Question – In many places, new homes are needed, but the only space available for building them is in the countryside. Some people believe it is more important to protect the countryside and not build new homes there.What is your opinion about this?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.Write at least 250 words.
The contentious issue of constructing new homes in the countryside, often the only available space for housing expansion, demands careful consideration. While the pressing need for additional housing is evident, it is equally crucial to prioritize preserving rural landscapes. In my opinion, leaving the countryside intact is imperative.
Primarily, the countryside serves more than an aesthetic purpose; it plays vital ecological and agricultural roles. The destruction of natural habitats and farmland can have far-reaching consequences for local ecosystems and food production. Agricultural expansion, a major driver of deforestation, poses threats to biodiversity. Examples include the displacement of lowland forests in Indonesia due to oil palm cultivation and damage to the Cerrado and Atlantic Forests of Brazil and Paraguay through soy production, leading to severe erosion.
Furthermore, the rural landscape holds immense cultural significance as part of our heritage and identity. Hence, any development in these areas must be approached with great care and sensitivity. In Italy, rural landscapes are integral to the country’s cultural heritage, prompting authorities to implement measures for their safeguarding and promotion as valuable resources. This approach involves preserving physical locations, sharing knowledge, practicing sustainable management, ensuring effective communication, and transmitting associated heritage values. Constructing additional buildings for the growing population would render these initiatives unfeasible.
In conclusion, while the need for new homes is undeniable, especially to support the growing population, it is crucial to avoid sacrificing the countryside in the process.