Cities should provide spaces for wildlife to thrive

Our readers have their say on bees, the Indonesia tsunami and motherhood

Bees are a vital part of the ecosystem, but other insects work hard as pollinators too. Sammy Dallal / The National

This letter isn’t in reference to any article, just a ­general gripe. I live in Dubai and it’s come to my attention that the municipality clears empty lots and spaces of ­vegetation regularly.

This doesn’t make any sense to me at all, since we live in a desert and that plant cover could improve the quality of the soil.

Those spaces are a great ­habitat, usually filled with native plants such as aerva ­javanica (desert cotton) and heliotropium, a flowering plant. Our solitary bees thrive on plants like these.

Our world is in bad shape. To be a greener city, it is imperative Dubai takes care of its pollinators.

It’s not just honey bees that we need to think about. Many ­solitary bees, wasps and flies do this job too.

I wish more thought was given to this before such areas are cleared.

If not, we should consider new ways to make the empty spaces left behind, as well as our gardens and the city’s street plantings, more beneficial to wildlife.

Aisha Thani, Dubai

A devastating and tragic day for the people of Indonesia

I write with reference to your article Death toll rises in Indonesian "volcano tsunami" (December 23): at the time of writing, this deluge has claimed the lives of hundreds and left 834 injured, a huge tragedy.

Nearly 14 years to the day after a similar natural disaster hit the country, this event has left a trail of devastation behind it.

However, the authorities are working hard and relief efforts are under way.

I hope normality will return to the country as soon as ­possible. I pray for the families who have lost loved ones and for the speedy recovery of those injured.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

There is no set formula when it comes to motherhood

I write regarding Melissa Gronlund's article No sterilising or washing up: UAE mum explains why breastfeeding is best (December 21).

I believe that breastfeeding boosts a child’s immunity, ­produces fewer allergies and food intolerances and promotes bonding between mother and baby.

Taaka Linda, Kampala, Uganda

It’s great if you can do it, but it is also worth remembering that not all women can. Some just don’t have the volume needed to feed their babies.

Darren Banner, Dubai