Let's celebrate Biological Diversity together!

• We are reflecting on the importance of conserving the wide variety of life present in nature. We are part of it. 
• Peru is one of the 12 megadiverse countries in the world. Highlights the importance of protecting key umbrella species known in our ecosystems. 

What is "Biological Diversity" or Biodiversity?

Biological diversity consider the wide variety of life forms that you can find in an area. It includes animals, plants, fungi and even microorganisms such as bacteria, as they all make up the vast natural world. It has been achieved through processes that involve millions of years, such as natural selection. This diversity can be of three types: ecosystems, species and genetic resources. 

Diversity of ecosystems: Is the diversity of terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems in a territory, including biological communities and their habitats. 

Species diversity: Is the variety of animal, plant or microorganism species that exist within a habitat or a region. 

Of genetic resources: Diversity in the total number of genetic characteristics within each species, which determine their behavior and appearance.

Importance of Biodiversity

Biological resources are essential for human survival and development. For example, according to the UN Environment Program, fish provide 20% of animal protein almost for 3 billion people. More than 80% of the human diet is plant-based, among other important facts. 

However, the enormous biodiversity of our planet is in danger. According to the WWF Living Planet Report 2020, the global populations of mammals, fish, birds, reptiles and amphibians have decreased by 68%, on average, since 1970. On the other hand, 75% of the earth's surface has suffered considerable alterations, while 66% of the ocean surface is experiencing increasing cumulative effects and more than 85% of wetland area has been lost (IPBES, 2019). Many of these spaces comprise the habitats of countless species. 

This whole situation leads us to think very seriously about the role that we humans have been playing in this alteration and systematic violation of nature. Despite all our technological advances, we are completely dependent on healthy ecosystems. Now more than ever, it is vital to reverse biodiversity loss and restore destroyed and damaged ecosystems. 

Peru: A mega-diverse country 

Peru has the privilege to be one of the most biodiversity countries in the world. There are only 12 countries with more ecosystems globally and even many species that inhabit Peru are endemic, that means, they only exist in our country. Within this wide variety are those that are considered “umbrella” species. 

“These species are prioritized by WWF-Peru, since they play a fundamental role in the conservation of biodiversity in nature. For example, the Andean bear and the mountain tapir contribute to the natural regeneration of the forest, the river dolphin is in itself an indicator of fluvial connectivity in the Amazon, and the presence of the jaguar allows the recognition of healthy ecosystems”, commented Fabiola La Rosa, Wildlife Officer of WWF-Peru. WWF-Peru specialists have participated in various studies on these species. For example, one of the most recent reports on river dolphins summarizes that they are very important in maintaining the diversity of fish, a fundamental source of food for the Amazonian population.

However, the great biodiversity of our country is also vulnerable. “We still need to promote a greater commitment to the conservation of biodiversity in our society. In the Amazonian, mountain and marine ecosystems of our country, the impact of human activities is increasingly affecting the habitats and life of the species”, mentioned Shaleyla Kelez, Wildlife Specialist of WWF-Peru.

Knowing the reality of our planet and our country, it is essential to conserve biological diversity, actively working for a future in which ​​people live in harmony with nature. Happy Biological Diversity Day! 

Sources: 

http://siar.regionsanmartin.gob.pe/novedades/minam-celebrara-dia-diversidad-biologica#:~:text=Se%20estima%20que%2030%25%20de,y%20508%20especies%20de %20mam%C3%ADferos

https://www.unep.org/es/resources/making-peace-nature

https://www.un.org/es/observances/biological-diversity-day

https://wwf. panda.org/en/environmental_campaigns/ipv2020/