BioDiversity E Café

May 22nd marks the International Day for Biological Diversity designated by the United Nations. In recognition of the International Day for Biological Diversity, the United Nations had set 4 days leading up to May 22nd with different themes.

Biodiversity, which is known to be the variety of life on Earth, is very important for it provides food, shelter, medicinal resources, as well as other numerous social benefits. Despite the accelerating advances in technology, we are still dependent on these healthy ecosystem to survive. This leads us to this year's theme, "Our solutions are in nature" – our answers can only be found in nature and it is our utmost priority to preserve it.           

With the aim to promote Tunza EcoGeneration, aware people on bioversity, I initiated an online campaign on "Biodiversity ECafe" where people can enjoy their Morning Home Quarantine coffee with our Biodiversity Facts, Knowledge, Videos, Sayings and Resources every day during this biodiversity week. You can visit  facebook page Tunza Eco Network, Nepal for daily updates.

In this report I will be sharing you with the event material of the BioDiversity E Café Campaign

May 18th : Science and Traditional Knowledge

Through science and traditional knowledge, we can understand what is causing the loss of biodiversity and find possible solutions to prevent it from happening in the future.

Introduction: Science, social science and indigenous local knowledge are all the most reliable sources of knowledge regarding the state of biodiversity, its complex interactions within wider socio-ecosystems, the direct and indirect drivers of biodiversity loss, and the effects of policy options. Science has been providing evidence, data, information and expertise to inform policy action for decades. Scientific knowledge also interacts with traditional knowledge and other systems to provide the basis for solid decision-making.

Resources: The fifth edition of the Global Biodiversity Outlook (GBO-5) helps bridge that gap between science, knowledge and policy-makers. Visit https://www.cbd.int/gbo/  to read Global Biodiversity Outlook

Video: Video interview with IPLCs: “What do you wish more people understood about traditional knowledge?” will be available at https://www.youtube.com/user/gybncbd

Saying: “To succeed in protecting nature, and ourselves, we need knowledge of both the problems and solutions to reach people at every level, and to inspire the resolve to act. In this ‘super year for biodiversity,’ GBO5 represents an important milestone on the fateful road to COP15 in Kunming, China, October 15-29.” Says Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Acting Executive Secretary of the CBD.

Did You Know??

This Year 2020 is celebrated as International Year of Plant Health

Fact: There is a tradition to apply Mehendi to hands, feet, hair especially on the onset of rainy season, festivals and rituals. Science says that Mehendi shows antifungal, anti bacterial and ultra light screening activity and using this reduces susceptibikity to get infected by germs.

 

May 19^th: Conservation of Biodiversity

After we understand the causes, our next step is to take action - let us raise awareness on the protected areas which act as habitats for animals.

Introduction: The wider landscape and seascape managed appropriately constitute an important stock of natural, cultural and social capital, yielding flows of economically valuable goods and services that benefit society, secure livelihoods, and contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.

Resources: Check out our Neighborhood’s Biodiversity Map: https://tunza.eco-generation.org/biodiversity/index.jsp

Video: How to organize #BiodiversityDay in your country - One person can make a difference!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPqd3rxtwMQ

Did you know? World Environment Day is celebrated on 5^th June and theme of this year is “Biodiversity.”

Saying: “People’s lives depend on biodiversity in ways that are not always apparent or appreciated. Human health ultimately depends on ecosystem services: the availability of fresh water, fuel, food sources.” - Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, the acting executive secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity

Fact: The Report finds that around 1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction, many within decades, more than ever before in human history. The average abundance of native species in most major land-based habitats has fallen by at least 20%, mostly since 1900.

Agriculture Biodiversity: Biodiversity and agriculture are strongly interrelated because while biodiversity is critical for agriculture, agriculture can also contribute to conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Indeed, sustainable agriculture both promotes and is enhanced by biodiversity. Maintenance of this biodiversity is essential for the sustainable production of food and other agricultural products and the benefits these provide to humanity, including food security, nutrition and livelihoods. Breeding drought, salt and disease resistant plant varieties, livestock breeds and fish will become important to ensure food security in the advance of climate change.

