Urban Backpacking and the Pigeon Paradox

I have done several blogs in regards to urban backpacking within the United States and abroad, and infused in the minds of those who have read these blogs as say a destination to Prague-the European destination of choice. Urban backpacking works best in areas where public transportation is readily avaiable, both between cities and within them (such as much of Europe). Consequently, America has yet to fully embrace the urban backpacking culture, and transport in general is sketchy. With that said, I would like to introduce you to the “Pigeon Paradox”.

The Pigeon Paradox is based upon three simple asserations: (1) Current conservation action is insufficient, (2) People are more likely to take conservation action when they have a direct experience in the natural world, and (3) as human populations ( and hence sources of conservation action) shifts to cities, humans will primarily experience nature through contact with urban nature. If these asserations are supported, future incentives for conservation will depend increasingly upon peoples’ interactions with urban ecosystems. http://www.birds.cornell.edu/celebration/temporary/the-pigeon-paradox

Preservation is the key to these asserations, and therefor, the overall goal for urban backpacking ought to be preserve as many natural remnants within the city as possible. To say the least, donate, volunteer, and take out what you take in.

Why all this attention to the Pigeon Paradox and concern for urban habitats? It turns out they are extraordinarily valuable for several reasons. Ecologically, nature in the city improves urban air quality, cleans urban waterways, reduces urban diseases and promotes ecological diversity. Urban nature areas also provide people with considerable health benefits. Trees purify the air by removing airborne particulates. It has been estimated that each tree in an urban area removes up to 50 pounds of airborne particulates per year. Trees also remove ozone both directly and by reducing downtown temperatures. Conclusively, urban nature has considerable value to city dwellers of all species world wide.
The following American cities attribute much attention to the Pigeon Paradox; applauding city planners and management for their endeavors, and to those whom volunteer, and donate. Atlanta, Georgia link: http://ourgreenatlanta.com listing of urban trails, blogs, pictures, and updated issues. Boston’s Emerald Necklace consists of an 1,100-acre chain of nine parks linked by parkways and waterways http://www.cityofboston.gov/Parks/emerald/ Seattle, Washington link: http://www.yelp.com/list/the-best-urban-hikes-in-seattle-seattle Torrey Pines State Park, located within the city of San Diego, California http://www.torreypines.org and http://www.phoenixasap.com/camelbackmountain.html


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