The world's biodiversity is at threat due to climate change and several human induced factors. According to a UN report, the rate of extinction of species has increased manifold in the last decade as compared to the previous one. This is indeed alarming.

I had the privilege of attending the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity ( CBD ) also known as COPXI last year in Hyderabad , India and had also conducted a workshop for the participants.

Land degradation was the theme , which we as Green Hope UAE , pursued to commemorate the 2013 International Day of Biodiversity. Our first activity was tree planting , which is one of the most effective ways of combatting land degradation. A full set of pictures of our tree planting can be viewed on our facebook page :

http://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.547371721967939.1073741841.440448765993569&type=1

Thereafter we visited an organic farm store , where we learnt about the methods employed in the process.We learnt about crop diversity , soil management , weed management and how the use of harsh  pesticides degrade the soil and also kill organisms which live off the earth. We marvelled at the rows of organic vegetables on display which looked so natural . The owner of the farm presented us with complimentary bags of organic vegetables. These tasted so good and different .

Green Hope UAE would urge all to start using organically grown vegetables. This kind of farming is land friendly and helps in conserving biodiversity.