Exploring the Essentials of Biodiversity
In this second post of our blog post series on the “What is Biodiversity Finance?” webinar, we shift our focus to the core concepts of biodiversity itself, as presented by Dr. Mark van Nieuwstadt from the Naturalis Biodiversity Center. His presentation, “The Basics of Biodiversity,” emphasized the urgent need to appreciate and safeguard biodiversity, shedding light on its vital role in maintaining the health of ecosystems and, by extension, the long-term wellbeing of humankind.
Biodiversity: More Than Just Nature
Biodiversity encompasses much more than what many consider “nature” in the traditional sense. It includes all forms of life—visible and invisible—that coexist in intricate networks across ecosystems. Microorganisms, for example, are essential yet largely overlooked components of biodiversity. They inhabit our bodies, contributing to a healthy microbiome, while also playing a fundamental role in the ecosystems we rely on. The presentation highlighted that biodiversity is not something separate from humans but is deeply interconnected with our very existence.
Genes, Species, and Ecosystems: A Crash Course in Biodiversity
Understanding biodiversity begins with recognizing its various dimensions: genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem interactions. Genetic variation within species is crucial not only for our human needs – think about the many varieties of tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables – but also for species’ adaptability and survival. As environmental conditions change, genetic diversity enables species to adjust and thrive.
Species diversity is the biodiversity concept people are probably most familiar with. Despite significant advancements, the vast majority of species remain undiscovered. Contrary to popular belief, biodiversity is not dominated by large mammals, birds and plants. In fact, microorganisms, fungi, algae, and other “lower” life forms make up the bulk of life on Earth. These organisms are the backbone of ecosystems, driving essential processes such as nutrient cycling, decomposition, and food production.
Networks and Ecosystems: The Importance of Redundancy and Resilience
Ecosystems are complex networks in which all species, from bacteria to large mammals, are interconnected, and in which cooperation is just as vital as competition. The presentation highlighted the significance of redundancy and resilience. Redundancy refers to different species performing similar roles within an ecosystem, a phenomenon that is crucial for ecosystem stability because if one species is lost, others can step in to fulfil its role. This leads to resilience, the ability of an ecosystem to withstand and recover from disturbances, a concept increasingly important in the face of climate change and other environmental pressures.
The Twin Biodiversity and Climate Crises
The presentation also underscored the intricate relations between biodiversity and climate change. Vegetation, soils, and oceans have long acted as natural buffers against rising carbon levels, absorbing large parts of human carbon emissions. However, alarming signs, such as the Amazon rainforest beginning to emit carbon instead of absorbing it, point to the potential for devastating ecological tipping points. To prevent these irreversible processes, keeping global warming within 1.5°C is critical, and protecting biodiversity is a key part of that strategy.
Biodiversity as Humanity’s Life Support System
The presentation concluded with a crucial notion: protecting nature is not philanthropy; biodiversity is our life support system. Humanity urgently needs transformative pathways that ensure a safe, just, and sustainable future for humanity. BIOFIN-EU remains committed to mainstreaming biodiversity finance to create a resilient, sustainable future for our planet. Together, we can build a financial system that restores and enhances biodiversity.
In the last blog post of this series, we will explore the link between biodiversity risks and finance. Stay tuned to learn how a public and private investment increase could reverse biodiversity loss and tackle global challenges like climate change.