Today is the International Day for Biological Diversity, 2014. This year the theme is Island Biodiversity.
Islands and their surrounding near-shore marine areas constitute unique ecosystems often comprising many plant and animal species that are endemic—found nowhere else on Earth. The legacy of a unique evolutionary history these ecosystems are irreplaceable treasures. They are also key to the livelihood, economy, well-being and cultural identity of 600 million islanders—one-tenth of the world’s population. The theme Island Biodiversity was chosen to coincide with the designation by the United Nations General Assembly of 2014 as the International Year of Small Island Developing States . Read more about the importance of islands .
What is biodiversity and why is it important?
Biodiversity has been described as the ‘web of life’. It encompasses every living thing that exists on our planet and the environment in which they live. From the smallest one-cell microbe to the enormous majesty of the blue whale. From the depths of the Pacific Ocean to peaks of our tallest mountains, biodiversity is something we are all a part of.
DID YOU KNOW? Australia is home to between 600,000 and 700,000 species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.
Protect the Biodiversity of the one of the greatest eco-systems in the world, the Great Barrier Reef by adding your name to our open letter calling for the Reef to be listed as endangered and protected. Click the link below.
reef.1millionwomen.com.au
What can we do to protect our natural biodiversity at home?
There are a number of easy ways individuals and communities can help protect biodiversity in their local area. Creating a natural habitat in your backyard is one. Establishing a backyard for Wildlife means that you will encourage a host of native animals – birds, butterflies, lizards, frogs, insects – to your garden. Imagine them flocking to your yard! If their three main needs — food, water, and shelter — are available, then no matter how urban the setting, you can make this happen.
Here are some tips:
-Planting local native species is a key factor in creating a wildlife-friendly garden. Local species require little maintenance and are naturally adapted to the soils, rainfall and climate of your area. They will recreate the relationships present with local wildlife.
- There are a number of landscaping elements such as rocks, logs, mulch, ponds and birdbaths – that can increase the range of wildlife that will use your habitat garden (remember that the availability of food, water and shelter are critical to all animals).
- Planning your garden to look more natural will attract more wildlife. Avoid planting in neat rows, mix different species together and, on occasions, clump some plants of the same species together.
What to watch out for
-Weeds that compete with native plants for water, light and nutrients.
-Be wary of invasive non-natives, such as purple loosestrife, Japanese knotweed, crown vetch, and multiflora rose. Some adapt so well that they rampantly spread and bully native species into submission.
See information on native Australian plant species here.
Information Sources:
Australia Government – Department of sustainability, environment, water, population, communities