Biodiversity: A Precious Resource in Peril

The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) is observed on May 22 each year by the United Nations to promote awareness and comprehension of biodiversity issues. Biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth, is an essential component of our planet's ecosystems. It encompasses all living organisms, their genetic diversity, and the ecosystems in which they interact. Biodiversity provides numerous benefits to human societies, including food, medicine, and ecosystem services such as pollination, pest control, and water purification.[1]Unfortunately, biodiversity is being threatened by human activities, and its loss could have significant impacts on our environment and our quality of life.

The definition of biodiversity (Image source: S.L. Pimm, Britannica)

Ecosystems are complex webs of interactions between living organisms and their environment. Each species plays a unique role in maintaining the balance of these interactions, and the loss of any one species can have cascading effects throughout the ecosystem.[2]For example, the extinction of a pollinator species affects the pollination of crops and other plants, leading to reduced food production and ecosystem services.

The extinction risk in different species groups (Image source: IPBES)

Biodiversity also provides numerous benefits to human society. Many of the medicines we use today are derived from natural sources, including plants and animals. For example, the drug Taxol, used to treat cancer, is derived from the Pacific yew tree.[3]Biodiversity is also essential for food production, with many crops and livestock breeds relying on genetic diversity to adapt to changing environmental conditions and pests. In addition, ecosystems provide a range of services such as water purification, soil formation, and carbon sequestration, all of which are essential for human well-being.

Carbon sequestration in mangrove (Image source: A. Ahalya, Environmental Science)

Hong Kong, despite being a bustling and densely populated city, is home to a rich and surprising amount of biodiversity. The city boasts a diverse range of ecosystems, including wetlands, woodlands, and marine environments, which provide habitats for a wide variety of plant and animal species.[4]The city is also home to the rare pink dolphins swimming in the waters around Lantau Island and migratory birds that visit Hong Kong's wetlands. The existence of these species is crucial for the proper functioning of our ecosystems.

Chinese White Dolphin in Hong Kong waters (Image source: SCMP)

However, like many other cities worldwide, Hong Kong's biodiversity is under threat from human activities. Habitat destruction, through activities such as deforestation and urbanization, is a major cause of biodiversity loss, with many species losing their homes and becoming endangered or extinct.[5]Climate change is also a significant threat, with rising temperatures and changing weather patterns affecting the distribution and abundance of species.[6]Pollution, including air and water pollution, can also have significant impacts on biodiversity, with many species unable to tolerate high levels of pollutants.[7][8]

Overexploitation of natural resources is another major threat to biodiversity. Fishing, hunting, and logging can lead to the depletion of species and the destruction of habitats, leading to further biodiversity loss.[9]In addition, wildlife trade, including the illegal trade in endangered species, is a significant threat to biodiversity, driving many species to the brink of extinction.[10]

The numbers of species threatened with extinction by specific driver of biodiversity loss (Image source: Our World in Data)

Conservation efforts are essential to protecting biodiversity and ensuring its continued benefits to human societies. Protected areas, such as national parks and wildlife reserves, provide a safe haven for many species. Habitat restoration and reforestation programs can also help to restore degraded ecosystems and provide new habitats for many species.[11]

Country Parks Plantation Enrichment Programme (Image source: Friends of the Earth (HK))

In addition to these direct conservation efforts, there is also a need to address the underlying drivers of biodiversity loss. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate impacts, reducing pollution, and promoting sustainable use of natural resources. There is also a need for better policies and regulations to address wildlife trade and other threats to biodiversity.

Education and public awareness are also essential to conservation efforts. Many people are not aware of the importance of biodiversity or the threats facing it. Public education campaigns can help to raise awareness of these issues and promote conservation efforts at the individual and community levels.[12]

Biodiversity loss have significant impacts on our environment and quality of life, making it imperative to maintain and enhance biodiversity. Conservation efforts, addressing the underlying drivers of biodiversity loss, and public awareness campaigns are essential to ensuring the long-term sustainability of our planet's biodiversity. We must act now!