TODAY the world marks International Biological diversity day, a day set aside by the United Nations in order to spread awareness while increasing understanding of issues to do with biodiversity.
This year’s commemorations are being held under the theme, “We’re part of the solution.” Nations are expected to acknowledge the critical role that biodiversity plays in ensuring that there is a balance of the earth’s ecosystems which is conducive for all living and non-living organisms such as human beings, animals, plants and a host of microorganisms such as bacteria that collectivelly form the natural world.
According to the United Nations website, “When biodiversity has a problem, humanity has a problem. Biological diversity resources are the pillars upon which we build civilisations. But the loss of biodiversity threatens all, including our health.
“It has been proven that biodiversity loss could expand zoonoses- diseases transmitted from animals to humans while , on the other hand, if we keep biodiversity intact, it offers excellent tools to fight against pandemics like those caused by coronaviruses.”
A local environmentalist and natural resources management expert, Ms Rumbidzai Noreen Matonga yesterday posted on her social media page “Talking Environment with Rumbie” highliting on the importance of celebrating this day.
“Tomorrow we commemorate WORLD BIODIVERSITY DAY. Biodiversity can be interpreted as the variety of species , either fauna or flora. Species richness is the number of different species that are found in a geographical area , for example, I have 20 hectares of land and only have two animals, the lion and the buffalo.
“This means in tems of specie richness of wildlife, I have only two. The question is , can you come to visit an area with only two species richness? If your answer is No, then you have reason to celebrate WORLD BIODIVERSITY DAY. Conservation is important,” she posted.
Influential world political leaders also weighed in in the importance of prersevation of the environment on a global scale.
“Climate change, if unchecked, is an urgent threat to health, food supllies, biodiversity and livelihoods across the globe, United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry said.
