Why is Biodiversity important?
We are very reliant on the world's natural assets, soil, air, water and living things, which are all heavily dependent on biodiversity. The water, oxygen and carbon cycles ensure that life is possible on the Earth.
Biodiversity provides us with:
- food and water
- emotional and mental wellbeing. Contact with nature reduces stress and low mood and helps recovery from illness - nature helps stimulate and sustain healthy lifestyles
- opportunities for recreation and education
- economic benefits - such as the tourism industry in our national parks
- carbon storage, flood prevention, climate regulation.