Old City of Jerusalem and Its Walls - Essay Example

? Old of Jerusalem and Its Walls Introduction: Large numbers of people are known to visit the old of Jerusalem where its walls- the Western Wall, the Temple Mount or the Church of the Holy Sepulchre- are not only considered as sacred places for worships but the presence of life in the forms of plants and animals attract visitors as well. Studies reveal that there is a huge diversity of flora and fauna existing in the old city of Jerusalem and its walls, these including “44 species of birds, toads, bats and martens, and about 100 types of plants” (Hasson, 2010). An ecological link has been obtained between two climatic zones one being the desert boundary and the other being the Mediterranean region. This ecological link can be visible in the flora and flora as obtained in the walls of the old city of Jerusalem (Hasson, 2010). The present study focuses on the diversity of life forms found in the old city of Jerusalem and its walls, their biological interrelationships, the intrusions of human beings, and the measures of protection and preservation of the region. Diversity of Life Forms Found in the Region and Their Biological Interrelationships: As Hasson did bring into focus the presence of living organisms including rare animals and plants in the old city of Jerusalem and its walls, he mentioned about the different species existing in the region. According to him, about 100 different types of plants are available in the region along with variety of species of birds, toads and animals like bats. Rare species like the plant called Sicilian snapdragon, and birds like booted eagle and common quail have also been found in the regions. Rare plants and animals have been able to make their living in the regions that are deserted, the old walls of the city, and pools (Hasson, 2010). Considering the different plants and animals that are found in the region and their species being very rare, it can be understood that these living organisms involve a biological interrelationship between them. Hasson also mentioned in his article that carnivorous animals are also observed in the areas (Hasson, 2010). These facts throw light on the dependence of one organism on another for their living that gives rise to the interrelationship between them. While carnivorous animals would feed on other smaller animals or organisms, these animals would feed on the different varieties of plants found in the region. Thus, the old city of Jerusalem and its walls reflect on the biological diversity available in the region and the biological interrelationships that they have between them. Human Intrusions Threatening the Area: The old city of Jerusalem and its walls are encountered severely with the threats arising from the intrusions from human beings. This is primarily because the status of the city is not known and there lies no general agreement as far as the political power is concerned. Thus there are claims from different power for the control of the city. These claims and differences have led to threats of devastation for the city. The resultant urban development leading to human intrusions throw light on the deterioration that the city encounters in the midst of the power claims. The conservation power of the city gets affected as a consequence of such activities (Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls, 2012). UNESCO has been performing its role in this regard trying to bring about the necessary rules and principles that can rescue the city and its heritage properties as well as the lives of the living organisms making their abodes in the abandoned regions of the city (Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls, 2012). Thus it can be realized that while human beings have the tendency to bring control on the city of Jerusalem intruding and creating threats for the city, threats also arise for the flora and fauna that have found their residence in the old city and its walls. This is indeed a matter of great concern since if protective measures cannot be taken, the rare species might be found to become extinct. Protection and Preservation Measures: In regard to the protection and preservation measures as needed in the city of Jerusalem, UNESCO has been found to play a significant role. The organization has not only taken into consideration the protective measures for the heritage properties of the city but also the walls are included in the measures undertaken for protection. Although several challenges and constraints have been encountered by the organization with the Israeli government not willing to cooperate with the guidelines provided by the organization, and other related issues. However, in the present time, a number of conservation projects have been considered significantly for the protection and preservation of the old city and its walls (Larkin & Dumper, 2009). As Hasson had mentioned in his studies, the rare species of plants and animals as obtained in the old city and its walls were preserved which to some extent were also looked after by the balance that prevailed in the nature and lives of human beings (Hasson, 2010). Thus considering the protective and preservation measures, it can be understood that although there are several measures that are being considered either by nature itself or the UNESCO, the human intrusions might affect the ecological balance and harm the existence of the living organisms if they are not taken care