Biodiversity: The Heart of Our Life
Protecting biodiversity is crucial, because without it, life on Earth would be in peril. Nature provides a multitude of essential ecosystem services to humanity, enabling its survival and well-being.
For example, it has helped slow down global warming in recent years thanks to its ability to absorb and store atmospheric CO2, thus playing an important role as a carbon sink. However, the more CO2 we continue to emit, the less effectively natural ecosystems will be able to fulfill this role.
Nature also strengthens our ability to cope with the climate crisis. Healthy and functional ecosystems improve the resilience of communities, protecting them against the impacts of global warming. Nevertheless, climate disasters such as droughts, wildfires, or marine heatwaves can destroy these ecosystems and lead to massive losses, thus compromising this resilience.
Before the era of the “Anthropocene,” humanity maintained a balanced relationship with nature, characterized by a low ecological footprint. [1] Humans adapted to natural cycles, taking from nature what they needed while living in harmony with it.[2] However, over time, humanity began to exert an increasing influence on the environment.[3]
Since the 18th century, we have entered the Anthropocene era, a concept designating a geological epoch marked by human activity, which becomes the main cause of change on a planetary scale.[4] The impact of human activities, whether agriculture, fishing, or industry, is now omnipresent and causing irreversible damage to nature and biodiversity.[5] We are thus witnessing a net loss of biodiversity, known as the sixth mass extinction, an ecological crisis marked by habitat degradation, the extinction of animal and plant species, and the destruction of ecosystems.[6]
To mitigate this net loss of biodiversity, actions must be implemented.
Natural Habitats: A Key Issue for the Planet
Healthy ecosystems, such as coral reefs and forests, provide essential services such as water purification, pollination, and disease control.[7] They are also a source of potential medicines. It is crucial to preserve them by reducing land artificialization, overexploitation of resources, and pollution.[8]
Reforming Agriculture to Save Biodiversity
By prioritizing organic farming, it is possible to limit the use of pesticides, which are harmful to biodiversity and health.[9] A reduction in intensive livestock farming should also be considered.[10] Furthermore, by promoting short supply chains and local production, we can prevent deforestation in tropical regions and reduce long-distance trade.[11]
Encouraging Cities to Adopt Nature-Based Solutions to Preserve Biodiversity
Cities are home to more than 55% of the world’s population, generate 70% of CO2 emissions, and consume 75% of natural resources.[12] Due to their major environmental impact, they must take measures to protect urban nature and implement solutions to reduce their ecological footprint.[13]
Ensuring the Protection of Marine Ecosystems and Threatened Marine Species
To protect the oceans, it is essential to reduce plastic pollution, sustainably manage marine resources, and protect marine ecosystems.[14] Supporting responsible fishing, limiting greenhouse gas emissions, and avoiding toxic chemicals are key actions.[15] Raising awareness, supporting conservation organizations, adopting responsible boating practices, and encouraging sustainable consumption all contribute to preserving our marine environment for future generations.[16] This helps protect the oceans and take action to save marine ecosystems.
Protected Areas: A Key Tool for Saving Habitats
Nature is present everywhere on Earth, at all latitudes and altitudes, and seems to manage on its own, with its omnipresent biological diversity. However, this abundance of life should not make us forget that biodiversity is in rapid decline.[17] According to the global scientific community, approximately one million species are threatened with extinction, and this decline has serious consequences for human populations.[18]
Protected areas play an essential role in preserving biodiversity and guaranteeing the ecological services essential to life on Earth.[19] To be effective, their development must be accompanied by a reduction in human pressures on nature, the restoration of degraded ecosystems, and the raising of awareness among local populations, in order to guarantee the sustainability of these areas without compromising their ecological objectives.[20]
Ensuring the Protection of Terrestrial Ecosystems and Species
Deforestation, overexploitation of land, unsustainable use of natural resources, the introduction of invasive species, poaching, the illegal wildlife trade, as well as climate change and pollution, exert unprecedented pressure on nature.[21] To guarantee a healthy and sustainable future for wild species, their natural habitats, and future generations, it is essential to implement concrete actions such as the reintroduction of species and the preservation of their habitats.
Château de Vullierens’ Commitment to Biodiversity Protection
Château de Vullierens is actively involved in the fight against biodiversity loss, implementing initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the species present on its grounds and preserving their natural habitat.
[1] Vie-publique – Earth-climate – What is the Anthropocene, a geological era?
[2] Vie-publique – Earth-climate – What is the Anthropocene, a geological era?
[3] Vie-publique – Earth-climate – What is the Anthropocene, a geological era?
[4] Documentary by Jennifer Baichwal, 2019, “Anthropocene, the Human Epoch”
[5] Vie publique – What is the Anthropocene?
[6] Futura-sciences – We have entered the 6th mass extinction, “there is no longer any doubt”
[7] Ofb.gouv – Preserving biodiversity to stay healthy
[8] Ofb.gouv – Preserving biodiversity to stay healthy
[9] Ofb.gouv – Preserving biodiversity to stay healthy
[10] Ofb.gouv – Preserving biodiversity to stay healthy
[11] Ofb.gouv – Preserving biodiversity to stay healthy
[12] WWF – Faced with the alarming loss of biodiversity, WWF France identifies 10 priorities to address
[13] WWF – Faced with the alarming loss of biodiversity, WWF France identifies 10 priorities to address
[14] Citevoile – How to protect the oceans? Discover all our tips!
[15] Citevoile – How to protect the oceans? Discover all our tips!
[16] Citevoile – How to protect the oceans? Discover all our tips!
[17] France nature environnement – Protected areas: stop the misconceptions!
[18] France nature environnement – Protected areas: stop the misconceptions!
[19] Fondation biodiversite – CAN PROTECTED AREAS SAVE BIODIVERSITY IN THE 21ST CENTURY? [20] Biodiversity Foundation – CAN PROTECTED AREAS SAVE BIODIVERSITY IN THE 21ST CENTURY?
[21] WWF – For a harmonious coexistence with wildlife