We often forget how much our lives depend on nature and the rich web of life on Earth, known as biodiversity. Biodiversity does not only mean the diversity of animals, but also of plants., microorganisms and entire ecosystems, from coral reefs to urban green spaces. Every part of biodiversity plays an important role; forests clean the air, wetlands filter water and microorganisms maintain soil fertility. It is the foundation of everything we know.

Despite its vital importance, biodiversity is under serious threat. Human activities have significantly altered three quarters of terrestrial environments and two thirds of marine environments. As a result, one million animal and plant species are currently at risk of extinction. The main factors driving this crisis include pollution, deforestation, overfishing, habitat destruction and climate change. Many species disappear before we can discover them. Biodiversity loss is not just a problem for nature; it is a problem for human survival. Biodiversity loss, driven by, among other things, climate change, weakens the entire system we depend on daily.

Biodiversity loss triggers a chain reaction. This phenomenon affects, among other things, climate systems, migration patterns and disease outbreaks. For example, as habitats shrink, animals move closer to human settlements, increasing the risk of zoonotic diseases. Maintaining biodiversity is therefore not only an environmental goal, but also a health protection goal.

The good news is that protecting biodiversity is a key part of solving the climate crisis. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, agreed by countries in December 2022, links biodiversity to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For example, forest conservation helps fight poverty, provides clean water and mitigates climate changeHealthy ecosystems are essential for achieving almost every sustainable development goal. The message is clear: biodiversity and development must go hand in hand.

But time is running out. We have less than five years before the 2030 targets become unattainable. Delaying action could push us past ecological tipping points, with the damage irreversible. In this global effort, every decision – big or small – counts. Protecting biodiversity also protects our climate systems and ultimately ourselves. We stand at a crossroads. One path leads to greater loss and imbalance, the other offers hope and harmony. When we protect biodiversity, we protect ourselves. Spring