Biodiversity Day

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What is biodiversity

and what can we do?

Did you know it is #BiodiversityDay today?

What is biodiversity though? Well, simply put, it is everywhere and we are also a part of it. According to Convention on Biological Diversity there are 3 main elements:

♦ The different types of species which live on Earth – including animals, plants, vegetables, fungi, algae, bacteria and even viruses;

♦ The differences between individuals of the same species – their sizes, shapes and colours;

♦ Different ecosystems – for instance, oceans, forests or coral reefs – and the species which live in them and their interactions.

Simply put, if there is a biodiversity crisis it will impact us directly as well because we are also included in this eco system and rely on it to be healthy. So if you aren't sold on saving the planet for the planets sake, maybe doing it for your distant future and your future generations is a big enough sell.

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The theme this year is "Our solutions are in nature". With pressures on many natural systems constantly growing, we need to take a step back. Lockdown has definitely enhanced my appreciation for the world and I am hopeful that we will all work together to "BuildBackBetter" as we emerge out from this pandemic.

My favourite place in nature right now is in my new vegetable patch whereas before, it was by the sea or a lake...near water really. Funny that for a large part of my working life I lived in the concrete jungle cities of New York and London.

A couple of quotes from WWF explain why it is important to be aware of our surroundings:

"We are currently using 25% more natural resources than the planet can sustain. As a result species, habitats and local communities are under pressure or direct threats"

Put simply, reduced biodiversity means millions of people face a future where food supplies are more vulnerable to pests and disease, and where fresh water is in irregular or short supply.

Ok, that sounds pretty scary. But what can we do, right now, to help support our eco system?

Here are a few quick tips that you can build upon:

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  • Buy and support locally grown fruit and veg

  • Observe animals when out at a distance

  • Limit car journeys (post lockdown)

  • Try to cut down your weekly / monthly general waste by buying loose / wrapping free where possible (and safe!)

  • Use electronics as long as possible / don't upgrade just because you can, and dispose of them with correct recyling facilities vs throwing in general waste

  • Don't litter

  • Check companies creds before buying / avoid #greengerrings and #greenwashing

  • Reduce meat intake and try cooking seasonal dishes

  • Swap out harmful chemicals in the house and garden for eco friendly options

  • Buy second hand and reuse vs buying new

  • Join in with a clean up or pick up litter on your walk (when safe to do so, wearing gloves)

  • Support charities that are helping with nature

  • Discuss this at work and create an event to support biodiversity

  • When the world opens up, reduce travel by car and plane. Instead explore local areas and take the train. If you are flying aboard, stay there longer.

For more ideas on what you could do, check out these 52 top tips to help created by the Convention on Biological Diversity

We can help keep this planet healthy if we work together. So let's celebrate the beautiful world around us, today and everyday, and help keep it safe for future generations.

Cathy Mears