The health of our families is directly linked to the planet’s well-being. We can actively protect this connection, and it starts with understanding biodiversity. This is the stunning variety of all life on Earth, ranging from the smallest bacteria to the biggest whale. It includes colourful flowers, buzzing bees, and vast forests, along with all the places where this life exists.
Ultimately, biodiversity is a gift that provides us with so many things. We get food to eat and clean water to drink. It also provides the medicine we rely on and places to find peace. Beyond these benefits, the animals and plants in these ecosystems have a right to exist and thrive. We all play a part in making sure these species will be around for our children and grandchildren to see.
1. What is Biodiversity?
Many people think biodiversity is just about animal numbers. For instance, you may wonder how many birds are in a rainforest or how many elephants are left. However, biodiversity is much more complex. We, therefore, categorise it into three main levels.
Genetic Diversity
Think of it like a family. Every person has their unique traits, even though they’re all human. Similarly, genetic diversity applies to a whole species. For example, all dogs are one species. Yet their unique genetics give us everything from a tiny Chihuahua to a massive Golden Retriever. A population with high genetic diversity is stronger and more resilient to diseases.
Species Diversity
This is the number of different animals, plants, and microorganisms in an ecosystem. Consider the Amazon rainforest, which bustles with life like jaguars, toucans, piranhas, and orchids. The more species an ecosystem has, the more resilient it becomes. Providing us with essential ecosystem services and allowing complete food webs to exist.
Ecosystem Diversity
This is the variety of different environments on the planet. For example, each ecosystem, whether it’s a rainforest in Borneo or a desert in Africa, supports a unique array of life.
2. Biodiversity is Crucial for Our Well-being
Ecosystem Services
Biodiversity provides us with “ecosystem services“—the benefits we get from nature that we often take for granted. These services are all around us, from the pollination of food crops to the filtration of water by wetlands. In addition, the regulation of our climate by the ocean and forests is a key service. Ultimately, we need these services to survive.
Source of Food and Medicine
Furthermore, our food and medicine are deeply connected to the natural world. While our food only comes from a few species. The wide array of wild species helps us develop more resilient crops that can tolerate changing conditions. Likewise, many of our life-saving drugs are derived from nature, with countless more medicines waiting to be discovered.
Cultural and Recreational Value
Nature also offers us many recreational opportunities, whether it’s hiking, birdwatching, or simply finding peace in the woods. Read my blog post about the benefits of being in nature to learn more about how nature impacts your well-being. The natural world is intertwined with many spiritual beliefs and cultures. Ultimately, being in nature runs deep in our heritage, providing us with joy, calm, and a sense of belonging.
3. Biodiversity is Essential for Planetary Health
Ecosystem Resilience
An ecosystem with more species is stronger and better able to withstand the shock of diseases, climate change, or natural disasters. This ecosystem resilience means a biodiverse system can bounce back from disturbances. Because other species can fill the role of one that may have been lost.
A Biodiverse Web of Life
All living species are connected in a web of life. When a species is lost from an ecosystem, it can disrupt food chains and affect the survival of many other species. For example, when we overfish top ocean predators like tuna, it can cause a domino effect that impacts the entire food chain.
Regulation of the Earth’s Systems
Healthy ecosystems also help actively regulate our planet. For instance, wetlands purify water, soil organisms keep the land fertile, and forests and oceans act as carbon sinks. If you want to dive deeper into the world beneath our feet. Have a look at my blog post all about healthy soil. These sinks pull carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thus helping to mitigate climate change.
Thank you for reading!
Let’s Make a Difference Together
Biodiversity is the foundation of a healthy planet—and a healthy life for all of us. While big environmental challenges can feel overwhelming, remember that every small action counts. You can support local farmers, plant native flowers in your garden, or simply learn more about your local ecosystems. These actions help you protect the delicate balance of our ecosystems.
Now, let’s take one small step together. What’s one thing you will do this week to support biodiversity in your community? Share your ideas in the comments below!
Georgia xo
