Biodiversity
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth. This includes different plants, animals, and microorganisms. The greater the biodiversity, the healthier the environment. That is why we are committed to increasing biodiversity in our municipality.
The Importance of Biodiversity
Biodiversity ensures clean air, fresh water, healthy soil, and crop pollination. So it’s really important! Here’s how:
- Plants convert solar energy into energy and nutrients for other life forms;
- Bacteria and microorganisms improve soil quality;
- Pollinators (such as bees) are crucial for plants and, therefore, for our food supply.
What if biodiversity declines?
The disappearance of a single species can trigger a chain reaction in the food chain. This can ultimately have major consequences for humans. Current biodiversity is under pressure and at risk of further decline. Threats to biodiversity include:
- deforestation or development;
- climate change;
- pollution;
- endangered animals and plants, but also the arrival of animals or plants that are not native to this area (we call these “exotics”). For example, the American crayfish and Japanese knotweed.
What can we do to protect and restore biodiversity?
Together with various local (environmental) organizations, we are committed to promoting biodiversity. Our biodiversity plan outlines how we intend to achieve this. The plan will be adopted by the council in 2024.
Residents can also easily do their part to promote biodiversity. Consider simple steps such as:
- removing tiles to make way for greenery
- Placing a planter on the balcony
- leave the leaves in the garden
All of these things contribute to a biodiverse environment. Together, we can protect and restore biodiversity. You can find more tips on our webpage“Tips for a Nature- and Water-Friendly Garden” and on the Rijk van Maas & Waal website “Will You Join Us?” at .
