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Biodiversity is an incredibly important matter to keep in mind, yet there are not many who understand why. Global warming, amongst other environmental issues, have become more important than ever. Currently, the world is coming to a point where many of the negative environmental effects, will no longer be reversible or even manageable. Biodiversity, is a more important matter than we may think, as it is the backbone of our natural resources and an aspect of nature that once lost is extremely difficult to recover.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BIODIVERSITY
Biodiversity is a collective term used to describe the variety of life on Earth. As rich as the biodiversity on Earth is, many of these species have become at risk of going at extinct. Biodiversity is essential, it supports all life on the planet through a wide variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms. A healthy eco-system is essential to life on Earth, without it integral parts of basic human needs will be at risk; food, fuel, shelter, medicine. Healthy ecosystems which have biodiversity also provide us with crucial services such as pollination, seed dispersal, climate regulation, water purification, nutrient cycling, and control of agricultural pests. Crops for example, without the continued existence of a wide range of crops, there may be parts of the world which stand to lose their source of food. This is because different varieties of edible crops have different tolerances, abilities to withstand weather, diseases, and even chemicals. Humans are not the only ones at risk if biodiversity were to decrease, wildlife also stand to be largely effected. Biodiversity is understanding nature in both a holistic and reductiontistic approach.
CONSERVATION EFFORTS
Conservation of the planets’ biodiversity requires joint efforts, as many eco-systems are local in nature. The importance of biodiversity is one that everyone should recognize and strive to improve, a prime example of these efforts is one by Belize. In exchange for a lower interest rate Belize agreed to spend $4 million a year on marine conservation until 2041. Belize initially struck up an agreement with the U.S. to swap tropical forest protection for debt relief in 2001. And in 2021, Belize offered 55 cents on the dollar to holders of a bond worth $553 million. The Nature Conservancy then raised the funds for the buyback, lending it back to Belize, which committed it to protect 30% of its waters. Thus this agreement benefits not only Belize but also their other collaborators and, most importantly, Belize’s natural ecosystems. This effort will GREATly help the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System World Heritage site. The reef stretches across 170 miles and is a prime example of a large body of biodiversity. However, factors such as climate change, excessive fishing and mangrove felling have posed a significant risk to its ecosystems. Belize’s efforts and collaboration with the U.S. are a GREAT example as to how international governments can collaborate to benefit not only one another, but the GREATer goal of the environment and biodiversity.
The conservation of Earth’s biodiversity is more important than we realize. Although the effects may not be as noticeable now, it is won’t be long until they are no longer reversible. Biodiversity is a chain reaction, one that will inevitably cause harm to all life on Earth, if left unchecked and unresolved.
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