Last weekend, I revisited one of my cherished spots in New Jersey: the Mullica River. As I paddled my kayak through the wetlands, I was greeted by the amazing explosion of life that spring brings in. The riverbanks were alive with various species of migratory birds, and that it makes sense since New Jersey sits along one of the Americas' major bird superhighways. I also spotted a red-bellied turtle—a species near threatened yet persisting against the odds. This sighting was particularly heartening, given the more vulnerable status of other species listed in the IUCN Red List. I got really excited when I spotted a mother goose nesting on top of an otter holt, a reminder of the critical role wetlands play in nurturing biodiversity. Yet, despite their importance, these ecosystems face unprecedented threats. According to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, we have lost 64% of the world's wetlands since 1900, with inland wetlands like the Mullica River disappearing at an alarming rate. Wetlands, which include rivers, lakes, swamps, peatlands, estuaries, mangroves, and coral reefs, cover just 6% of the Earth’s surface but support approximately 40% of all biodiversity. This stark contrast underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these vital ecosystems and the myriad forms of life they sustain. As David Cooper stated during the World Wetlands Day on Feb 2, 2024, ¨The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is the world’s plan to act for wetlands. The four goals of the Biodiversity Plan aim: to Protect and restore nature; to prosper with nature; to share benefits fairly; and to invest and collaborate for nature. Its mission is to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity.¨ I hope our combined effort will let me keep enjoying the wetlands of the Mullica river for many years to come. #restorenature, #nature, #unep, #biodiversity
Diana Swidler’s Post
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We're always talking about biodiversity on this page and in our work, but we don't often define it. If you would like a primer on what biodiversity is and how to protect it, check out this amazing primer from The Nature Conservancy! https://lnkd.in/gmC3bvqk
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Our Biodiversity Report describes 13 habitats, identifying their extent, the key species and the most important sites. The impact of land use change, both climate and human induced, means these habitats are under pressure like never before. If we don't protect and enhance them now, they will be lost forever. A National Park has a responsibility to care for nature - it's our best chance Many of these habitats can be found close together. In a single 20-mile walk from Ravenshall Point to Cairnsmore of Fleet it is possible to pass through them all: • Beaches and dunes • Saltmarshes • Coastal cliffs • Rivers • Lochs and ponds • Reedbeds, marshes and swamps • Bogs and fens • Semi-natural grassland • Mountain and moorland • Native woodland • Plantations and forests • Farmland • Built habitats. #greatforgalloway #gallowaynationalpark #biodiversity https://bit.ly/3Or4n5J
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Thank you for sharing these powerful reflections. As we approach COP16 in Cali, I stand by my words: when we lose biodiversity, we lose essential parts of ourselves, our history, and our connection to the Earth. Whether in Oxfordshire’s chalk grasslands or my home region’s landscapes, biodiversity is the lifeblood of thriving ecosystems and communities. The crisis is not confined to one place—this is a global call to action to protect the species and ecosystems that sustain us all. #COP16 #BiodiversityCrisis #NatureRestoration #Sustainability
Make It Good | I sit at the intersection of sustainability, purpose & storytelling to help accelerate regenerative futures, now. Currently working on the 'Oxfordshire Doughnut'.
"At the end of the day, it comes back to life. As we lose biodiversity, it’s essentially losing parts of ourselves as human beings as well.” “[if we don't act] it will be a planet where we have lost our history, because our nature is our history. We’ve lost not just key species – we’ve lost our connectivity to the Earth.” Incredibly moving words by Tonthoza Uganja, land restoration expert and PhD Bangor University, in the Guardian today. She writes of disappearing flora in central Malawi - an essential food source for forest-dependent communities - but these words are so relatable to everywhere. In #Oxfordshire, think the chalk grasslands, the Lodden lily, the Curlew, Skylark and yellowhammer, dwindling ancient orchards, hedgehogs, the otter, watervole and hazel dormouse.. the stuff of childhood stories as much as life-sustaining and at the heart of rural communities and culture. In my home state Western Australia, species of cockatoo, the ring tail possum, rock wallabies, various species of acacia and eucalyptus… disappearing… I think of indigenous people out in the communities and the plant and animal species they won't be able to connect their children to in years to come. This is one of the many ways we can make biodiversity loss feel so very real - to *feel* the loss. #COP16, #BiodversityLoss Camilla Burrow, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) , WILD OXFORDSHIRE
Humanity is on the verge of ‘shattering Earth’s natural limits’, say experts in biodiversity warning
theguardian.com
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Most of us recognize that safeguarding nature and biodiversity is crucial for sustaining life on Earth. However, our actions towards this goal vary. While some actively contribute, others simply go with the flow without taking consequential steps. A portion prioritizes short-term economic gains, exploiting Earth's resources with little regard for the long-term implications on life. Years ago, my family acquired a magnificent forest in Costa Rica with the intention of preserving its natural state. Recently, we took a step further by establishing the Forest Guardians Foundation to expand our conservation efforts concentrically and positively influence our neighbors to join this mission. Witness the wonders we aim to protect: 2,000-year-old Podocarpaceae trees, 700-year-old Oak trees, hundreds of bird species, including the endangered Resplendent Quetzal with its vibrant and plush tail feathers, and a diverse array of mammals, to name a few. Truly a pristine and beautiful forest ecosystem.
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Startling news this week from the UN - The State of the World’s Migratory Species Report sounds the alarm that migratory animals are being lost at an alarming rate and one of the key drivers is the loss of habitat - the wetlands, grasslands, forests and waters where migratory birds, mammals and fish including many at-risk species take rest and refuge on their international journeys. The Nature Trust of BC has protected 180,000+ acres of vital habitat in B.C. and we are committed to buying, restoring and conserving more vulnerable habitats and biodiversity across the province. Right now we have 5+ Priority Projects underway, like Nighthawk Hill Grasslands. You can help Nighthawks and other magnificent migratory species by buying their habitat before its gone.
World's globetrotting animals at risk due to habitat loss, climate change | CBC News
cbc.ca
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"At the end of the day, it comes back to life. As we lose biodiversity, it’s essentially losing parts of ourselves as human beings as well.” “[if we don't act] it will be a planet where we have lost our history, because our nature is our history. We’ve lost not just key species – we’ve lost our connectivity to the Earth.” Incredibly moving words by Tonthoza Uganja, land restoration expert and PhD Bangor University, in the Guardian today. She writes of disappearing flora in central Malawi - an essential food source for forest-dependent communities - but these words are so relatable to everywhere. In #Oxfordshire, think the chalk grasslands, the Lodden lily, the Curlew, Skylark and yellowhammer, dwindling ancient orchards, hedgehogs, the otter, watervole and hazel dormouse.. the stuff of childhood stories as much as life-sustaining and at the heart of rural communities and culture. In my home state Western Australia, species of cockatoo, the ring tail possum, rock wallabies, various species of acacia and eucalyptus… disappearing… I think of indigenous people out in the communities and the plant and animal species they won't be able to connect their children to in years to come. This is one of the many ways we can make biodiversity loss feel so very real - to *feel* the loss. #COP16, #BiodversityLoss Camilla Burrow, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) , WILD OXFORDSHIRE
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