| 2010 will be a year of celebration of the biological | | | | that has done more to damage our planet than |
| diversity of Earth, its value for our lives, and a | | | | any other factor. |
| chance to raise awareness of the importance of | | | | What Can You Do? |
| biodiversity. From micronutrients in soil, to big | | | | - reuse and recycle wherever possible |
| predators like sharks and humans, each species | | | | - save water, energy and fuel |
| on earth, and its habitat, affects the lives of other | | | | - remove invasive species from your garden |
| species, and of humans. Biodiversity is the life | | | | - plant a water-wise, indigenous garden |
| support system of our planet, and change to the | | | | - build a pond, bird boxes and plant wildflowers to |
| dynamics of that system affects more than just | | | | attract wildlife, birds and insects into your garden |
| the participants in each system. Population | | | | - grow your own organic vegetables |
| decreases and species loss in animals threatens | | | | - use environmentally friendly pesticides and |
| the existence of their ecosystems. The | | | | household cleaning products |
| replacement of naturally diverse vegetation that | | | | - buy products that support sustainable |
| supports a vast array of plants, insects, birds and | | | | development projects |
| animals by single crop farming has far-reaching | | | | - support local initiatives like river clean-ups and |
| consequences that threaten human existence too. | | | | wetland restoration |
| Protecting biodiversity includes: | | | | - use renewable energy sources |
| - protecting wildlife, especially rare and endangered | | | | - don't buy hardwood products from unsustainable |
| species | | | | sources |
| - preventing the extinction of individual species | | | | - when on vacation, don't buy coral, shells and |
| - protecting the biodiversity of different regions | | | | ivory or animal skins |
| - protecting ecosystems | | | | - visit nature reserves - your entrance fee helps |
| Climate change drives the loss of biodiversity, as | | | | sustain the reserve |
| is being seen in the polar regions where polar | | | | - support wildlife conservation organisations, with |
| bears and penguins are threatened by the melting | | | | donations of time or money |
| of their habitat and feeding grounds. At the same | | | | - petition against unfettered development and |
| time, the deterioration of habitats and loss of | | | | industrial creep |
| biodiversity worsen the effects of climate change, | | | | - report pollution to the relevant authorities |
| and in some instances contribute to it. Fighting | | | | Make 2010 the year you get actively involved in |
| global warming and protecting biodiversity is a | | | | preserving our planet and teach your children |
| responsibility we all share, as it is human activity | | | | about it too. |