By Faith Ogiso,
Protecting nature for present and future generations
Biological Diversity is the astounding variety of life on earth. It includes lush forests, abundant wildlife, vast oceans and even microorganisms. It is the bedrock of our existence, providing us with essential resources like food and water, forming the basis of medicine and playing a critical role in regulating the climate.
May 22nd is celebrated globally as the International Day of Biological Diversity, commemorating the adoption of Convention on Biological Diversity during the 1922 Earth’s Summit in Rio de Janeiro aimed at protecting our natural heritage. Yet nature is still in crisis, millions of animals lose their habitat every year, deforestation still takes place at a high rate and 35% of the wetlands such as the mangroves, swamps and the marshes have disappeared since the 1970s.
Why Is Protecting Biodiversity Important?Biodiversity means having different kinds of plants, animals, insects and living things. Each has a job that keeps nature and our lives working well.For Example, pollinators like bees, butterflies, birds and bats move pollen between flowers, which lets plants grow fruits, vegetables and seeds.
About one third of food we eat everyday depends on pollinators. The crops we consume everyday such as apples, tomatoes and coffee would produce much less without the pollinators. So when pollinators disappear, farming gets harder and food becomes more expensive.Medicine; Many of the medicines we use come directly from nature. Some painkillers come from plants and some cancer treatment medicines were first found in ocean creatures and rainforest plants.
Scientists still discover new medicines by studying plants and animals. If we lose those species, we might lose a cure we haven’t found yet.Regulation of the global climate: Africa’s forest, wetland and grassland absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and help reduce the effects of climate change. The Congo basin, for example, stores a vast amount of carbon dioxide that helps regulate global temperatures.
As a result some industries and countries invest in carbon credit programs and other environmental initiatives that support the conservation of Africa ecosystem because of their vital role in absorbing greenhouse gases.The Role of CBD COP in Biodiversity ConservationBiodiversity is facing many threats today, which has led countries around the world to discuss ways of protecting the environment and using natural resources responsibly.
Through the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), countries work together to create plans for protecting ecosystems, conserving wildlife, and promoting sustainable development. These discussions usually take place during the Conference of Parties (COP), where leaders and environmental experts meet to discuss biodiversity problems and find solutions.One major role of the CBD is to encourage biodiversity conservation through international cooperation, environmental policies, and proper management of natural resources.
During CBD COP meetings, countries discuss issues such as biodiversity loss, climate change, ecosystem restoration, and funding for conservation activities. They also encourage sustainable practices in farming, forestry, fishing, and tourism.The CBD also recognizes the importance of indigenous knowledge and community involvement in protecting the environment. It emphasizes that conserving biodiversity is important for environmental protection, economic growth, and human well-being.
Recent agreements under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework have highlighted the need to protect ecosystems and improve sustainable environmental management. Recent CBD COP discussions have also focused on increasing financial support, climate adaptation, ecosystem restoration, and helping developing countries, especially in Africa, strengthen their conservation efforts.
Many African countries have made rules to protect forests, wildlife, oceans, and endangered animals. In Kenya, examples include the ban on plastic bags, the restoration of Mau Forest, and community wildlife conservancies. These show that efforts to protect biodiversity and the environment are growing.
Through partnerships in Africa and with other countries, governments continue to support tree planting, wildlife protection, climate adaptation, and better ways of managing the environment.Challenges in ImplementationEven with these commitments, protecting biodiversity in Africa is still hard. Some problems include weak enforcement of laws, not enough money for conservation, cutting down forests, pollution, illegal wildlife trade, and climate change.
Fast population growth and activities that harm the environment also put more pressure on ecosystems and natural resources.Way ForwardThe government should make environmental laws stronger, give more money to conservation programs, and invest in solutions like tree planting, clean energy, and better waste management. For example, in Kenya, tree planting campaigns, the restoration of Mau Forest, and the protection of wildlife habitats show why government involvement matters.Young people also have an important role. They can speak up for the environment, join climate action campaigns, come up with new ideas, and take part in clean-up activities. In Kenya, many youths are already planting trees, running recycling projects, and raising awareness about climate change and protecting the environment.
Communities should practice farming that does not harm the land, protect water sources, cut down on pollution, and support conservation efforts led by the community itself.When the government, youths, and communities all work together, it will be key to protecting biodiversity and keeping the environment healthy.Unity in conservation efforts today is the foundation of a sustainable tomorrow. As the world marks the International Day for Biological Diversity, there is a growing need for governments, communities, and young people to work together to protect biodiversity for future generations.
