HELP THE BEES! Bees pollinate nearly 90% of plant species and they contribute to more than 35% of the world’s food supply, but they’re under threat from varroa mites. Plant scientists are developing cutting edge crop protection products to help farmers control the mites and protect precious bee populations.
Give pollinators an extra boost in your backyard by planting a variety of wildflowers and native plants to provide nectar that will bloom throughout the season. You can also build bee boxes for native bees to make their home.[1]
PLANT LOCAL FLOWERS, FRUIT AND VEGETABLES Research the plants and vegetables that are local to your area and grow a variety. Each plant and vegetable helps to protect biodiversity and supports the wider ecosystem of your local area.
PROTECT NATURAL HABITATS Human impact on the earth can have a devastating impact on biodiversity. Small steps like keeping to walking paths, and not stepping through flowers or crops, can help protect what is growing there.
TAKE A WALK Climate change can have devastating consequences for biodiversity. Reducing your carbon footprint by taking the bus or walking can help protect it.
Plant scientists are also working to combat climate change every day. One example is through innovative developments in conservation tillage, which uses less fuel and therefore reduces the emission of greenhouse gases.
CONSERVE YOUR WATER USE Fresh bodies of water are essential to biodiversity. Reducing the amount of water you use, by having a 5-minute shower or not running the water when washing up the dishes, can help protect vital wetlands.
Plant scientists are also working to help conserve by developing crop varieties that use less water.
REDUCE, REUSE AND RECYCLE Recycling lessens pollution by decreasing energy, electricity, and water consumption and the need for landfills. Not only can you recycle bottles and cans, but your local recycling center will usually allow you to recycle clothes, electrical goods and batteries.
Programs around the world have collected and recycled almost 800,000 metric tons of empty pesticide containers and agricultural plastics in the last thirteen years. That is more than the weight of 100 Eiffel Towers.
SUPPORT FARMERS Farmers play a key role in conserving biodiversity.
With the help of biotechnology and plant science, farmers can grow more food on the same amount of land. This takes the pressure off the need to convert natural habitats into farmland.
BUY LOCAL FOODS WHEN YOU CAN Buying from your local farmer at a farmers’ market or through a farm stand gives you the ability to find out how your food was grown and learn what they are doing on the farm to help conserve biodiversity.
VISIT YOUR LOCAL BOTANICAL GARDEN Botanical gardens are great for biodiversity conservation, as scientists can store, study and grow plants in their native habitats. Visiting and donating to your local botanical garden will help them continue to protect and promote biodiversity.
EDUCATE YOURSELF AND THOSE AROUND YOU Educating people about the importance of biodiversity conservation increases public awareness of the issue. As public awareness increases, people become more involved in caring about their environment.
