“Biodiversity” is just a big word used to define the variety of life on the planet. Diversity can exist at the genetic level, population level and ecosystem level. Biodiversity has become a key element for assessing ecosystem health and is being used to help identify and prioritize areas for conservation. Globally, certain areas are classed as “biodiversity hotspots”, because they hold such a large proportion of species found on Earth, for example the rain forests of South America,.
So why is biodiversity so important? Ecosystems which have greater biodiversity are also healthier and less susceptible to disease and other threats. Biodiversity supports natural resources, such as food, clean water and building materials to name a few, and provides industry for The Bahamas through tourism, fishing and crafts. Shorelines with mangroves have been found to be much better protected during storms than shorelines without mangroves or other vegetation. Those same mangroves and other ecosystems in wetlands such as tidal flats and seagrass beds support critical commercial and recreational species like Nassau grouper, queen conch and bonefish. These species can be sold directly for food, create jobs because of the human interest to see them in the wild and even, in the case of the conch, be used to make jewelry and other crafts.
Bahamian biodiversity is under threat from habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species, climate change and other factors. How do we combat the need to balance our resource use and biodiversity conservation for sustainability? There are special places in Abaco which are home to unique biodiversity and critical habitats for the survival of key species in The Bahamas. Some of these places are currently proposed for protection, for example the East Abaco Creeks, South Abaco Blue Holes and Cross Harbour. It is also very important to follow the policies and regulations set forth by the Government for resource management.
Do your part by making it a point to better understand your relationship with the local environment and act as an ambassador to others, helping them to understand why our environment is important ecologically, culturally and economically. Follow policies and best management practices that support sustainability. In the long run, we are all working towards a healthy and productive future for future generations.