What a wonderful world!
The diversity of life on Earth is overwhelming. Even in a time when we hear about species disappearing and ecosystems on the verge of collapsing, there are more habitats than we can think of – many yet to be discovered – and species we knew nothing of that suddenly come to the light.
There is a delicate balance between all the elements of life, and when an ecosystem is disrupted, it’s not only the plants and animals that suffer. We all do. As Sir Richard Branson, the patron of all green causes, succinctly pointed out: biodiversity is vital for development. The equilibrium of natural landscapes sustains livelihoods, raw materials, supplies, production lines, new scientific discoveries, medical breakthroughs, evolution, and let’s not forget, beauty. What would be of our wonderful world if we had no beauty left?
Biodiversity matters. As stated by the Convention on Biological Diversity, every part of an ecosystem has an intrinsic value and role; even if it’s hard to measure in direct monetary value. After all, what would be the price tag of the last polar bear alive?
The diversity of life forms affects the overall existence of life-sustaining systems. This includes, irrevocably, us. The importance of integral growth of companies, cities and whole countries has become evident. Fortunately, there are foundations and people who are taking steps to prevent the further loss of biodiversity on our planet.
Following the smart premise that changes start in your own backyard, the National Wild Life Federation has been advocating for preservation and restoration of biodiversity in the United States since 1938. Their own headquarters is sitting on what use to be a landfill and is now a wildlife sanctuary. Talk about practicing what they preach!
Their main work is done in five specific areas: climate change solutions, protection of endangered species, protecting the Arctic wildlife, restoring America’s waterways and spreading the word about the importance of environmental conservation. Through their wildlife adoption program, people can become involved by funding a specific species. Have you ever thought about adopting a Florida panther? With NWF you can, and you don’t have to worry about your new feline taking Fido’s spot on the bed. Your panther will be safe and sound in the rainforest, thanks to you.
The Arctic is a hotspot for conservationists who, like NWF, want to preserve the most untouched corner of our blue planet in all its intact beauty. Prince Albert II of Monaco, set up a foundation whose aim (among other influences), is protecting the polar zones of the planet. It is widely recognized that the perennial ice caps are the best reflective surface of the Earth and act as a global temperature regulation system. They also harbor unique species and habitats, and the loss of their area, due to climate change, will bring disaster to all coastal zones.
This foundation also devotes considerable efforts to marine conservation, with luxury watchmaker Rolex as a sponsor and partner. The Monaco Blue Initiative is relatively new and still outlining their future strategy to preserve large predators, like sharks and Bluefin tuna. It’ll be interesting to keep an eye on their progress; but remember lads, the clock is ticking.
Many projects funded by Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation have already shown incredible results. For example, hats off to this foundation and to Birdlife International, for protecting and breeding the last colony of bald ibises in the world. And kudos to Prince Albert; 113 pairs of bald Ibises will be able to take flight this year.
And speaking of flight, next time you travel in an Airbus jetliner, you’ll be hopping on The Green Wave. The company has signed an agreement with UNEP’s Convention on Biological Diversity, to join efforts in spreading the word about the importance of biodiversity. From schoolchildren in China to students in the UK, Airbus employees have been getting their hands dirty, teaching us how to grow orchards and gardens – while training us on environmental conservation.
Teaching is the investment for a stronger future. When it comes to training the next generation of conservationists, the Chicago Field Museum has walked that walk since 1999. Not only has it devoted considerable efforts in teaching the future conservation scientists, but it empowers communities to be hands-on in the protection of their local environment.
A man who knows a thing or two about both luxury and the importance of biodiversity, is Ted Turner. The founder of CNN was once the US’s largest private land owner and still possesses the world’s largest bison herd. Likewise, Turner has dedicated a significant proportion of his energy, and his multi-billion dollar fortune, to promoting environmental causes. Readers of a certain age may well recall watching the animated adventures of Captain Planet and the Planeteers; but may not have been aware that the pro-environmental, anti-corporate superhero was actually created by the legendary media-mogel himself.
In 1997, he launched the Turner Endangered Species Fund; a private, non-profit charity dedicated to conserving biodiversity, by ensuring the persistence of imperiled species and their habitats. Today, the fund works with its partners to combat the worldwide decline of biological diversity. It does so by supporting research and education initiatives that inspire a new generation of enthusiastic explorers, environmental policy makers, citizen scientists, and conservation biologists to conserve and protect the natural world.
This fund has joined forces with the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation, to act against the decline of worldwide biodiversity degradation. Founder, E.O. Wilson, shares some of his biodiversity stardom with another luminary. You might know James Cameron as a filmmaker, but this accomplished explorer has also won the very coveted Hubbard medal, and it wasn’t because of all the unique flora and fauna he made up for Avatar. The producer of The Abyss, went to the abyss himself, becoming the first solo deep-sea explorer. His deep-sea explorations have thrown light into parts of the sea previously unknown to mankind. This physicist turned filmmaker has a long career advocating for this world’s wonders. After watching Avatar, we have no doubt that his work reflects his commitment.
Activism desires to preserve the world and its beauties. As an answer to this claim, the conglomerate of luxury brands, Kering, has put their best foot forward. If you haven’t heard about REDD+, let’s just say that Kering is investing in it, because it’s the best conservation idea out there. REDD+ (Reduction of Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation). It has all-encompassing conservation projects that are based on the sustainable exploitation of biological resources, reducing emissions from deforestation and procuring sustainable livelihoods; all while preserving biodiversity in all its glory.
Gucci, a luxury brand of Kering, joined in the Python Conservation Partnership to improve animal welfare in the procurement of python skins for manufacture of luxury items. This goes hand-in-hand with REDD+ efforts. By preserving the python’s habitat, we curve the possibility of extinction of the species, and by allowing local communities to sustainably hunt the animals, the people’s livelihoods are guaranteed.
The world is starting to wake up to the problems caused by declining biodiversity; thanks to the work of the individuals and foundations mentioned above. The United Nations has long had a remit of protecting key areas of the planet for the benefit of future generations. As far back as 1972, the UN adopted the World Heritage Convention, an agreement stating all nations have a duty to identify, protect, and conserve sites of cultural and natural heritage. While this was not initially drafted with sustainable development in mind, it clearly carries the spirit of sustainability. The Convention explicitly recognizes the world is a single, enclosed ecosystem and careful stewardship is needed to ensure the survival of life on earth as we know it.
Whether you want to save our ecosystems, preserve our species or unite with world changers to transform our planet; you too can get on the biodiversity bandwagon. You can link arms with Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to save our colonies or adopt a unique species through the National Wild Life Federation or get involved with the Chicago Field Museum, and explore what local activities of biodiversity are in your hometown.