Nature in all its manifestations
Biodiversity means all the different plants, animals and small creatures that live together in the world. It is like a big team of living things that help each other and together make a very special place. Think of a football team with different players who are all different but play a great game together. Biodiversity keeps our world healthy and colourful. We need to take care of all these life forms, because if too many disappear, it's like some players stop playing and the game gets harder.
And so what is this biodiversity good for?
More biodiversity offers numerous benefits. For instance, it is essential for, among other things, preserving the environment, the well-being of humans and animals, and the functioning of our society as a whole.
Ecological stability.
Ecological stability, within ecosystems, comes from biodiversity as different species play unique roles. This diversity provides resilience to change and disturbance. For example, when extreme weather events or new species affect the ecosystem, diverse species can adapt and restore balance. This prevents unwanted shifts in populations and habitats, with biodiversity acting as a kind of "life insurance" for the ecosystem. Preserving diverse species is thus crucial to maintaining ecological stability in a world that is constantly evolving.
General well-being.
Biodiversity also has proven benefits when it comes to mental health. Getting back in touch with nature, plants and animals has a positive impact on our state of mind. It provides opportunities for relaxation, stress reduction and recovery from mental fatigue. The colourful diversity of flora and fauna can inspire, amaze and promote our sense of connection with nature. This contact with nature has a positive effect on reducing stress, anxiety and depression, making biodiversity good not only for the planet, but also for our well-being.
Ecological services.
Ecological services are the invaluable benefits that ecosystems provide to human societies. Biodiversity plays a central role in this. Pollinators such as bees and butterflies help pollinate crops, which is essential for food production. Forests purify the air we breathe and regulate the climate by storing carbon. Wetlands and vegetation along coastlines reduce flood risks. All these services contribute to our health, food security and well-being. Conserving biodiversity is therefore vital to continue receiving these services and ensuring our quality of life.
Food sufficiency.
Food sufficiency depends on biodiversity because different species of plants and animals form the basis of our diet. Diversity in crops and livestock reduces vulnerability to diseases and changes in climate, ensuring food availability. Moreover, diverse ecosystems, such as forests and oceans, provide abundant food resources. Maintaining biodiversity, including wild varieties of crops, ensures a diverse and resilient food system that can provide sufficient and diverse nutrients to the world's growing population. Biodiversity is therefore fundamental to our global food security.
Biodiversity offers numerous other benefits, too many to list here. One thing that all these benefits have in common: they all highlight the importance of conserving and promoting biodiversity for both the environment and human society. Preserving biodiversity is vital for a healthy planet, for food security and the well-being of humanity.