Preserving Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the natural variety found in living systems and individuals, and is essential to the function of ecosystems and to the continuation of life on earth. The current human-driven extinction of vast numbers of species is one of the most pressing issues facing humankind. Yet people can be good stewards of the land and contribute to the preservation of biodiversity.
How can I help?
- Purchase goods and services from companies that are environmentally responsible. Although you can't always believe marketing claims for "green" goods, a little internet research can often shed some light on the ethics of particular companies. Where possible, look for third-party certifications and labels. Organic, shade-grown (coffee) and fair-trade are some practices that are more likely to preserve biodiversity. When possible, purchase goods from responsible companies in your local area; this cuts down on the pollution generated in long-distance transportation.
- Plant a garden of native plants around your home (see natural gardening techniques), or at your school. In this way you can help to preserve plant species as well as create habitat for wildlife.
- Plant heirloom crops in your garden, and practice seed saving.
* Remove invasive species from your property. - Use natural gardening techniques as alternatives to pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers
- Maintain valuable wildlife habitat on your property, such as large trees, wetlands and natural shoreline.
- Consider donating part of your land to a preservation agency, or
placing a conservation covenant on your land to protect valuable
natural areas from future development.
The Land Conservancy
- Reduce automobile pollution (one of the largest sources of pollution and damage to species and ecosystems) by driving less, carpooling, cycling, keeping your car properly tuned and maintained and switching to a more efficient vehicle.
Additional Resources & Links
Websites
- Naturescape BC: Caring for Wildlife Habitat at Home: Stewardship Series
- Nature Trust of BC
- Biodiversity: What We Do: World Conservation Union
- Canadian Biodiversity Website
- Centre for Marine Biodiversity
- Biodiversity : BC Ministry of Environment
- Our Future, Our Environment: Rand Corporation
- Ecological Society of America
- Earth Easy
- Shop Sustainable: Sustainable Table
- Green Purchasing Canadian Centre for Pollution Prevention
- Wild BC
- Seed Savers Exchange
- Comox Valley Growers and Seed Savers
- Seeds of Diversity / Semences de Patrimoine
Articles
- Value of the World's Ecosystem Services and Natural Capital: Nature (PDF
) - Ecosystem Services: Benefits Supplied to Human Societies by Natural Ecosystems: Issues in Ecology (PDF )
© Images courtesy of Minette Layne & Mary Sanseverino