As proclaimed by the United Nations, May 22nd is the International Day for Biological Diversity. The day was formed in order to improve understanding and awareness of important biodiversity issues.
Each year the international day for biological diversity has a theme, and this year that theme is “Be part of the Plan”. On a larger scale this signifies calling all stakeholders into action to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity by supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, also referred to as the Biodiversity Plan.
But what can we do to “be part of the plan” and help protect biodiversity? As Jane Goodall once said
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
One way I believe we can be part of the plan is by reconnecting with nature and encouraging others to do the same. This can help people to learn more about local ecosystems, respect them and want to preserve them. Educating children about wildlife and ecosystems can help to bring about long-term behavioural changes in future generations.
This is one of the reasons I chose to volunteer with GenEarth. I have now seen first-hand what a difference the workshops in schools make – bringing rainforests and savannas to life for children who may not have had the opportunity to experience them first-hand. One of the exercises we get the children to do is to ask them to close their eyes and imagine they are in a rainforest. We get them to think about what they can hear, touch, see and smell. Naturally, it was an activity I wanted to practice before delivering it in my first workshop. I imagined an abundance of different species of plants, insects, birds and mammals. The variety of songs, smells and colours surrounding me. It is no surprise that Brazil has been classed the most biodiverse country on Earth, with the amazon rainforest taking up most of its land mass. In business, it has been proven that diverse teams are more adept at innovation and help to make businesses thrive. It is no surprise that the same goes for ecosystems - a healthy one being reflected by its degree of biodiversity. So, this world biodiversity day I encourage you to get out in nature and appreciate the abundance of species around you. Or, if variety is lacking in your local green space – think of why this may be and what can be done to change it.
Frankie works as a small animal veterinarian in London, and has a passion for wildlife and conservation. She studied Global Wildlife Health and Conservation (MSc) and enjoys volunteering with GenEarth in her time off, helping to deliver the Wildlife and Conservation workshops to Primary Schools.
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