Why we need biodiversity for our own survival
This is the science behind why we as humans are dependent on a rich biodiversity for our food. There are many more aspects as to why we need biodiversity and nature live, e.g. in connection to mental health. Here the report focuses on ecosystem services.
The IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) have produced a regional assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services for Europe and Central Asia and you can read it by clicking on the link below.
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If you don't have a spare 10 hours to read the whole report, jump down below the photo and we have added an AI generated summary of how biodiversity loss is linked to our food security.
The IPBES regional assessment report for Europe and Central Asia explicitly links biodiversity loss to decreased food security in several ways:
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Reduced Pollination: Many crops rely on insects and other animals for pollination. Declining pollinator populations due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change directly threaten crop yields and the diversity of foods available. This affects fruits, vegetables, and even some staple crops.
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Soil Degradation: Healthy soils are essential for food production. Biodiversity loss in soil ecosystems can lead to reduced fertility, erosion, and decreased water retention. This makes it harder to grow crops and can lead to lower yields and even crop failures.
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Pest and Disease Regulation: Natural ecosystems provide a balance that helps control agricultural pests and diseases. Loss of biodiversity can disrupt this balance, leading to outbreaks that damage crops and reduce yields.
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Fisheries Decline: Overfishing and habitat destruction are leading to declining fish stocks in many areas. This directly impacts the availability of seafood, a crucial source of protein for many people in the region.
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Genetic Diversity: Biodiversity loss also includes the loss of genetic diversity within crop and livestock species. This reduces resilience to diseases, pests, and climate change, making food production more vulnerable.
The report emphasizes that these impacts are not just future threats; they are already happening in Europe and Central Asia. This contributes to concerns about long-term food security in the region, especially in the face of a growing population and climate change.
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Beyond the direct impacts, the report also highlights indirect links between biodiversity loss and food security:
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Reduced resilience: Ecosystem degradation weakens the resilience of food systems to shocks like droughts, floods, and disease outbreaks. This can lead to price spikes and food shortages.
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Impacts on livelihoods: Millions of people in Europe and Central Asia depend on natural resources for their livelihoods, including farming, fishing, and forestry. Biodiversity loss threatens these livelihoods, further impacting food security.
The report makes it clear that protecting and restoring biodiversity is crucial not just for nature itself, but also for ensuring the long-term availability of food for the people of Europe and Central Asia.