Climate Change and Biodiversity: Climate change is likely to become one of the most significant drivers of biodiversity loss by the end of the century. Current global warming is already affecting species and ecosystems around the world, particularly the most vulnerable ecosystems such as coral reefs, mountains and polar ecosystems. Furthermore, it has impacts on the ecosystem services on which people’s livelihoods depend, such as rainfall and soil fertility which are essential to agricultural production. Human, animal and plant health are affected through increased transmission of vector-borne diseases. Biodiversity and healthy ecosystems are also an important resource for increasing resilience and reducing the risks and damages associated with negative impacts of climate change.

May 20th: Health Food and Biodiversity

Another important benefit that we obtain from biodiversity is that it provides us with food and medicine. Did you know that pollinators affect 35 percent of global agricultural land?

Introduction: Biodiversity is key for food security and nutrition; and contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 1 on poverty eradication and Goal 2 on zero hunger. Food systems depend on biodiversity and the ecosystem services that support agricultural productivity, soil fertility, and water quality and supply. For example, pollination is one of the most important mechanisms in the maintenance and promotion of biodiversity and life on Earth. Pollinators and pollination are critical for food production and human livelihoods, and directly link wild ecosystems with agricultural production systems. The soil’s ecosystem (microorganisms and invertebrates) are also critical for food security.

Resources: Assessment Report on Pollinators, Pollination and Food Production

https://ipbes.net/assessment-reports/pollinators

Video: People, Plants and Pollinators | Nat Geo Live https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmL_XTrPOMw

Saying: This is the beginning of a difficult process of the protection of bees and other pollinators. We must do more than just talk, we should undertake concrete activities to increase care for bees and promote the development of beekeeping everywhere

- Dejan Židan Former Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food of the Republic of Slovenia, and the head of the World Bee Day project

Did you know? May 20th is celebrated as World Bee Day. This day is celebrated since 2018

Fact: Pollinators such as bees, birds and bats affect 35 percent of the world's crop production, increasing outputs of 87 of the leading food crops worldwide, plus many plant-derived medicines. Pollination is estimated to be worth USD235 to USD577 billion annually to global crop production.

 

May 21st: People, Culture and Biodiversity

Indigenous people and local communities also play a pivotal role when it comes to sustainable of biodiversity.

Introduction: Biodiversity is the source of our cultural and spiritual enrichment. Species, genetic diversity and diversity of ecosystems are frequently integral to religious, cultural and national identities. All major religions, for example, include elements of nature and 231 species are formally used as national symbols in 142 countries. The particular relationship between indigenous peoples and nature has enabled them to conserve the largest percentage of the Earth’s biodiversity. On the other hand, many relationships between humans and nature occur in urban areas. Ecosystems such as parks and other effective area-based conservation measures provide recreation and a knowledge resource for visitors, an urban oasis for (re) connecting people with nature, and biodiversity is a frequent source of inspiration for artists and designers.

Resources: UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity

http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13179&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html

Video: A world without culture is a world without a future

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=RDCMUCkD7gm3Am3M3k156lk46t3A&v=ye1wT7gtdeU&feature=emb_rel_end

Saying: "Although COVID-19 has not succeeded in curbing dialogue among cultures, the long-term consequences of the crisis, especially in economic terms, might inflict severe damage on diversity, as periods of crisis are conducive to concentration and standardization. It is this insidious threat that looms."

- Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

Did you know? May 21^st is celebrated as World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

Fact: The creative and cultural industries (CCI) contribute US$2,250bn to the global economy (3% of GDP) and account for 29.5 million jobs worldwide.

Culture: A Source of Resilience

During this time of mass confinement, billions of people are turning to culture as a source of comfort, well-being and connection. There has been a surge in the creation of, and access to, cultural content online - from virtual visits to museums and galleries, streaming of films and even community choirs via social media - showing its fundamental role as a source of resilience for communities. Major crises throughout history have often given rise to a renaissance of culture and an explosion of new forms of creativity, so vital for human progress.

Why does cultural diversity matter?

 

References:

https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/culturaldiversityday

https://www.cbd.int/ https://www.un.org/en/observances/cultural-diversity-day

https://fao.org

https://www.worldbeeday.org/en/   https://www.un.org/en/observances/bee-day

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

https://www.gybn.org/

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

#TunzaEcoGeneration

#RegionalAmbassador

#BiodiversityEcafe

#Campaign #Quarantine