Biodiversity is the variety of living things on earth and the natural patterns that make it up. It is the basis of life and the essential services provided by ecosystems and therefore it is important to protect it. Biodiversity is vitally important for different reasons:

• It is the basis of our sustenance: it provides us with food, water and air
• It is a source of health: it contributes to the preparation of both traditional and modern medicines
• It provide us with water
• Ecosystems act against pollution and the greenhouse effect: improve air quality and climate conditions
• It regulates the climate and mitigates its effects
• It contributes to the economic and social development of countries by serving as a base for industries

WHAT ARE THEIR THREATS?

The destruction of habitats, unsustainable extraction of natural resources, the introduction of invasive species, global warming, desertification, climate change and pollution are putting natural life and, therefore, human life at risk. As a result of these factors, plus excessive and unsustainable consumption, population growth and the great demand for resources, habitats have been destroyed and thousands of natural species have been endangered. In the last century, the disappearance of species increased a thousand times compared to the natural one.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

• Visit natural spaces without causing impacts: Do not throw rubbish that could affect the ecosystem
• Do not remove plants, fish, insects, reptiles, mammals from their environment… This way you will help prevent the proliferation of invasive species.
• Consume sustainably with nature: reduce, reuse and recycle. The uncontrolled extraction of natural resources or our increasing generation of waste directly affects the loss of species.
• Consume sustainable products and services: As consumers we have more power than we think. If you choose sustainable products over others, you are communicating to the company how they should act. Look at the product labels.
• Act responsibly with nature: do not make bonfires, do not throw rubbish, do not release species or seeds that are not native to the place, do not touch nests or young animals that you see, or any other action that damages the environment.
• Report activities that threaten biodiversity: if you see any act against nature and its biodiversity, report it.