"Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photos"
The photograph of balancing stones is pretty as well as very popular. However, this creativity is an act of vandalism which is 'cool' for a social media post but 'cruel' for the environment. The ecological impact of these small towers of rocks is tremendous due to the following reasons:
A tryst with nature #stopstonestacking
- Stacking stones disturb foraging as well as the nesting instinct of coastal birds.
- Some organisms like crabs, insects and tiny geckos use the stones as shelter from predators. When these rocks are moved they are left exposed as well as put in danger.
- Balancing rocks causes or accelerates erosion because it exposes soil to elements such as waves, currents, tides and storms.
- Stone stacking ruins the landscape and damages the cultural integrity of some places.
- Fish lay eggs in cracks between rocks and by moving them the eggs are at a risk of getting washed away or exposed to predators.
These simple constructions have now become problematic and are destroying the environment for clicks and likes on social media!
A tryst with nature #stopstonestacking
Never knew that such an engaging and fulfilling act of making stacks of stone could be dangerous to the nature! Thanks for opening the eyes.
ReplyDelete- Anagha Yatin
https://canvaswithrainbow.com/the-third-side-of-the-coin/
Thank you Anagha!
DeleteRightly said, these fun activities are detrimental to our environment.
Hi Sandhya,
ReplyDeleteMy idea of balancing stones / rocks was that they were all naturally formed. Aren't they?
I had written about the huge balancing rock in Mamallapuram after we visited that place a couple of months ago.
If people are deliberately creating such balancing stones, then of course, it's bad, and runs counter to what is natural.
Thanks for this post, that gave me a different perspective.
(My latest post: Post-book blues and All my A to Z Challenge blogposts)
Stone-stacking is an ancient practice and sometimes has religious significance. You are right Pradeep.This fun act can even destroy the ancient monuments.
DeleteBuddhism has cairns of stones which have sanctity.
ReplyDeleteRightly said sir. Thank you for the nice comment.
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