The importance of biodiversity and its care

In a generic sense, biodiversity, also called biological diversity , is the biological wealth that exists on our planet due to the great variety of species that exist. In other words, biodiversity is the breadth of genetic material that makes up the biosphere.

In this sense, biodiversity refers to the “quality” of life on our planet . To understand it with a simple example, if we think of a forest, we will probably be facing an example of great biological diversity, since the organisms that make up this ecosystem are many and varied. However, if we think of a tree plantation that will be destined for the timber industry, we will probably also be facing an ecosystem of similar dimensions to those of the normal forest, but in this case, the number of species that will inhabit this ecosystem will be very reduced despite the fact that the “amount” of living matter may be similar.

In this way, talking about biodiversity is talking about the genetic and biological quality of ecosystems, which will be better the greater the genetic wealth they contain, since they will have more species.

Biodiversity is important because it involves a series of factors intrinsic to it:

Genetic wealth

Biodiversity or biological diversity guarantees the existence of a greater number of species from a genetic point of view. In other words, greater biodiversity implies more genetic variants in an ecosystem, which is positive for it.

Species interdependence

Natural ecosystems develop over millions of years. This creates relationships of interdependence between the species that comprise it (for example, the one between bees and flowering plants with pollen). In this way, the greater biodiversity allows these relationships of interdependence or mutual dependence between species to be more and better established, which leads to a stronger and more connected ecosystem.

Ecosystem balance

In the same way, these interdependence relationships of species allow a balance to exist within ecosystems. This balance is what allows all species, and the ecosystem as a whole, to survive and develop in a positive way for all species that are in harmony within the ecosystem in question.

Scientific uses

In addition to the aspect of biological balance that the greater biodiversity of ecosystems entails, human beings can benefit from biological diversity. Biodiversity guarantees greater possibilities of obtaining drugs and food, since most of these elements come, to a greater or lesser extent, from certain plant species that, in many cases, are not yet even listed by botanists.

Greater beauty

On the other hand, although also from a human perspective, an ecosystem with greater biodiversity is more beautiful than one that is poor in a variety of species, both animals and plants. In this way, it is an added value, an intangible wealth and a natural heritage that must be conserved. Not because it has a “practical use”, but because it has value in its own right.

There are several ways to protect the biodiversity of our planet:

Not favoring actions that promote the extinction of species

Even today there are certain actions that directly harm those species that are most threatened, such as poaching, cutting down primary forests (for example the Amazon), consumption of ivory, consumption of exotic meats, etc. .

Favoring actions to protect endangered species

In this sense, one of the best options is to collaborate with NGOs that work actively for the preservation of the biodiversity of the diverse ecosystems of our planet. Discover in this other AgroCorrn article a Map of world biodiversity to conserve endangered species .

Reducing consumption and pollution

One of the main problems for which the richness of biodiversity is being threatened is because of consumerism and the pollution that it entails. By reducing our consumption we reduce pollution and, consequently, the impact that human actions have on various ecosystems.

Consumption to sustainable and sustainable markets

In the same way that consumerism is harmful, if our consumption is redirected to consuming only what is necessary and, especially, consuming what can favor respect for biodiversity, we will be doing a great job. A good example is opting for organic and fair trade products, which is the best way to ensure that the consumption we carry out has minimized its impact on the environment in which the production takes place.

Pressuring the Public Administration to establish protected areas

Public bodies are the ones with the greatest capacity when it comes to protecting biodiversity because they are the ones with the capacity to define protected areas, which is the best tool to guarantee the security of biological diversity, both terrestrial and aquatic.

Awareness and education

One of the fundamental factors is to create awareness of the importance of biodiversity . It is essential that society be educated in respect for nature so that the protection of biodiversity is put before economic benefit. In this way, they will create a society that is sustainable and sustainable at the same time.

If you want to read more articles similar to The importance of biodiversity and its care , we recommend that you enter our Biodiversity category .