This week we were celebrating Endangered Species Day on the 19th of May, aimed at bringing awareness to the importance of wildlife preservation and ways how we can help protect species.
According to the WWF’s Living Planet Report, which uses the Living Planet Index (LPI), monitored global wildlife populations have declined by an average of 73% between 1970 and 2020. This decline is based on almost 35,000 population trends of 5,495 species of amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles.
A decline in species is detrimental because it weakens ecosystems, disrupts food chains, and impacts various essential services like clean air, water, and food production. This biodiversity loss can have far-reaching consequences, including making ecosystems less resilient and potentially leading to the collapse of stable natural systems.
While the issue is complex and requires different solutions, today, we wanted to discuss some ways we can help as individuals and how connecting with nature can help protect natural environments.
- Support Conservation Organisations: You can support organisations working on the ground to protect endangered species and their habitats. You can find out more about your local nature preservation charities (for instance, you can visit your local nature reserve and speak to one of the volunteers to find out more about the organisation’s work), or research organisations that ensure their practices are ethical and effective. There are different ways to help these organisations, including donating, sharing about their work, and volunteering.
- Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Climate change is a major threat to many species. Reducing your carbon footprint through using public transportation, conserving energy, and eating less meat helps mitigate this threat.
- Connect with Nature: Studies show that, amongst other factors, like proximity to green spaces, regularity of visits, etc., a nature connection or an emotional link/feeling of connection to nature is an important factor in not only helping our health and well-being, but also encouraging pro-environmental attitudes and behaviours (examples of which are in this list), which can, in turn, help protect environments and biodiversity. One of the ways to connect with nature is through forest bathing – a practice of spending mindful time under the canopy of trees for health and wellbeing benefits. You can find out more about the benefits of forest bathing here, and how to start your forest bathing practice in our upcoming forest bathing guide book “The Healing Power of Trees”.
- Make Sustainable Choices: Choose sustainable products, such as sustainably harvested wood, and avoid products made from endangered species or their parts (ivory, shark fin, etc.). Look for certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for wood products.
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Minimising waste reduces the demand for resources that often contribute to habitat destruction.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about endangered species in your area and globally. A good source is www.wwf.org, or your local nature preservation charity. Share your knowledge with friends and family to raise awareness.
- Avoid purchasing products containing palm oil unless it is certified sustainable: Unsustainable palm oil production is a major driver of deforestation, harming numerous species.
- Plant native plants: Creating wildlife-friendly gardens provides habitat and food sources for local species. You can also check some of the rewilding practices you can adopt to encourage wildlife in your garden in our post.
By taking action, even small ones, like regularly visiting your local green space or sharing information about nature protection with your loved ones, we can help protect vital natural environments and species biodiversity for ourselves and the generations to come.