What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity is all around us -- it's the variety of life on Earth, from the tiniest insect to a vast northern forest. Biodiversity is also about being connected - no species, including people, can live without others to provide it with food and habitat. All living things are part of this life system.

Species Diversity referes to all of the different types of species found in a certain habitat, ecosystem or region. Scientists have identifies more than 1.4 million species worldwide, but they estimate that there are many more species that have not yet been identified.

Genetic Diversity: Genes are the building blocks that create species. For example, genes determine your hair and eye colour. The genetic differences among individuals within a species are called genetic diversity. Species with greater genetic divesity can more early adapt to a changing environment over time.

Ecosystem Diversity is the variety of different ecosystems within a larger region. Ontario is home to a broad assortment of ecosystems, including prairies, forests and woodlands, wetlands and tundra.

Why is Biodiversity Important?

The diversity of life on earth - biodiversity - provides us with a range of benefits and essential services. Therefore, we must protect biodiversity and ensure our use of it is sustainable. Healthy ecosystems support healthy people, animals and plants, as well as a healthy economy.

Healthy ecosystems give us:

• Plants that make oxygen for us to breathe
• Soil for growing crops and trees
• Bees and other insects that pollinate the plants we use for food and other purposes
• Wood for building materials and paper
• Fibres for clothing
• Forests and wetlands that help control floods and disease, and clean our water and air
• Sources of medicine
• A stabilized and moderated climate
• A beautiful world to enjoy and explore

Threats to Biodiversity

The number of people on Earth increases every year. This growing population means we take up more space and use more natural resources to feed, clothe, and house ourselves. These increased demands on our natural resources are threatening biodiversity in Ontario. Ontario's Biodiversity Strategy, 2005 identified five major threats: pollution, climate change, habitat change, invasive species and unsustainable use of resources.

Each of these threats puts pressure on our biological resources and can lead to changes in the number and types of species and ecosystems present in Ontario. Our species and ecosystems may be exposed to more than one of these threats at the same time. The increasing number of species at risk is a clear sign that our biodiversity is being threatened.

What is Ontario Doing to Protect Biodiversity?

Ontario's Biodiversity Strategy, 2005 was developed by many individuals and organizations. The strategy sets out goals and a vision for conserving Ontario's biodiversity, including 37 actions. With people across the province working together to achieve these actions, we will be able to meet our biodiversity conservation goals, and we will pass on a strong and healthy province to future generations.

To download Ontario's Biodiversity Strategy, please visit www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Biodiversity/

What Can You Do?

All Ontarians need to be involved to stop the loss of biodiversity. Here are some things you can do to help:

Help monitor Ontario's biodiversity. Citizen science is a great way to get involved in monitoring species and their habitats in your community. Whether you are young or old, there are lots of opportunities to get involved! For more information on different projects, visit: www.citizenscience.ca.

Reduce your ecological footprint. At school, at work, and at home, we all do things every day that put pressure on biodiversity. The amount of resources that you use in your everyday life is your ecological footprint. There are lots of ways to reduce the size of your ecological footprint:

• Drive less! Try walking, riding your bike or using public transit.
• Reduce your energy use - turn your lights off, turn your thermostat down and use ceiling fans instead of air conditioners! For more tips on how to conserve energy, visit: www.energy.gov.on.ca/index.cfm?fuseaction=conservation.tips
• Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Avoid buying disposable products, reuse products, containers, and bags whenever you can, and recycle those that you can't reuse. For more information on the 3Rs, please visit: www.rco.on.ca/3r.htm

Get involved in biodiversity conservation. Plant native flowers and trees in your garden, avoid using pesticides, and get involved in community environmental conservation and awareness efforts

Biodiversity sustains us and enriches our lives - and we need to protect it.