In an interview with Maritime Fairtrade, veterinarian-turned-farmer Seik Ni Lim said given the ongoing climate crisis and the resulting grave consequences, every individual effort counts in mitigating climate change and we should not just rely on governments and scientists.
After a decade working as a veterinarian, Seik Ni, an avid bird watcher, decided to put words into action. She quit her job, acquired land and ventured into farming. Each day, while working on her land in Merapoh, Pahang, she gained a deeper understanding of the complex interconnections among avian species, soil composition, and climate change.
Seik Ni subscribes to the notion of nature farming, a chemical-free farming method for producing healthy quality crops abundantly by harnessing the power of natural soil. Nature farming necessitates cultivating a symbiotic relationship within ecosystems to grow crops sustainably.
Seik Ni said: “Marine birds, in particular, contribute significantly to nutrient cycling through their guano deposits, which enrich coastal soils with essential nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. This natural fertilization process enhances soil fertility and supports diverse plant life, which is integral to nature farming practices.”
Natural fertilization establishes a closed loop within the nutrient cycle, encompassing the ocean, land, and air.
She added: “However, as climate change continues to alter global weather patterns and sea levels, the habitats of marine birds are increasingly at risk. Variations in temperature and precipitation can impact the availability of nesting sites and food sources for these avian species, thereby disrupting their contribution to soil enrichment processes.
“Such disruptions not only affect marine bird populations but also have cascading effects on soil composition and broader ecological balances.”
Seik Ni emphasized that soil play a pivotal role in addressing climate change. They function as carbon sinks by sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide through organic matter accumulation. The presence of nutrient-rich soils supports robust vegetation growth that further aids in capturing carbon emissions.
By recognizing the importance of nature, she said “we can better preserve the delicate balance of our ecosystems while promoting more resilient farming methods. Ultimately, fostering a deeper appreciation for this intricate relationship will be essential in safeguarding both biodiversity and agricultural sustainability in an era of environmental uncertainty.”
Seik Ni holds the conviction that every living entity surrounding her is akin to family, meriting respect and care. “As custodians of the land, we must invite these creatures into our ecosystems rather than repel them, as is common in conventional farming practices where organisms are often seen as threats to be eliminated.
“Nature farming diverges significantly from this approach by utilizing available resources and knowledge gained through observation to create opportunities that attract beneficial species. Even if non-beneficial species are inadvertently invited, sharing space with them can still contribute positively to the ecosystem’s health.
“Sustainable farming, on the other hand, necessitates the creation of a resilient system, which is essential for its sustainability. Without resilience, a system cannot endure. To ensure resilience, we have to foster interaction within the system. This interaction allows the system to withstand negative impacts and maintain stability.”
When inquired about the advantages of a resilient system for avian life, Seik Ni said: “A highly resilient system with numerous interactions and ample resources can significantly benefit avian species.
“Birds exhibit great diversity and rely on their habitats for survival; they occupy various environments based on their specific needs. A stable system generates multiple micro-habitats that support diverse bird populations, ultimately leading to an increase in bird diversity and population over time.”
To avoid exposing the land, Seik Ni plants cowgrass (Axonopus compressus) for soil protection and maintenance.
The soil harbors an abundance of life and wonder.
Redefining wildlife
In conjunction with the inter-connectedness of nature, Seik Ni feels that the term wildlife should also be all-encompassing to include all organisms and not be specific to certain species, and that wildlife should not be distinct and a specialized field accessible only to certain individuals.
“Wildlife is not an isolated concept but rather an integral part of our everyday environment. For example, individuals residing in condominiums with potted plants may occasionally encounter centipedes, earthworms, or bugs within the soil (an aspect of urban wildlife interaction). Many individuals mistakenly perceive soil as merely a black substance, unaware that it hosts millions of microbes. These microbes constitute a form of wildlife (non-companion animals).”
Even pelagic birds, which spend a large portion of their lives in the open ocean thousands of miles offshore, find their way back to land during their mating season to breed and raise their chicks.
In Malaysia, together with the climate crisis, there are also frequent flash floods and widespread deforestation contributing to soil erosion, which diminish the land’s ability to regenerate, further risking the environment and biodiversity. Therefore, in fighting climate change, it is important to see nature as one whole and inter-connected ecosystem.
All photos credit: Seik Ni Lim.
Top photo: Seik Ni Lim (center) with other bird watchers.
