Such practices will include restoring the natural motion of streams and rivers, with attention given to schemes designed to prevent floods and drought. It is known that forests and woodlands are an integral part of the ecosystem, and are intimately linked with our biological, social and spiritual wellbeing. It has been estimated that the minimum tree cover for adequate production to provide for the needs of Man and the other life forms is about one third of the total land area. It follows that each catchment area should have at least this amount of cover, ideally made up of mixed species, including broadleaf trees. It is now established beyond doubt that monoculture is damaging to the environment and therefore a harmful practice which not only turns land into desert, but also eliminates the habitat of birds and animals which play a vital part in the ecological balance.
Landscaping is a vital part of land use proposals.
Hedgerows should shelter Fields, a system that our forebears' traditionalised, as it proved successful. Highlands are very suitable for woodland and the trees help in preventing erosion of the soils from sloping ground, keeping the valleys fertile and free from floods. Nut trees and fruit orchards should be an integral part of our farming systems, as they are an economic feature of importance to assist in our community's self-sufficiency program. Nuts provide an alternative source of protein to that of animal protein, which in turn means the cutting down of woodland. Farmers should be encouraged to become community orientated by developing a self-sufficiency relationship with the land, created and supported by appropriate technology.