Biodiversity - Why and How to Safeguard it

Recently, the term "biodiversity" has become more common in everyday language and is a central theme in discussions on the environment and sustainability.
The concept of biodiversity was formally introduced by the American biologist Edward O. Wilson, the inventor of the concept of "sociobiology," one of the founding fathers of the "biophilia hypothesis," and modern ecology. He named what may be the greatest wealth of our planet: the variety of life in all its forms, from genes to species to ecosystems.

What is biodiversity and why is it crucial for us and the planet?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of all life forms on Earth: animals, plants, fungi, microorganisms, and so on. There are three hierarchical levels of biological diversity: genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.

These represent different aspects of living systems.

• Genetic diversity: The variety within a single species that allows organisms to adapt and evolve in response to environmental changes. For example, genetic diversity within populations of a plant species can make them more resistant to diseases or extreme climate conditions.
• Species diversity: The variety of different species that live in a specific ecosystem or the planet as a whole. This diversity is essential for the functioning of ecosystems, as each species plays a specific role, contributing to processes like photosynthesis, the decomposition of organic matter, the regulation of the water cycle, and many more.
• Ecosystem diversity: The variety of natural environments present on Earth, such as forests, oceans, deserts, grasslands, etc. Each ecosystem supports unique communities of plants, animals, and microorganisms and contributes to climate stability, soil fertility, and the quality of water and air.

Wilson and other ecologists have shown that biodiversity is not just an abstract scientific term, but an essential element for human well-being and planetary stability. Healthy and diverse ecosystems provide a range of vital services: air and water purification, crop pollination, disease control, and the mitigation of extreme weather events, to name just a few.
Moreover, biodiversity has intrinsic ethical value: every species has the right to exist, regardless of its economic or utilitarian value for humans.

The dangers of biodiversity loss

Today, biodiversity is in grave danger. We live disconnected from the natural world and are becoming less aware of the numerous benefits that direct and indirect contact with natural environments can bring us. We no longer understand Nature's rules and principles; our innate biophilia—the love for life and everything living—risks becoming atrophied. As a result, we no longer care for the environment that hosts us and its many inhabitants.

According to recent estimates by leading scientists, we are experiencing the sixth mass extinction in Earth's history, an event of species loss at an unprecedented rate.
The difference from previous mass extinctions is that this time, the primary cause seems to be human activity: deforestation, urbanization, pollution, intensive fishing and agriculture, and the spread of invasive species are just some of the pressures threatening global biodiversity.

The loss of biodiversity has direct and indirect, often severe, consequences for humanity.

• Ecosystem impoverishment: When a species disappears, its role within the ecosystem is lost. This can have cascading effects on other species and ecosystem functions. For example, the loss of pollinating insects like bees and butterflies can significantly reduce agricultural production, putting food security at risk.
• Loss of resources: Many of the resources we use daily, such as food, medicines, and building materials, are linked to biodiversity. Many medicines are developed from chemical compounds found in wild plants and animals. The loss of biodiversity also means losing potential cures for present and future diseases.
• Increase in diseases: Healthier ecosystems are more resilient and less susceptible to disease outbreaks. Violating wild ecosystems in remote parts of the world has allowed viruses and bacteria to find new ways to spread. Diseases transmitted from animals to humans, as seen with the Ebola virus and SARS-CoV-2, have become a global threat.
• Decreased resilience to climate change: Ecosystems with greater biodiversity are generally more resistant and resilient to climate change. Forests, for example, not only store large amounts of carbon but also help regulate the water cycle, preventing floods and droughts. The loss of plant and animal species reduces this natural adaptability.

If we do not act to protect biodiversity, we risk compromising not only natural ecosystems but also our health and survival. Biodiversity is not just an environmental issue; it is a social, economic, and political issue that affects all human beings.

Safeguarding biodiversity in our cities with Biophilic Design

Many of us still think that biodiversity is only about distant forests, deep oceans, or exotic places. Even our cities and urban environments can and should contribute to biodiversity conservation.
Cities can host a surprising variety of plant and animal species. Many species adapt to unique conditions and develop innovative behaviours to survive. However, for this to happen, we need to rethink urban design and promote the creation of green spaces, parks, vertical gardens, green roofs, and ecological corridors.

Biophilic Design makes a valuable contribution by developing effective strategies to bring Nature back into urban environments. Biophilic interventions offer numerous social, environmental, psycho-physical health, and economic benefits.

Parks, community gardens, and green roofs can serve as habitats for plants and animals, improving air quality and reducing extreme temperatures and heat islands. Connecting these spaces through ecological corridors allows animals to move and access different resources, increasing the chances of survival for urban species.

We need to reduce the use of pesticides and chemicals, as some cities and agricultural areas in Europe have already begun to do. The excessive use of pesticides in private gardens, public parks, and especially agricultural areas can have devastating effects on local wildlife, particularly on pollinators like bees and butterflies. Choosing ecological and organic management methods for urban greenery helps protect biodiversity.

It is better to plant native species adapted to local climate and soil conditions, which provide food and habitat for existing species. Promoting the cultivation of native plants in public and private gardens can significantly contribute to local biodiversity conservation.

We can create habitats for wildlife by installing artificial nests, bat boxes (shelters for bats), and insect houses, or by leaving parts of city parks "wild" to create natural habitats that support urban wildlife.

The contribution of every citizen: balconies, terraces, and gardens for biodiversity

Each of us can make a significant contribution to biodiversity conservation, starting from our own balcony, terrace, or garden. Even a small green space can become a biodiversity oasis if designed and cared for in the right way.

Here are some practical ideas for transforming these spaces into wildlife refuges and promoting biodiversity:

• Create small habitats: Grow pollinator-friendly plants like lavender and rosemary, install bird nests and insect houses, and provide water with ponds or bowls.
• Promote plant diversity: Use mostly native plants and consider vertical gardens to increase biodiversity.
• Sustainable gardening: Avoid pesticides and chemical fertilizers and collect rainwater to reduce drinking water consumption.
• Ensure habitat safety: Protect birds with anti-reflective stickers on windows and build shelters for small animals.
• Educate and involve: Talk about biodiversity with friends and neighbours and participate in community gardening projects.

Add a touch of green to your life—and remember, if your balcony becomes a small jungle inhabited by you and many other living beings, don not worry—it is just a sign that you're creating your own biophilic oasis!