Biodiversity unfortunately faces significant threats currently. “According to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA), the rate at which species are becoming extinct is estimated to be up to 1,000 times higher today than pre-industrial times. (7) What’s more, the International Union for Conservation has reported that an average of 52 species per year have moved one category closer to extinction from 1980 to 2008 as documented on their Red List of Endangered Species, with this rate showing no indications of slowing down. (8) “Based on current trends, an estimated 34,000 plant and 5,200 animal species – including 1 in 8 of the world’s bird species – face extinction”. (9) As such, it is not surprising that scientists are calling the current loss of biodiversity the sixth mass extinction in Earth’s history. (10) Similarly, the variety of domesticated plants and animals that we depend on for food are at threat with modern agriculture focusing on fewer crop varieties and with about 30% of the main animal farm species breeds currently at high risk of extinction. (11)

However, unlike previous episodes of major species extinction experienced previously on Earth for which climactic, geologic and other natural phenomenon were to blame, the current episode is driven by human factors. These are “the rapid conversion and degradation of habitat for human use; the accidental and deliberate introduction of exotic species; over-harvesting of animals, fish and plants; pollution; human-caused global climate change; industrial agriculture and forestry; and other activities that destroy or impair natural ecosystems and the species within them. (12) However, degradation, fragmentation and outright loss of forests, wetlands, coral reefs and other ecosystems pose the largest threat to biodiversity. Habitat loss takes several forms including wild species losing areas they use; and fragmentation – when native species forced onto small patches of undisturbed land surrounded by areas cleared for agriculture and other purposes. (13) Forests are home to a significant amount of terrestrial biodiversity, yet 45 percent of the world’s original forests are gone, haven being cleared mainly during the past century. Similarly, 10 percent of coral reefs, which are among the richest ecosystems on the planet, have been destroyed with one-third threatened to collapse over the next 10 to 20 years. Coastal mangroves, are also at threat, with half already gone, posing significant loss for countless species using these habitats for nurseries for their offspring. (14)

With natural habitats becoming increasingly fragmented and reduced, plant, insect and animal species’ survival and well-being are at threat.  As our planet becomes more urbanized, there is more of a need to establish and support green spaces for the health benefits they provide us and to help conserve biodiversity. As global citizens, there are many actions we can participate in to help improve the state of biological diversity while supporting our own wellness needs. One small way to accomplish this is through gardening!

With this in mind, the biodiverse wellness garden model was created. It focuses on taking natural elements that support human wellness and biodiversity into designing and creating a garden. Instead of viewing biodiversity and human wellness as separate, this type of garden offers a holistic approach to supporting both wildlife and human wellness. 

A customized, comprehensive expert garden plan is available from biodiversewellnessgardens.com. These garden plans are custom designed to meet your vision, needs and budget. This service also designs biodiverse wellness gardens for specific uses. Our key goal is to offer a service that designs a garden, which both humans and biodiversity will enjoy! 

References

7. WorldWatch Institute. “Unparalleled Biodiversity Loss Continues without Political Action and Ecosystem Valuation”. 5-22-2012 http://www.worldwatch.org/system/files/EcoWatch%20052212.pdf

8. Ibid.

9. Ibid.

10. Ibid.

11. Convention on Biological Diversity. “How the Convention on Biological Diversity Promotes Nature and Human Well-being – We are Changing Life on Earth”. https://www.cbd.int/convention/guide/?id=changing

12. World Resources: A Guide to the Global Environment. “Biodiversity: Conditions and Trends”. New York: Oxford University Press. 1994, pg 147.

13. Ibid. pg. 149

14. Convention on Biological Diversity. “How the Convention on Biological Diversity Promotes Nature and Human Well-being – We are Changing Life on Earth”. https://www.cbd.int/convention/guide/?id=changing