8. 3. 2023
Biodiversity is a complex concept that describes the abundance and
diversity of species in nature. It is a key indicator of the health of
ecosystems and ensures that nature can function in balance.
It is crucial to understand that the diversity of all life forms on Earth is of fundamental
importance. If biodiversity is lost, our future on Earth is
threatened.
Biodiversity provides us with food, fresh water and clean air and plays
an important role in maintaining the balance of nature. It contributes to the
fight against climate change and prevents the spread of infectious diseases.
The decline in biodiversity is causing a decline in healthy ecosystems,
which is problematic. The decline in the number of species and genetic diversity
in an ecosystem is a daily reality for experts and researchers. In a 2019 UN
report, scientists wrote that one million species, out of an estimated eight
million, are at risk of extinction in the next decade.
The causes of biodiversity loss are complex and closely intertwined.
Deforestation and urbanization have destroyed many natural habitats, climate
change, overexploitation of food resources (e.g. overfishing), pollution and
the cultivation of invasive plant species in non-native environments are just some
of the factors that are reinforcing each other and are causing biodiversity to decline even faster.
Biodiversity loss is closely linked to food production.
Much of our food comes from a small number of crops and livestock
species, making our food systems more vulnerable. It is estimated that there
are between 60,000 and 70,000 edible plants growing on planet Earth. But only around 200 make a significant contribution to our food supply. And most of the
calories we consume come from just three basic crops: maize, rice and wheat.
The loss of pollinators such as bees and butterflies can have serious
consequences for food production. Biodiversity also provides a variety of food
and other resources that can supplement diets, especially in rural and indigenous
communities. The loss of these resources can have serious impacts on food
security, nutrition and cultural practices.
The loss of biodiversity is also causing changes in ecosystem
functioning. For example, deforestation can cause soil erosion, reduce soil
fertility and make it more difficult to grow crops.
What can we do to conserve biodiversity?
Key steps have already been taken. At the end of 2022, the 15th United
Nations Conference on Biodiversity agreed on making radical changes to halt
biodiversity loss, which is also strongly linked to the climate change
crisis.
But
what can you do as an individual?
· Buy locally produced food and encourage the
cultivation of local and traditional crops and livestock
· Buy Fairtrade labelled food whenever possible
· Make sure to throw away as little food as possible
· Reduce the consumption of meat and dairy products
in your daily menus
· Diversify your diet by using a variety of cereals
and vegetables
· Try to reduce your carbon footprint
· Educate yourself about the importance of
biodiversity and raise awareness
By
taking small steps, each one of us can make a significant impact on a more
secure and sustainable food supply and take care for a better future.
Sources:
https://www.cbd.int/
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/society/20200109STO69929/biodiversity-loss-what-is-causing-it-and-why-is-it-a-concer
https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/most-important-staple-foods-in-the-world.html
https://onetreeplanted.org/blogs/stories/conserving-biodiversity