22 May is the International day for Biological Diversity. Just another date to tick on the calendar? Think again. Biodiversity is our 'natural insurance policy' - it is important to have many different forms of life that are able to survive and thrive under different conditions. When biodiversity is threatened, it leaves us with fewer options in times of environmental stress and change - similar to having very few shares in a 'portfolio' of investments on the stock market.
The United Nations proclaimed the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. The theme for 2009 is invasive alien species (IAS) - one of the greatest threats to biodiversity and to the ecological and economic well-being of society and the planet.
Many aspects of research, teaching and learning at Rhodes University take biodiversity into consideration. The Rhodes University Environmental Committee has also organised an event to draw attention to its importance - see http://www.ru.ac.za/environment/events/campus
In 2009 the International Day for Biological Diversity is aligned with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and groups such as Working for Water, with the aim of raising awareness of invasive alien species and increasing practical action to tackle the issue. Find out more about ...
- What invasive alien species are and why they are a problem;
- Causes and impacts of invasive alien species;
- Examples of invasive alien species;
- The Convention on Biological Diversity and invasive alien species;
- Tackling the problem;
- Celebrating the International Day for Biological Diversity