National Biodiversity Month
Did you know that in Australia, with the start of spring, September is National Biodiversity Month? This is a time when we celebrate the incredible diversity of life on our planet and our amazing continent. There are many reasons why biodiversity is so important, from ecological life support and ecosystem services to providing economic benefits, biodiversity plays a crucial role in our lives. Australia is famous for its distinct ecosystems and diverse flora and fauna. Australia’s biodiversity is globally regarded for it.
One of the most important reasons for preserving biodiversity is that it helps to maintain our environment. The more diverse an ecosystem is, the more resilient it is to changes and disturbances. This means that ecosystems with a high level of biodiversity are more likely to be able to withstand environmental shocks like floods or droughts.
Biodiversity is important because it provides us with a variety of ecosystem services. These are the benefits that humans receive from healthy ecosystems. For example, healthy forests provide us with clean air and water, while pollinators such as bees help to ensure that our crops are fruitful.
Biodiversity also plays an important role in the economy. The tourism industry relies on the existence of diverse and beautiful natural ecosystems. In addition, many industries use biodiversity-derived products, such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. These products are derived from plants and animals that would not exist without biodiversity.
Preserving biodiversity is important for our own health and wellbeing. Studies have shown that contact with nature can improve our mental and physical wellbeing. This is likely because interacting with the natural world helps to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
Now that you know more about the importance of biodiversity, you can start taking steps to enhance it and do your bit. You can do your part by supporting conservation efforts, choosing environmentally friendly products, minimising single-use plastics, composting your food waste, turning off your appliances at the wall when not in use and spending time in nature!
You can find out more information about National Biodiversity Month on the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water here.