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PERSPECTIVES: Multistakeholder action needed to restore biodiversity

by Attish Kanhai
May 22, 2023
in Caribbean, Wildlife
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Photo Courtesy Anrita from Pixabay
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Perspectives is an ongoing series by the Cari-Bois Environmental News Network which aims to give Caribbean scientists, explorers and nature enthusiasts a platform to express themselves. This latest piece was written in commemoration of International Day for Biological Diversity 2023 by benthic ecologist Attish Kanhai on behalf of Trinidad and Tobago’s Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA).

As the United Nations celebrates this year’s International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22, the call to action could not be clearer. 

Themed From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity, there is a clear recognition that restoring biodiversity requires cooperation at all levels of society. 

From intergovernmental agreements to personal responsibility, tackling the biodiversity crisis is not the job of any singular group of people.

While governments declare areas or species as environmentally sensitive, and work on biodiversity agreements with other nations, the engagement of NGOs and civil society organisations is critical for the success of biodiversity conservation.

Members of the Sustainable Ocean Alliance Caribbean. As the UN commemorates the 2023 International Day for Biological Diversity, the theme for this year’s celebration recognises the role that civil society organisations like SOA Caribbean play in restoring biodiversity. (Photo Courtesy Sustainable Ocean Alliance Caribbean)

Agreements and legislation are only as strong as those who are aware and respectful of them. 

As such, partnerships cannot be emphasised enough when it comes to protecting biodiversity. 

On an individual level, there are many ways in which people can reduce their environmental impact.

Reconnecting with nature, and encouraging others to do the same, can raise awareness for the awe-inspiring nature of biodiversity.

Being more mindful of our daily consumption patterns and waste generation is also helpful. 

Reducing pollution levels and the over exploitation of natural resources can reduce the strains on biodiversity and natural resources. 

Students of Mason Hall Secondary School, Tobago, participate in a 2021 tree-planting exercise by Tobago-based NGO Environment Tobago. In addition to Governments ensuring that their countries are signatory to important Multilateral Environmental Agreements, it is also important that people get involved to play their part in actualising the goals of these agreements by taking actions at the community level. (Photo Courtesy Environment Tobago)

Fast fashion, over-consumption of certain types of meat, and high food waste, are all unsustainable practices which have high environmental footprints that harm biodiversity. 

To reduce the impact of these unsustainable practices, it is important that people strive to be more environmentally conscious consumers and get more value out of the products they buy for a longer period of time. 

Being more environmentally conscious about consumption can have positive effects on biodiversity. 

For example, recent “right to repair” legislation in European and North American countries go a long way in reducing the amount of electronic waste that is generated if we choose to repair our old devices rather than discard them.  

In recent years, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have played a noticeable role in efforts to promote more sustainable electronic waste (e-waste) management practices in Suriname. Since 2015, Support Recycling Suriname has worked to raise awareness in local communities for sustainable waste management practices like effective waste separation techniques to aid in easier recycling. (Photo Courtesy Rubia Berghout)

Educating children about wildlife and local ecosystems can help to make our connection to the natural world clearer. It can also bring about long-term behavioural changes in future generations.

However, the weight of saving our planet should not fall solely on the younger generation. 

Those in positions to make better decisions should do just that and lead by example. 

The planet doesn’t belong to any one person but all those who currently inhabit it and also those who will inhabit it. 

Conservation and protection are not just strategies for maintenance of the planet but necessary if we are to thrive in our habitat.   

Members of Environment Tobago participate in a recent tree planting activity to play their part in rehabilitating deforested areas on the island. Like Environment Tobago, Benthic Ecologist Attish Kanhai believes that everyone plays a role in restoring the earth’s biodiversity. (Photo Courtesy Environment Tobago)

The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Chair, Sir Robert Watson, said the health of ecosystems – on which all living things rely upon – continues to deteriorate rapidly. 

In turn, Watson warns that unsustainable development and consumption is eroding the very foundation of economies, livelihoods, food security, health and quality of life worldwide.

Fish provides 20 per cent of cent of animal protein to about 3 billion people while over 80 per cent of the human diet is provided by plants. 

Plants do not only function as a food source but serve medicinal purposes as well. 

As many as 80 per cent of people living in rural areas in developing countries rely on traditional plant‐based medicines for basic healthcare. 

Wetlands like the Caroni Swamp provide important services to humans and the natural environment. But recent studies have warned there is a need to protect these ecosystems which are being affected by practices like pollution and unsustainable development. (Photo Courtesy the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Planning and Development)

Biodiversity loss means that we are also losing many plants and animals – even before they are discovered – that can provide many ecosystem services. 

With deep-sea mining gaining steam, many of the unique creatures that inhabit the ocean’s depths may never see the light of day. 

Biodiversity changes that may result from activities such as urbanisation, pollution, and mining, continue to disrupt ecosystems resulting in loss of life sustaining goods and services. 

But enough of the problems, we’re not here to chew bubble gum but to take action. 

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY 2023
Tags: biodiversityWildlife
Attish Kanhai

Attish Kanhai

Attish Kanhai has been a university tutor, a gym instructor, and currently works as a marine scientist, a position he has held for almost a decade. Attish studied at the University of the West Indies where he holds a degree in Biology, then, in an odd career choice, he studied for a master’s degree in engineering which now makes him seem wholly impressive in his author’s bio. Attish has been published in international online magazines as well as regularly in the daily newspapers in his home country of Trinidad and Tobago. He believes that science communication is as important as conducting science itself and has dedicated himself to describing environmental concerns in a fun and relatable manner. Just to be a rebel he enjoys drinking a cup of Spiced Chai tea when writing as opposed to Earl Grey which appears to be the drink of choice for most writers. You can catch him writing from the comforts of his own home while listening to a football podcast or the sound of his neighbour cutting the lawn.

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