So lovely that you decided to challenge yourself and face the mission of increasing your city's biodiversity!
In the heat of everyday life, it is often difficult to pause for a moment and explore the surrounding nature. With this step, we would like to invite you on a journey of getting to know your non-human neighbours and learning more about biodiversity, its relation with humans, and its importance!
Explore
Biodiversity
in your city
Match the pair!
Let's immerse into BioDiversity!
Can you complete the image?
The What, Why and How of BioDiversity
What is biodiversity?
According to the most common definition, biodiversity is the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat, a high level of which is usually considered to be important and desirable. There are over 8.7 million species of animals and plants currently inhabitanting our planet Earth. Some of those are living far from us, in the wilderness. However, there are many species living among us, in cities, that in urbanised, highly urbanised, or rural areas. This abudance of life in cities is often referred to as urban biodiversity.
Why should I care about biodiversity?
The term biodiversity is now often used in reference to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs in short). Such as; 14th SDG: protection of the life below water, 15th SDG: protection of life on land; furthermore 11th SDG: sustainable cities and communities.
How does exactly biodiversity impact our everyday life?
First, biodiversity has a huge impact on human health and well-being. It also ensures better water quality and improves air quality. It also enables the environment to function properly and protects natural ecosystems. It also reduces the risk of extreme events such as severe storms or droughts. Increased biodiversity enables sustainable urban food systems. In short, it provides thermal comfort and a generally good quality of life in highly urbanised areas!
How can I take care of biodiversity in my city?
There is good info for you! You definitely can take certain actions and have a meanigful impact on biodiversity in your city. What's more, taking care of biodiversity is not difficult!
Let's explore together how to do it!
Here are some ways in which you can engage to protect and/or enrich biodiversity in your city:
-
Choose native plants for your garden or balcony and avoid invasive plant species that can harm native ecosystems. Native species are adapted to the local environment and support local wildlife.
-
Educate yourself and your community about the importance of biodiversity. Organize workshops, talks, or nature walks. This way you will raise awareness about threatened species and their conservation needs.
-
Create pollinator-friendly spaces by planting flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Test your knowledge in the BioDiversity Quiz!
"We don't own the planet Earth, we belong to it. And we must share it with our wildlife."
- Steve Irwin
Toolkit of BioDiversity Explorer
Engagement with the local flora and fauna is not as dificult as it may seem at first. The important part is to pick up a habit of regularly seeking to explore biodiversity that surrounds you. You may start by creating a diary or collection of your various interactions with certain spieces. Take a photo and describe it straight away with what you think or how you feel about it. With time, you will not only have a beautiful collection of photos and your comments but also more ease in doing that and more understanding of what lives just next to you :)
All you need is your phone or notebook and pencil... and eagerness to explore!
