole Poland and to instructors of the Instructor of Social Service in The Polish Allotment Gardens Federation. Interest in this subject is so big that circulation of this position will resume soon.

The Polish Allotment Gardens Federation and family allotment gardens, that adorn the cities in Poland, have undoubtedly a major impact on balancing air quality in the highly urbanized and industrialized cities. The Polish Allotment Gardens Federation also sees global climatic problems that were debated by representatives of 195 countries for two weeks. In addition to promoting organic methods of cultivation, The Polish Allotment Gardens Federation also decided to put a small "brick" to prevent these negative climate changes. The internal regulations, as well as the law on family allotment gardens of December 13th 2013, place a total ban on burning in the family allotment gardens. Allotment gardeners, who fully understand how burning has a harmful effect on the environment, are eager to adapt these legal rules. Together with the Polish Allotment Gardens Federation they act to reduce carbon dioxide in the air.

Another action of the Polish Allotment Gardens Federation and the gardens is the ecological segregation of garbage. Most of the family allotment gardens in Poland are equipped with appropriate containers to sort garbage. On the other hand, in the case of green matter, allotment gardeners collect them in special organic manure piles, which are located on each plot and called composts. This is not only an environmentally friendly way to dispose of green matter but also an excellent method for producing organic compost.

Family allotment gardens fulfill its biological function through protection of biodiversity. Family allotment gardens are a habitat for many protected species of animals, but also rare species of plants. Allotment gardeners place particular concern for their care and well-balanced environment of the garden so they have ideal conditions for development and growth. In caring for plants that require allotment necessary knowledge is delivered by publications such as "Allotment gardener" and "My garden".

Also, animals have a calm asylum in the family allotment gardens. Allotment gardeners, who are nature lovers, take special care of them. Not surprisingly, therefore, the commitment the Polish Allotment Gardens Federation in the educational campaign "Supporting hedgehogs" in cooperation with the Association for Sustainable Development Agro - Group. Information posters with instructions on how to deal with hedgehogs were hung in all family allotment gardens during the entire spring this year.

It is not only a one-time cooperation of Polish Allotment Gardens Federation with other association for the protection of animals. The Polish Allotment Gardens Federation also worked together with Greenpeace to protect bees. It was a very valuable initiative. As a result of climate change, disease and parasites and excessive use of chemicals in agriculture, each year wanes an increasing proportion of the population of these insects. If we fail to stop this phenomenon, it can cause serious problems in food production. Scientific data suggest that it was pollinators assist in the pollination of more than eighty percent of the plants eaten by us. As a result of the intensification of agriculture in recent years their natural habitat are also shrinking at a rapid rate. Allotment gardens, a mainstay of greenery and biodiversity in Polish cities and their suburbs, therefore play an important role in maintaining healthy populations of pollinators by providing favorable conditions of life for these useful insects.

Another important environmentalist activity of the Polish Allotment Gardens Federation is its educational activity. Allotment gardeners organize lessons in biology and educational walks in the family allotment gardens for preschoolers and elementary school students. These outdoors lessons are the best way to reach children and youth with knowledge about organic cultivation and plant protection. Such meetings are a valuable experience for them and build their eco-friendly attitude in society. This is especially important because the underlying action can bring the best results in long terms of environmental protection. The greater environmental awareness of successive generations means the bigger chance to brake negative climate changes.

Together we can do more

Most countries have the problem of air pollution and soil. The eyes of the world were focused on the COP21 United Nations conference on climate change in Paris for two weeks, but only time will tell us whether the countries will achieve established goals. We have to do in this matter a lot. A great example for other institutions and local governments may be the Polish Allotment Gardens Federation which takes a number of actions to protect the environment. The Polish Allotment Gardens Federation and allotment gardeners activities show that if you want to do it, you can do it. Certainly combined efforts of government, public institutions, NGOs and the citizens themselves can bring real results and allow us to live in a "clean" Poland where we can breathe fresh non-toxic air. We hope that soon Poland will become an example for the other countries.

The author and translator: Agnieszka Drążek

Media Department in the Polish Allotment Gardens Federation

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