Why all the hype around biodiversity?
Biodiversity, the diversity of biology, is the term used to encompass the variety of all living organisms on Earth, and more specifically within a particular habitat. From microorganisms invisible to the human eye to the largest mammals roaming the planet, each and every form of life is included. It’s such an important concept it is actually defined in a UN Treaty!
Every living organism plays a role in sustaining the delicate balance of ecosystems - habitats - the earth, making biodiversity the most basic and important foundation of the natural world. If a single species disappears, a domino effect on the entire ecosystem is likely to follow, causing imbalances that will ultimately lead to more extinctions.
Maintaining and regaining biodiversity is critical for the health and well-being of the planet and humanity. At a higher level, it’s essential to sustain and strengthen societies, providing us with food, medicine, and raw materials (among other things). So naturally, preserving and enhancing the diversity of life where we live (and in the world at large) is essential to ensure a sustainable future for all.
In the past century, more than any other time in history, human activities such as land development, deforestation, and pollution have threatened the biodiversity in habitats and communities the world over. To address this growing problem directly, biodiversity net gain has been introduced and is gaining political and social traction around the globe.