Future trajectory
The future of the project will largely depend on the extent to which the groups involved are able to adapt to changing circumstances. As previously noted, floating wetlands require little to no energy to maintain, are mobile, and ecologically functioning in a way that provides intended and engaged interventions. These interventions will target the changing circumstances of the algal presence, lake use intensity, and aesthetic purpose for Rotorua. Finally, as this case study has shown, the FTWs are also an engaging experience for individuals so understand novel ecosystems. Witnessing the biomimicry through the FTWs, the fusion of nature and machine, compels a readjustment to what we might call nature.
The immediate future includes continued monitoring of algal status, lake use intensity, introduction of invasive weeds, concerns of people living around the lakes, and land development. The management group of the lakes has prioritized education, as it can directly help combat eutrophic inputs such as agricultural runoff caused by unaware farmers. Local residents have also intensified tree planting in the area, consequently slowing erosion, helping protect lake and spring water quality, and creating bird habitats. Future advancement in technology is also likely to contribute to significant effects on the FTWs (Jorgensen, et al. 2014). This will help augment the existing capacity and the development of sophisticated tools that can help reduce nutrient contents. The importance of FTWs cannot be underrated; they are both cost-effective and environment friendly, and create the opportunity for public engagement and education (Vymazal & Kropfelova, 2008). The government needs to inform people living around water basins on the importance of the country’s two major FTWs. This demonstrates that there is a need for educating locals on the importance of “natural resources” that are likely to lead to massive benefits for future generations (Acton, 2013; Hwang & LePage, 2011). Education is essential, especially because it will help farmers reduce toxins within agricultural landscapes. In addition, it is prudent to enhance the level of community engagement through consultations with the locals (Van de Moortel et al., 2010). Through the engagement of witnessing the biomimicry of the FTWs becoming a beautiful, yet necessary intrusion of something only half natural subtly shifts the ideas we associate with nature, and what a new ecosystem might look like in the future. |
Aerial view from the City Rotorua, taken from the south. Note the green off-white coloration in the water at the edge of the South-western shore; this a large HAB.
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