Protect our biodiversity!
Biodiversity matters and we can contribute to its conservation, writes Elena Koshy
BIODIVERSITY — a term laden with implications — raises questions that resonate deeply with Malaysians, including myself. What exactly does it entail? Why is Malaysia celebrated as a biodiverse country? And why does it matter to us?
Let’s explore the term itself, coined in 1985 as a contraction of “biological diversity”. However, the staggering losses in global biodiversity that are now emerging pose a crisis on par with, or perhaps even surpassing, the urgency of climate change.
The simplest way to grasp its meaning is by observing our surroundings. We’re surrounded by a rich web of life: from mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects and other invertebrates to plants, fungi, algae and micro-organisms. They inhabit diverse environments like mangrove swamps, rivers, highlands and coastal areas.
Everything we rely on, from the water we drink to the air we breathe, and even the clothes we wear, is sourced from nature. Nature’s complex processes sustain life on earth.
All these living organisms, including humans and the services provided by nature, form an intricate, interconnected web of life. This interconnectedness is what defines biodiversity and highlights its importance in maintaining life’s balance and vitality on our planet.
With May upon us, it’s a timely reminder that we’ll soon be celebrating the International Day for Biodiversity. This occasion prompts us to reflect on Malaysia’s significance as one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots, thanks to its diverse range of ecosystems.
Okay, so nature isn’t exactly your cup of tea. Neither is reading about national policies and why we all need to be tree-huggers. But before you begin to space out, here’s a question to perk you up: What’s the deal with biodiversity, and why should you care?
Think of biodiversity as your life’s ultimate playlist. It’s not just about having a mix of tunes; it’s about the variety that keeps things interesting. Without it, life would be like listening to the same song on repeat. Boring, right?
But here’s the kicker: Biodiversity isn’t just about plants and animals. It’s about the air you breathe, the water you drink and even the food on your plate. So, if you’re all about living your best life, it’s time to give our country’s biodiversity the attention it deserves.
MALAYSIA’S BIODIVERSITY
It’s truly mind-boggling to realise that we reside in a land teeming with natural treasures. Malaysia’s vast array of flora and fauna paints a vivid picture of a thriving ecosystem.
According to the World Development Indicators, despite occupying only 0.2 per cent of the world’s land mass, Malaysia boasts an astonishing diversity of plant and animal species, making it one of the most biodiverse countries per unit area globally, second only to Indonesia in Southeast Asia. In fact, the 2001 Global Diversity Outlook acknowledged Malaysia as one of the 17 mega-diverse nations worldwide.
Imagine this: the collective biodiversity found in megadiverse countries constitutes nearly 70 per cent of all known species worldwide. That means Malaysia is home to a remarkable abundance of plants, trees, wildlife and more — surpassing many other nations across the globe.
For example: Covering approximately 330,345 square kilometres, Malaysia may seem small in the grand scheme of things. But don’t let its size fool you! Within this relatively compact space, the country boasts a staggering biodiversity treasure: over 1,500 recorded species of orchids. That’s a whopping 4.8 per cent of the entire 31,000 orchid species found worldwide! It’s a testament to her rich natural heritage and its significance in the global ecosystem.
That’s enough to make you proud to be a Malaysian, doesn’ t it? If it doesn’t, then think about this instead.
For many of us living in towns and cities, wildlife is often something you watch on television. But the reality is everything you do relies on Malaysia’s biodiversity. Picture this: without plants, there’d be no oxygen and without bees to pollinate, we’d be missing out on fruits and nuts.
Beyond the obvious, ecosystems like coral reefs and mangrove swamps act as natural shields, protecting communities from coastal erosion, floods, tidal surges, cyclones and tsunamis. Even in bustling cities, trees play a crucial role by removing air pollutants and greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
Some connections might seem odd at first glance — like the role of bats and hornbills in stabilising climates. But delve deeper, and you’ll discover a web of interactions finely tuned over millions of years of evolution. When left undisturbed, this creates a delicately balanced, healthy system that contributes to a sustainable planet.
But wait, there’s more! The richness of biodiversity isn’t just about nature’s harmony but it also comes with perks for us. Many lifesaving medicines are derived from nature. So, the next time you marvel at Malaysia’s biodiversity, remember it’s not just about pride — it’s about our survival and wellbeing too.
NATIONAL POLICY ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
The conclusion of the 15th Conference of Parties to the United Nations (UN) Convention on Biological Diversity in December 2022 was a pivotal moment when nations (including Malaysia) agreed to adopt the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). In the face of a perilous decline in nature, in which threats to the survival of over a million species are impacting billions of lives, the KMGBF sets out to halt and reverse this trend. The framework encompasses global targets to be achieved by 2030 and beyond, with the overarching goal of safeguarding and sustainably utilising biodiversity.
Following its landmark adoption, attention now turns to translating this global agreement into concrete actions.
Malaysia has acknowledged the crucial role of biodiversity in its wellbeing and prosperity. This commitment is evident through the development of the National Policy on Biological Diversity (NPBD), which serves as a cornerstone in safeguarding and integrating biodiversity into national sectoral and cross-sectoral plans.
The NPBD sets out five ambitious goals. It acts like a roadmap, guiding everyone involved towards a future where our diverse ecosystems, species and genetic variety thrive.
This policy aligns closely with the global biodiversity framework under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), creating a strong foundation for sustainable development.
