22 May 2020 International Day for Biological Diversity: Our solutions are in nature.

May 22, 2020

Without natural capital we have no chance of well-being, health and development.
May 22 is the day called by the United Nations to celebrate Biodiversity, the richness of life - at the level of ecosystems, species and genes - on our Planet.

We have transformed at least three-quarters of the original natural environments of the emerged lands, we have significantly altered marine ecosystems by at least 66% of their extension, we have destroyed 85% of wetlands since 1700, we subtract non-renewable and renewable resources for more than 60 billion tons each year. In addition, scholars tell us that at least one million living species are at risk of extinction if the rate of transformation and consumption of ecosystems and natural resources continues at current rates and confirm that the current rate of extinction is tens and hundreds of times higher compared to that recorded over the last 10 million years and is accelerating. The situation is so dramatic that for some natural systems, e.g. some rainforests and coral reefs, and some extraordinary animals such as the vaquita (a small cetacean) and northern white rhinos it is already too late.

As the global community re-examines, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, its relationship with the natural world, one thing is certain: despite our technological advances, humans are completely dependent on healthy and vibrant ecosystems for our health, water, food, medicines, clothes, fuel, shelter and energy, to name a few. This year’s IDB theme, “Our solutions are in nature”, emphasises the importance of working together at all levels to build a future of life in harmony with nature. 2020 is a year of reflection, opportunity and solutions. All of us have the opportunity to reflect on how we can “Build back better” to increase the

resilience of nations and communities as we recover from this pandemic.

2020 is also the year when the world can signal a strong will for adapting, as well as adopting, a robust and ambitious post-2020 global biodiversity framework that will “bend the curve” on biodiversity loss for the benefit of all life on Earth.

Biodiversity loss is a direct result of our short-sighted human activities including uncontrolled mining and infrastructure development, unsustainable farming and deforestation. All these have degraded ecosystems and have created the conditions that lead to events like possibly the pandemic.

While the world is striving to end this pandemic, we all need to take urgent concerted and collaborative actions to build a resilient and sustainable global economy that incorporates nature at its heart, even as we build back from the crisis. The General Assembly of the United Nations has declared that the decade 2021-2030 will be the decade of ecological restoration: a worldwide effort to recover the negative effects of industrial and human growth on the Planet.
With decisive and coordinated action, the objective should be to reach 30% protected territory by 2030, and 50% by 2050. Several of these areas could also fulfil the functions of what are called Climate Stabilization Areas (CSAs) and contribute significantly to halting climate change.

Hopefully governments will find effective and rapid solutions on a large scale, but there's a lot we can do as individuals: a few everyday gestures would be enough to eliminate the threat of extinction of many species. Under the bench are our lifestyles and a mistaken view that sees man plundering without any respect. Only a more cooperative view of existence will be able to slow down the rate of extinction, which speeds up in a frightening way.

How are you helping the planet? Use renewable energy, walk and use bikes, use public transport, buy local organic food and go vegan, ditch single use plastics.

Shop with us our natural reusable recyclable compostable products. Say Yes to Life, Earth Thanks! 🌿

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