Biodiversity is also an essential cultural and historical heritage for many societies traditionally tied to nature and agriculture. Let us not forget that one of the aims of sustainable agriculture is to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity by promoting farming practices that protect natural habitats and reduce environmental impact. Intensive agriculture, by contrast, tends to cultivate a single type of product, with the sole aim of achieving higher output and, as a result, lowering the price of the final product.
Fortunately, Italy is one of the countries in the world that tends to maintain greater product diversity. In our country over 500 types of olive are still grown for oil production; in Spain there are 400, although only one or two types are grown intensively to ensure a high yield. Another example is grape production: in Italy there are over 700 types of native grape in total, for wine and for the table.
Biodiversity in agriculture is “supported” by the market, which recognises diversity as an added value, as the success of the various PGI and PDO products shows. Italian agri-food exports are driven by this characteristic, which is particularly appreciated by high-income countries.
However, in recent decades the loss of biodiversity has become increasingly evident. The cause is global climate change. Without this diversity, the planet cannot guarantee the balance of its own ecosystems.
The causes of biodiversity loss
One of the main causes of biodiversity loss is the destruction of natural habitats. When forests are felled to make room for agriculture and urbanisation, and when coastal areas are destroyed by the construction of dams and marinas, the result is precisely a severe loss of biodiversity.
Another cause is environmental pollution caused by humans, through the emission of toxic chemicals into the air and water.
Global warming, too – with rising sea levels and the disruption of seasonal cycles – can upset existing ecological balances and cause many species to move or even disappear.
Nor should we forget the illegal wildlife trade, which contributes to the decline of animals in protected natural areas.
The effects of biodiversity loss
The loss of biodiversity can have disastrous effects on ecosystems and on human life. One of the main ones is a decline in the resilience of ecosystems, that is, their ability to withstand environmental stress. This means that climate change, deforestation and other factors can have a stronger impact on ecosystems that have been deprived of their biological diversity.
The loss of animal and plant species can lead to the disappearance of foods essential to humans, as well as reducing the chances of discovering new therapeutic properties of plants. Biodiversity in fact plays a fundamental role in the production of natural medicines.
The phenomenon can also have negative economic repercussions on many local communities that depend on natural resources for their livelihood. This happens in particular in developing countries, where forest or fishing resources are often a primary source of income and employment.
Finally, we must not forget the psychological impact on human beings that the disappearance of the most beloved animal and plant species can cause: an issue that is perhaps talked about too little. Biodiversity therefore also has an irreplaceable aesthetic and emotional value for many people. It is good to remember that humans are part of the animal kingdom and, as such, of the global ecosystem.
