When on March 19 2018 Sudan, the last northern white male rhino, died, his species were destined to die out. Since there are only two females left in the wild, it is unlikely that the white rhinoceros will continue to roam the vast African wilderness in the future. Yet how distressing this inevitable forecast may seem, it is not just rhinos that are facing this truth. Species like the mountain gorilla, lion and African wild dog face extinction too. Conservationists argue that the alarming death of the white rhino should be the point where people start to realize the serious damage that has been done to the Earth. As the United Nations has mentioned: ‘’Such is the rate of decline that the risks posed by biodiversity loss should be considered on the same scale as those of climate change."
Why nature is important
Now, one could wonder: why is a healthy biodiversity of value to us, humans? Well, as a matter of fact biodiversity supports all life on Earth, thus human life. Without biodiversity, our entire support system for human life would collapse. Through crucial processes that are stimulated, nurtured and maintained by a healthy biosphere, we are provided with fresh air to breathe and food to consume. Furthermore, these processes lay the foundation for the earth's soil quality and other ecosystem services.
Literally each species of animals, plants, fungi and microorganisms work together in ecosystems, like a very complicated spider web, to support life and maintain the balance of planet Earth. A wide diversity of flora and fauna is therefore needed when it comes to a healthy biosphere. A healthy biosphere is a healthy planet. A planet in balance.
Conservation pays off
In reaction to the environmental degradation caused by humans, lots of conservation programmes have been established to combat the destruction of biodiversity. Through conservation efforts we have the chance to restore and protect Earth's precious nature. Indeed, some programmes have been so successful that entire populations of species (like the giant panda and mountain gorilla) have known a significant rise in numbers, which has saved animals from extinction.
To promote nature conservation we have nature conservation day
To promote and stress the need to protect the planet's natural resources, we have world conservation day. The idea behind this day is to raise awareness on the importance of biodiversity and the health of the natural world, thereby promoting nature conservation. Celebrated on July 28 of each year, it inspires people to take action - any small act that contributes to a healthy and stable environment. May it inspire you too.
AnnA
We are nature.
Western culture has long been imprinting this idea in our minds about how humans are separated from nature. But this dichotomy of nature and culture has only brought about human exploitation of the planet.
What's more, nowadays it seems like people feel more connected to technology and social media than to nature. I think technology incited the mental "gap" between people and nature to grow even bigger. As for the media, all it loves to do is to make people feel hopeless; it fills our heads with negativity and, most of the time, leaves the good stuff out. It portrays the world as a mean, scary place where a regular person shouldn't bother trying to make a difference.
Thus, people easily feel powerless, thinking that their sole actions won't have an impact in a big world. If many people think this way, things will indeed stay the same, and the world we live in today might not be there in 30 years. Truth is, inspired action-taking on the individual level is crucial. Because when many people do what they can (even if it is as little as separating their waste) their combined individual actions can make a tremendous difference for the planet. So let's join forces in order to save our beautiful world. Remember, anyone who is willing to do something can make a difference.
We are all connected, from the otter in the river, to the earthworm underground, to the coral reefs in tropical waters, each and every little thing is connected to the other ~ AnnA