Goal 1: Empowering Stakeholders
The success of biodiversity conservation depends on everyone working together. Malaysia supports the CBD, an international treaty that emphasises collaboration among nations, echoing Goal 1 of our national policy. By fostering partnerships and empowering stakeholders, including businesses and the public, we pave the way for a sustainable future.
Additionally, indigenous people and local communities play a crucial role as guardians of biodiversity. Their deep connection to the land and traditional knowledge are invaluable in preserving ecosystems and species. By involving them in conservation efforts, we not only respect their rights, but also benefit from their wisdom in sustainable resource management.
Goal 2: Reducing Pressures on Biodiversity
Addressing the pressure on biodiversity requires a collective effort. We’re confronted with both direct and indirect challenges, underscoring the necessity for collaboration. Public awareness campaigns, with the backing of corporate support, can significantly impact this effort.
By educating communities and businesses on responsible practices, we can reduce our ecological footprint, in line with the CBD’s recommendations for sustainable resource use.
Let’s now delve into mainstreaming biodiversity management. This entails integrating biodiversity considerations into decision-making processes across all levels. This is important because biodiversity doesn’t just concern nature — it’s intertwined with our wellbeing and economy as well.
Consider sustainable forestry, for instance. Through responsible timber harvesting, we can preserve biodiversity while meeting our needs. Similarly, sustainable agricultural practices not only safeguard biodiversity but also ensure food security and livelihoods for rural communities. It’s a mutually beneficial approach.
Goal 3: Safeguarding Key Ecosystems
The CBD urges nations to protect vital ecosystems, echoing Goal 3 of Malaysia’s policy. It’s essential for the public to get involved in conservation efforts, and for businesses to adopt sustainable practices. Responsible land use and development help safeguard critical habitats and maintain ecosystem balance.
Protected areas (PAs) are vital for conserving species and combating wildlife trafficking. They provide a safe haven for endangered species and support healthy ecosystems. However, many PAs face challenges like lack of funds and encroachment.
To improve PA management, we must invest in better resources and support. This includes upgrading infrastructure and providing training for PA staff. We also need to help local communities develop sustainable livelihoods outside PAs.
Combating wildlife trafficking is also critically important as it poses a significant threat to numerous species and undermines vital conservation efforts. Essential to this cause is raising awareness among local communities about the importance of wildlife protection and the dangers associated with its illegal trade.
Goal 4: Equitable Utilisation of Biodiversity
Balancing nature and what people do can happen if we share things fairly. This means making sure everyone gets a fair share of the good things from nature, like plants and animals. When people buy things that don’t hurt nature and companies are careful about where they get their stuff from, it helps everybody.
Ethical biosafety practices are crucial too. They help minimise risks associated with modern biotechnology, like genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and gene editing. These practices prioritise human health, animal welfare and the environment.
By adopting them, we can avoid unintended consequences, like introducing invasive species or disrupting ecosystems. This safeguards biodiversity and the vital services it provides, such as clean air and water.
Goal 5: Building Capacity and Knowledge
Making sure everyone knows about biodiversity is super important for keeping nature safe and healthy. Goal 5 is all about helping people learn more and get better at taking care of nature, just like the CBD says we should do. Companies can help by doing research, teaching programmes and using eco-friendly ways of doing things.
Biodiversity is really important for keeping our planet and all the living things on it healthy. But right now, there’s not enough money to protect biodiversity from things like losing habitats, pollution and climate change. We need to get money from different places, like governments, businesses and people like you, to help save nature.
Innovative financing encompasses the financial mechanisms and instruments to raise funds for biodiversity initiatives. This includes tools like biodiversity offsets, ecological fiscal transfer, payments for ecosystem services and green bonds, which can provide new sources of funding for conservation projects.
MAKING IT WORK
To ensure the success of the NPBD, a new team has been assembled. Meet the Biodiversity Implementation Support (BIS) Unit, a dedicated team leading Malaysia’s effort to safeguard its rich biodiversity.
Headed by Faedzul Rahman Rosman, with support from National Technical coordinators Sharifah Shakinah Syed Aziz and Syafiqah Mohd Yunus, this team plays a crucial role in translating the NPBD into actionable initiatives.
The BIS Unit’s responsibilities are extensive. Acting as the main coordinator for NPBD tasks, they ensure alignment with the policy’s overarching objectives. This includes conducting essential baseline studies on biodiversity conservation awareness to inform strategic planning.
Beyond coordination, the BIS Unit actively implements and mainstreams biodiversity considerations across sectors, fostering collaboration with government agencies, nongovernmental organisations and academia. Their role extends to monitoring the progress of NPBD implementation, providing valuable insights for future conservation efforts.
In essence, the BIS Unit serves as the driving force behind Malaysia’s biodiversity conservation endeavours, reflecting the nation’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage for future generations. Amid the challenges of biodiversity conservation, the BIS Unit offers hope, guiding Malaysia towards a more sustainable and biodiverse future.
But here’s the thing: safeguarding Malaysia’s biodiversity isn’t just up to the BIS Unit or government officials — it’s also up to all of us. Each person plays a part in protecting our natural heritage.
Whether it’s by supporting sustainable practices, raising awareness in our communities, or simply appreciating and respecting the beauty of nature, we all have a role to play in ensuring a greener, more biodiverse future for Malaysia.
Our nation is home to an astonishing variety of plants, animals and ecosystems, making it a treasure trove of natural wonders. As stewards of this rich biodiversity, it’s our responsibility to lend our voices to its protection. Let’s work together to preserve what’s left of our wildlife and flora, ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at Malaysia’s natural beauty.