Step Forward | International Year of Biodiversity

The United Nations has proclaimed 2010 The International Year of Biodiversity. At the launch ceremony in Berlin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel cautioned that the world will face “enormous costs” if no action is taken against climate change and securing biodiversity.

Humans are obviously an integral part of the natural balance. Our fate is inextricably linked with biodiversity. We rely on the incredible diversity of the natural world to provide the food, medicine, fuel and raw materials that sustain us. Biodiversity is the keystone of all life on earth.

Human actions have caused a biodiversity crisis. Accelerating human domination of ecosystems elevates species extinction rates. In 2007, the United Nations’ Millennium Assessment estimated that the current rate of species extinction is 1,000 times greater than it would be without human-induced habitat change, overexploitation and introduction of invasive species.

The World Conservation Union’s Red List, an annual report on the status of the world’s species, notes that 22 percent of all known mammals, 30 percent of all known amphibians, 12 percent of all known birds, 28 percent of reptiles, 37 percent of freshwater fish species, 70 percent of plants, and 35 percent of invertebrates, assessed so far, are under threat.

“We are facing an extinction crisis,” said Jane Smart, director of the biodiversity conservation group with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). “The loss of this beautiful and complex natural diversity that underpins all life on the planet is a serious threat to humankind now and in the future.”

The UN will seek to raise public awareness on this vital issue and inspire people globally to work toward safeguarding biodiversity. Many environmental organizations will be running special programs, initiatives and events to highlight biodiversity during the year.

“Biodiversity is the basis of all life on earth,” says IUCN’s Head of Ecosystem Management Program, Neville Ash. “We need practical action and supportive policies to conserve species, manage and restore ecosystems, including protected areas and the wider landscape, and promote the sustainable use of natural resources.”

The International Year of Biodiversity highlights an essential opportunity to increase understanding of the vital role that biodiversity plays in sustaining life on Earth.

Step Forward – What You Can Do

Learn about biodiversity in your region.
Create a wildlife habitat in your own yard, or community public space:
- Leave a corner of your garden undisturbed, and let nature take its course.
- Plant native plants, which are part of the natural ecosystem.
- Plant species that attract and support wildlife.
- Plant heirloom varieties.
Don’t use lawn and garden pesticides.
Be aware that many of your everyday choice impact ecosystems, and seek to make responsible consumption choices:
- Buy more organic and locally produced foods.
- Buy shade grown coffee.
- Make sustainable seafood choices.
Let your government representatives know you are concerned about biodiversity.
Support organizations that protect biodiversity and the world’s wild places.
Join a local environmental group to organize activities that will promote biodiversity awareness.