Biodiversity forms an integral part of Earth Ecosystem and must be protected at any cost. Many a times, we feel that this is the responsibility of governments and we can’t do anything about it. But this is not true. I, personally, have been taking interest in this, making efforts to promote it and spread awareness. I have been writing to various media (national newspapers and magazines, university newsletters) to spread awareness of biodiversity, its importance and International Biodiversity day.

Few years ago, I had organised an online Essay writing competition on 'International Biodiversity Day' to spread awareness.

While most of us aren’t actively trying to harm biodiversity, modern daily life is rife with unintended consequences that impact the plants and animals sharing this planet with us. Natural and human caused disruptions reduce biodiversity and threaten human livelihoods and survival.

Traveling across borders and oceans to Biodiversity Hotspots to participate in conservation efforts as a volunteer, journalist, philanthropist, or citizen scientist are great ways to support meaningful biodiversity conservation. But for some, such trips may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We can, however, all help biodiversity thrive in our backyards.

When I was in UAE, I even went on 5 days field project trip to Wadi Wurayah (UAE’s first mountain protected area by government) to study the biodiversity of freshwater habitats and how species are affected by physical and chemical environmental factors. I will write a separate report sharing my that experience and what I learnt.

With a few simple habit changes and pro-active actions, we can reduce our adverse impact on the environment and encourage local biodiversity. E.g.

1.       Help Native Pollinators. ...

2.       Reduce or eliminate pesticides and fertilizer. ...

3.       Restore habitat in our yard. ...

4.       Restore habitat in our community. ...

5.       Reduce our consumption.

6.       Reuse and recycle

7.       Reducing our energy demand

8.       Buying Local foods

9.       Buying Organic foods

10.   Donating to conservation efforts

11.   Advocate for Biodiversity

Friends, I am sure now you know that there are many ways that we can contribute to protect wildlands, save biodiversity, and support sustainable development in Biodiversity Hotspots.

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