Biodiversity

What is it?

Biodiversity (Biological diversity) includes the whole variety of life on Earth. It includes all species of plants and animals,and their genetic variation and all ecosystems that we can find on this earth. This means it encompasses all living things from microscopic organisms to the largest trees. Not just exotic, rare and endangered plants and animals are included, but also those that are found in our back gardens, parks and ponds.

Why is biodiversity important?

Biodiversity is important because it makes up the complex network of ecosystems, habitats and species that make sure that we humans can exist on this earth.

Biodiversity provides:
• Medicines
  A high proportion of the drugs used today by humans are derived directly or indirectly, from biological sources. However, it is only a small proportion of plants that have been thoroughly investigated for their potential as a new drug. It is therefore very important to conserve the biodiversity as a future source for new drugs.
• Food and drink
  Biodiversity provides food and drinks for humans and animals.
• Industrial material
  Many of the industrial materials that we use today are derived directly from biological resources. These include building materials, fibres, dyes, resins, gums, adhesives, rubber and oil.
• Ecological services
  The ecological services that biodiversity provides us with are often taken for granted. Some example follows, biodiversity is directly involved in recycling nutrients and in this way providing us with fertile soil that we can grow our food in. The plants provide us with oxygen and forests give us better air quality and climate and so the list goes on. The danger with diminishing biodiversity is that we do not know how many species we can make extinct and still expect the services to continue. Some species may be lost without any notable effect on its surrounding but we still don’t know which species we can afford to lose and which we can’t. It is very difficult to predict since some species may only be important in the future when certain environmental factors has changes and then we will start to experience more collapsed ecosystems that do not resiliate to an equilibrium that is beneficial for humans.
• Leisure, culture and have a aesthetic value
  Nature is beautiful, and many people derive value from leisure activities such as enjoying a walk in the countryside, bird watching or natural history programmes on television.
  Biodiversity has inspired many musicians, painters, sculptors, writers and other artists since the beginning of mankind.

Help us conserve biodiversity

Actions you can take to help conserve biodiversity globally and locally
• Globally
  When buying furniture and wood always buy FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) labelled wood. This label guarantee you that the wood comes from a well managed forest where environmental, social and economical aspects are accounted for. If you cannot find it always ask for it, the greater demand the bigger supply.
  
  Never buy parts of endangered animals, or plants. When on holiday be careful of what you buy, it is good to have a read before you go to be aware of what species to avoid. For example, it is illegal to buy and take out corals from most countries. By buying these and other endangered animals and plants you are supporting the destruction of the coral reefs of the world and the trade in endangered species.
• Locally
  Make your garden diverse, this will encourage biodiversity and the number of species in your garden will increase. Different plants attract different species. See the Garden Guide (link to the guide from here)
  
  Birds - the quickest and easiest way to attract birds into your garden is to put out food for them during the winter and early spring. By helping the birds with food you can get visits of up to 50 different species. Put up bird houses in your garden and around in your community, this helps the local bird population to grow and become more diverse.
  
  Buy organic and fair trade products. By buying these products you decrease the use of pesticides, which is both beneficial for your own health and for the environment. Since most of the pesticides used today do not separate between pest and beneficial insects, so when used you drastically decrease the number of all insects in the area. This decrease have a huge impact on the rest of the food web, since insects are the food source for many animals. (link to fair-trade website when clicking on logo)
  
  Volunteer for Countycare, Epping Forest District Council. By helping out you are part of making sure the biodiversity in the district is conserved. To find out more, click here