One with Nature

The term diversity is used in conversation and is seen in various aspects in life. Life would be boring if everything were the same, we might share similar genetic traits, but the beauty of life is encapsulated in the traits that make us different. Biological diversity best describes the variety amongst living organisms, ranging from terrestrial to aquatic organisms. Understanding our environment expands our thinking capacity since the environment provides in multiple ways for our lives [2].

Unknown to some, South Africa is a mega-diverse country providing a structure for tourism, but it does not end there, agriculture and science rely on biological diversity. The diversity of topography, climate, geology and people make SA a place full of variety and cultural resources [5].

In efforts to understand the South African biodiversity, each of the different provinces would have to be analysed. The terrestrial biodiversity is divided into nine biomes represented by each province, rivers are divided into 31 river ecosystems and the coast has three biogeographical zones divided into subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate. South Africa only occupies 2% of the world’s land surface area and is home to 10% of the world’s plant species, 7% of animal species and 15% of the marine species [1]. South Africa might comprise of a small portion of the world’s surface area, but it is a home for some of the world’s most beautiful scenery.

Having a sustainable biological diversity requires analysis of the environment and having knowledge of the surroundings. The concern for South African biodiversity is that it is endangered. Birds, frogs, mammals, and plants are threatened. 82% of main rivers are threatened, 44% critically endangered, 27% endangered and 11% vulnerable. Vegetation is less endangered with only 5% being critically endangered. This concern does not hit home until you are affected directly where you are able to see the full impact of the threats [4].

The restoration of South Africa’s biodiversity is significant for society and the economy. The ecosystem is essential for the society by providing clean water, clean air, prevention of soil erosion, pollination of crops, food and shelter also displaying aesthetic and recreational needs. The economy is largely dependent on biodiversity as fishing, game, livestock, horticulture, and agriculture are directly affected when the biodiversity is affected [3].

Urbanisation is a major factor in threatening biodiversity causing habitat loss and degradation. Alien invasive species are also a major threat when hybridization with local species occur. Mining follows as a threat due to the emission of greenhouse gases as coal is burnt to supply energy [2].

Regulations have been set in place as noteworthy efforts for alien invasive species regulation to protect the indigenous knowledge. The policy framework for South African biodiversity entails progressive management. The policies are established through legislation in the White Paper on Conservation and Sustainable use of South Africa’s Biological Diversity (1997), some might argue the White paper needs an update with the technology and knowledge obtained so far regarding our environment.

South African government is aware of the danger’s biodiversity faces and are behind their targets to protect areas that are critically at risk. The places that have been noticed are terrestrial surface area, wetlands, coastline marine areas, rivers, bird sites, World Heritage sites and biosphere reserves.

Organizations like Seeing Greener are a platform to inform society about the quality of life that is being provided by the government as they are in charge of our livelihoods. Our understanding of the environment should make us appreciate and protect what is ours.

Live green, see green

Njabulo

References

1. Convention on Biological Diversity (No date). South Africa: Biodiversity facts. [ONLINE] Available from: https://www.cbd.int/countries/profile/?country=za#:~:text=While%20it%20occupies%20only%202,up%20to%2070%25%20for%20invertebrates (Accessed: 22/05/2021).

2. Magurran, A. E. and McGill, B. J. (2013). Biological Diversity: Frontiers in Measurement and Assessment (1st ed.). Oxford: University Press, pp. 1-15.

3. Pearce, D. and Moran, D. (2013). The economic value of Biodiversity (1st ed.). New York: Earthscan, pp. 47-81.

4. Primack, R. and Wilson, J. W. (2019). Conservation Biology in Sub-Saharan Africa (1st ed.). Cambridge: Open Book. pp. 62-87.

5. van Wilgen, B. W., Measey, J., Richardson, R. M., Wilson, J. R. and Zengeya, T. A. (2020). Biological invasions in South Africa (vol. 14). Switzerland: Springer Open. pp. 3-33.