of. Individual’s Role: In order to protect and preserve the city from the political differences and power claims, in other words the human intrusions, every individual can play a role by themselves as well. Particularly different researchers and scientific institutions can bring out the different ways in which the city can ensure proper components in its nature and environment allowing the living bodies to live healthily. If every single individual contributes in taking care of their city, the city would remain protected and preserved (Jayyusi & Ansari, 2005, p.44). In this context it would be relevant to discuss about the intrusions that human beings are responsible for and cause threats for the entire city including the living forms existent in the old city and its walls. Each individual needs to realize the importance of taking care of the city’s heritage and properties as well as of the environment and nature for the betterment of all living forms in the city. The role of an individual only comes into play if he/she realizes the significance of the care that they provide to their surroundings instead of getting involved in power claims and hence cooperate with the guidelines that UNESCO has been trying to incur for the betterment and preservation of the city. Recommendations for Additional Measures: As could be observed from the above sections of the study, certain measures have already been considered by the UNESCO in particular for the preservation and protection of the city, its heritage and properties, and its walls. However, the primary concern lies in the intrusion of the human beings and thus their negative impacts on the city and its inhabitants that indirectly includes the flora and fauna that have been existent in the abandoned areas of the city. To recommend some additional measures that would be able to ensure that the city and its properties would remain preserved, the human beings, the inhabitants of the city as well as the political powers need to focus on following and cooperating with the guidelines that UNESCO has determined for the preservation of the nation. The difficulty that the city encounters mostly lies with the differences that lie within the political powers and their ignoring the organization’s policies. Thus these individuals need to look to the other side of the political influences and use their power towards an understanding and effective policy of preservation. In regard to the flora and fauna and the rare species that have been obtained in the walls, the city and its authority need to consider thorough research and care for these living forms such that they do not lose their existence in the midst of power battles. The Intrusion if Unchecked: It is quite well understood from the study that human intrusions are severe reasons for causing threats to the old city of Jerusalem and its properties that include the walls as well. Considering the walls, the rare species of the different varieties of plants and animals are also included. The human intrusions being highly affecting the preservation and protection of the city, it can be realized that such intrusions if remain unchecked, would create severe hazards for the city. Not only would the inhabitants of the city be affected, but the living forms of plants and animals would also be significantly affected and lose their existence. However, in order to put an end to these negative impacts, it is every individual and the political parties as a whole that need to cooperate and bring out measures towards protection and preservation of the city and the rare species existing in the walls of the old city. Conclusion: The concerned study has thrown light on the existence of several species of flora and fauna in the walls of the old city of Jerusalem. Jerusalem being an old city and impacted by the human intrusions in the way of the power claims by different political nations and parties have led to several threats to the city and its inhabitants. Considering the protective measures for the city, it has been observed that UNESCO has tried to undertake certain sincere measures for the city. However, the differences in the political thoughts have not allowed a cooperated act and following of the guidelines as attempted by the organization. To conclude the study, it can be said that the individuals need to take responsibilities on their own and contribute the little they can do for the city. It could be by just following the UNESCO guidelines instead of only focusing on claiming power on the city. If this could be achieved, then the rare species as found in the abandoned areas of the city would also be able to be saved. References 1) Hasson, N. (February 24, 2010). Jerusalem’s Old City an unexpected haven for rare animal and plant life, Haaretz, Retrieved on February 15, 2012 from: http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/jerusalem-s-old-city-an-unexpected-haven-for-rare-animal-and-plant-life-1.266197 2) Jayyusi, S.K. & Z.I. Ansari (2005). My Jerusalem: essays, reminiscences, and poems, Northampton: Interlink Books 3) Larkin, C. & M. Dumper (2009). UNESCO and Jerusalem: Constraints, Challenges and Opportunities, Jerusalem Quarterly, Retrieved on February 15, 2012 from: http://www.jerusalemquarterly.org/ViewArticle.aspx?id=314 4) “Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls” (2012), unesco, Retrieved on February 15, 2012 from: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/148/indicators/ Read More