Biodiversity

The Anthropocene era

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth: plants, animals, fungi and micro-organisms, and the ecosystems in which they live. Biodiversity encompasses genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity. It is essential for maintaining the health of the planet and all its inhabitants. A rich biodiversity provides many vital services, such as crop pollination, water purification, climate regulation, food and medicine production...

The sixth mass extinction

Today, many scientists believe that humanity is facing the sixth mass extinction, a gigantic biodiversity crisis on Earth involving the disappearance and destruction of numerous species. Unlike the previous five mass extinctions, which occurred as a result of natural cataclysms (meteorite impacts, massive volcanic eruptions, or natural climate change), the sixth extinction is mainly attributed to human activity. From this constant, the concept of the Anthropocene era was born. The Anthropocene is the name given to a new geological epoch in Earth's history, characterized by the significant impact of human activities on the planet's environmental and geological systems. The term "Anthropocene" is derived from the Greek "anthropos," meaning "man," and "kainos," meaning "new".

Measures to protect biodiversity

The previous five extinctions led to the disappearance of many species, but life on Earth eventually recovered. The sixth extinction is much more serious, as we are facing the rapid disappearance of a large number of animal and plant species worldwide. The consequences of this threaten the very survival of humanity. Many conservation measures are nevertheless being taken to try and slow down this new extinction. These measures aim to protect natural habitats, regulate hunting and fishing, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and raise public awareness of the importance of protecting biodiversity. It is crucial to ensure the stability of ecosystems. Rich, diversified ecosystems are more resilient to disturbance and environmental change. 

Ecovolunteering: a solution for preserving biodiversity

Various measures can be taken to protect biodiversity. These include the creation of nature reserves (public or private) and national parks to protect habitats and wild species. All environmental volunteering programs are designed to protect biodiversity, including those specializing in the conservation of a particular endangered animal species. However, the volunteer programs you'll find in the "Biodiversity" section are more specifically concerned with those taking place in nature reserves or national parks. Thanks to these volunteer programs, you can contribute directly to the preservation and restoration of fragile ecosystems.