Topic: Human impact on ecosystem.
Stage 1 :Problem Identification
Statement of problem
Human activities have significantly altered ecosystems
worldwide ,leading to biodiversity loss,habitat
destruction ,pollution and climate change .This case study
examines the effects of human intervention on a specific
ecosystem ,analyzing the causes ,consequences and potential
solutions .
Statement of Intent
This project aims to
Investigate the impact of human activities on a chosen
ecosystem.
Analyse the environmental consequences of
deforestation ,pollution,and urbanization
Explore conservation efforts sustainable solutions to
mitigate damage .
Assess the role of government policies and community
initiatives in ecosystem restoration .
Theme Statement
Human actions shape ecosystems ,often leading to
degradation .Understanding these impacts is crucial for
developing sustainable solutions that balance environment
health with human needs.
Design Specifications
The project will include
A case study of a specific ecosystem affected by human
activities .
Sustainable Urban Planning Data analysis on biodiversity
loss ,pollution levels ,and habitat corrosion
Evaluation of conservation strategies and policy intervention
Recommendations for sustainable practizes .
Stage 2 :Investigation of related Ideas
Current solutions to the problem
1. Protected Areas and Conservation Efforts :
Establishing national parks and reserves to safeguard
biodiversity
2. Pollution Control Measures :
Implementing regulations to reduce industrial waste and
plastic pollution.
3. Improved Waste Disposal-Marymount Mission’s waste-to-
energy program.
Mary mount Mission high school processes almost all its
waste through recycling, burning and converting waste into
energy.
Success
Less than 1% of household waste goes to landfills.
Weakeness
Air pollution risk of recycling and machinery
High cost of recycling
Not all waste is suitable for recycling / burning
4. Combating Land Degradation :Soil conservation programs.
Use of terracing, agroforestry, and controlled grazing in
affected areas.
Success
Restored productivity of farmland and reduced soil erosion.
Weaknesses:
Climate dependence
Livestock pressure: reduced grazing land.
Funding and support
5. Fighting Deforestation
Government uses satellite/drones data to track illegal
deforestation, mining settlements and farming in real-time.
Successes
Supporting indigenous and protected areas.
Weakenesses
Corruption and weak governance
Economic pressure
Controlling Hunting -Anti poaching units
Use of armed patrols, drones, and strict wildlife laws in
national parks.
Success
Significant reduction in rhino and elephant poaching in key
areas.
Weaknesses
Lack of resources
Poverty and local dependence on hunting
Limited education and awareness.
Stage 3 :Generation of related ideas
1. Large-Scale Reforestation Programs
Planting native trees in deforested areas, creating green belts
to restore habitats, and maintaining biodiversity corridors
between fragmented forests.
Strengths:
Restores habitat for wildlife and increases biodiversity.
Improves air quality and absorbs CO₂, reducing climate
change effects.
Relatively low-cost compared to industrial solutions.
Weaknesses:
Trees take many years to mature before full benefits are
seen.
2. Pollution Control and Waste Management Policies:
Enforcing regulations to reduce industrial waste, improve
wastewater treatment, and promote recycling programs to
limit soil and water contamination.
Strengths:
Immediate reduction in pollutants entering the
ecosystem.
Improves public health and water quality.
Encourages industries to adopt cleaner technologies.
Weaknesses:
Requires high enforcement costs and constant
monitoring.
Resistance from industries due to higher compliance
costs.
Needs public awareness campaigns to change household
waste habit
Higher initial costs for construction and design
Requires skilled architects and engineers familiar with sus
3. Community-Led Conservation Programs : Engaging local
communities in protecting ecosystems through eco -tourism
, citizen science, and sustainable resource use training.
Strengths:
Builds a sense of ownership among locals, leading to long-
term protection.
Can provide alternative livelihoods that reduce pressure
on the ecosystem
Increases awareness and knowledge about conservation.
Weaknesses:
Success depends on continuous community engagement
and incentives.
Requires initial investment in training and resources.
May face cultural or economic resistance in some areas.
Stage 4 :Development of selected ideas
Checking the most suitable solutions :
1. Reafforestation Program
Planting native trees species in degraded area to restore
biodiversity protect soil ,improve air quality and combat change
.
I selected reafforestation because
It directly addresses habitat destruction and biodiversity loss
caused by
It is a long-term, sustainable solution that benefits both the
environment and local communities
It improves air quality, regulates climate, and prevents soil
erosion.
It is practical and achievable with community participation and
government support.
Materials Needed:
Tree seedlings
Planting tools
Fencing materials
Process for Developing the Solution:
1. Site Selection & Preparation
Identify degraded or deforested area
Clear the site of litter and invasive plants.
2. Selection of Native Species
Choose tree species naturally adapted to the local climate and
soil.
Ensure a mix of species to promote biodiversity.
3. Seedling Nursery Preparation (if not buying seedlings)
Collect seeds from healthy local trees.
4. Planting Day
Place seedlings gently, fill holes with soil, and add compost.
Water each seedling thoroughly.
5. Protection Measures
Install fences or barriers to prevent animal damage.
Place mulch around seedlings to retain soil moisture.
6. Maintenance & Monitoring
Water regularly during dry periods
Monitor growth and record data for evaluation.
Stage 5: Presentation of Results
A reafforestation program was carried out to restore a
degraded area by planting 60 native tree seedlings. Over a 3-
month period, the project aimed to improve biodiversity,
restore soil health, and raise environmental awareness in the
community.
Before After
Barren land with little Healthy young trees, improved
vegetation greenery, and increased
insect/bird activity
Growth & Survival Chart:
Month Survival Count Avg. Height (cm)
0 60 25
1 58 35
2 56 50
3 55 65
Conclusion:
The reafforestation program successfully demonstrated that
community-led tree planting can restore degraded areas,
improve biodiversity, and enhance soil health within a short
time. With continued maintenance, this site can grow into a
sustainable forest ecosystem.
Stage 6: Evaluation and Recommendations
Evaluation
1. Limited water supply for young seedlings during dry weeks.
Solution: Created a watering schedule and stored water in
containers close to the planting site for easy access.
2. Some seedlings were damaged by grazing animals.
Solution: Built simple protective fences using wooden poles
and wire around the most vulnerable seedling
Recommendation
I recommend the following actions to further protect and
restore the ecosystem in addition to the reafforestation
program:
Agroforestry Practices – Combine tree planting with crop
farming so that farmers earn income while protecting the
soil.
Controlled Grazing Systems – Designate grazing areas to
prevent livestock from damaging young trees.
Renewable Energy Promotion – Use solar cookers or energy-
saving stoves to reduce tree cutting for firewood.
