Biodiversity loss – An apocalyptic catastrophe
Life on planet Earth is sustained by a diversity of living things (a biodiversity) … a vast variety of life forms, from animals to micro-organisms and everything in between … flora and fauna, on land and sea, underground and above ground. This biodiversity includes the entire spectrum of species…
varieties, genetic peculiarities and habitats. Should there be a sudden, significant decline or an expansive reduction in the number of species, their habitats and that which keeps them present and alive… a massive biodiversity loss… survival of life on planet Earth would become challenging if not impossible. Jesper Goodley Dannisøe discusses how to avoid a possible cataclysmic biodiversity loss.
The 10 ‘FACTS’ listed in the box attached here collectively indicate the importance of a healthy biodiversity. As human beings, can we do something to improve the biodiversity of planet Earth? Is it too late?
No, it is not too late. And yes, human beings can do something. Some steps to improve biodiversity are relatively easy.
Before I wrote this article, I took a tour on Google Earth and looked at some of those seaport areas for which many ports carry managerial responsibility. Naturally, port areas have been optimised to support all the functions necessary in the day-to-day operations, e.g., ensuring access to areas for loading or offloading cargo.
GREENING THE PROPERTY
In my Google tour, I observed port headquarters with nicely kept front lawns and some with trees and palms, all of which, I am sure, will please visitors. But a bit of well-kept lawn and a few decorative trees will hardly support biodiversity.
In Denmark, we have implemented a new approach called “Wild on Purpose” where landowners are encouraged to: let the grass grow; plant more trees; and reduce maintenance to a minimum. It requires a change of mind to understand that, if I do not mow my lawn, I am helping the lawn to change from mono-crop (the planted grass) to a state where other plants can actually grow in the lawn area.
To give you some tools on how to change current practice for a better situation, one which brings biodiversity into focus, I have elaborated on some ideas. To begin, it may be necessary that you go through the port area for which you have responsibility and do some simple mapping of the space.
Protect, restore natural habitats
Safeguard existing natural habitats that are within the port boundaries, including small forests or groups of trees, permanent wetlands, and any grasslands, including decorative lawn spaces.
If you are a port authority, you may also have marine areas under your jurisdiction. Study and discuss how those areas could be effectively protected or, if necessary, restored.
Increase habitat connectivity
All species survive by being able to migrate. This is easy for birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians but not so for plants and insects. Accordingly, consider possibilities for connecting green spaces in the port area to other green areas by way of grass-covered strips of ground; shrubbery; hedges; or, even green roofs, in order to physically link fragmented ecosystems.
Promote native species
If you want to improve habitats, you should use native plants in landscaping and restoration projects. They support local insects, pollinators, and birds. Remember that more trees will increase shade thereby reducing heat during the summer months and, possibly, the need for air conditioning.
INVASIVE SPECIES
Take care not to introduce flowers, trees and other living species that are not native to your country. In contrast to native species, they may in all likelihood not support insects and birds. There are a vast number of horror stories about introduction of
non-native species, all of which end in disaster.
The introduction of the lionfish in the Caribbean Sea is a well-known disaster. This fish has no natural enemies in the Caribbean Sea. Accordingly, it has multiplied voluminously in the Caribbean, taking over large areas of coral reefs, eating all other species. Another example is the release of Burmese pythons into the Everglades in Florida. This python has no natural enemies, and its numbers have grown immeasurably.
Reduce pesticide and herbicide use
Stop using any chemical compound on your land. Accept that “nature” grows. If you need to keep control, encourage integrated pest management and organic practices to protect beneficial species.
Support pollinators
A pollinator is any organism which carries pollen from plant to plant. It could be a hummingbird, an insect or a bat. Supporting pollinators is good for sustaining biodiversity. So, plant diverse, nectar-rich flowers and trees that bloom throughout the season, provide nesting sites. It is important to understand that without pollinators, many of our basic crops may not be able to provide us with food. Pollinators contribute significantly to global agriculture by way of increased yields and improved crop quality.
Protect freshwater systems
If port lands border a wetland, you need to know whether water run-off from the port area ends in the wetland causing negative impacts. Simple surface-water treatment systems based on natural root-zone systems are available and could improve the water quality entering the wetland. Better water quality improves wetland biodiversity.
Engage communities and education
Improving biodiversity in a limited port area will be a step in the right direction. Good public relations is to spread the idea beyond the port to the wider community. An alliance with adjoining communities for preserving the biodiversity of the port area is a positive port-community initiative. If you begin by engaging neighbouring communities in conservation, citizen science and stewardship programmes, the port will be seen and appreciated as a positive force in the community.
Strengthening biodiversity is not just about bees and trees. It’s about engaging whole communities and supporting entities in a historic process of rebuilding a healthy planet Earth.