5 reasons why biodiversity matters – to human health, the economy and your wellbeing

May 22, 2020

Protecting biodiversity is not only good for natural ecosystems, but also for the communities that inhabit them. Image: REUTERS/Edgar Su

Marie Quinney

Lead, Impact Measurement and Management - Nature Action Agenda, World Economic Forum Geneva

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A woman harvests Quinoa plants on a field in Tarmaya, some 120 km south of La Paz April 29, 2013. Still a nutritional staple for the indigenous people living in the Altiplano of Bolivia, Quinoa is also producing much profits for the region. The global boom for the golden grain, cultivated at high altitudes, has boosted prices five times in just nine years. Government officials hope $10 million in credits for producers will help boost production further still to meet the increasing demands at home and abroad. REUTERS/David Mercado (BOLIVIA - Tags: FOOD BUSINESS AGRICULTURE) - GM1E94U0U1P01

A woman harvests quinoa in Bolivia. Image: REUTERS/David Mercado

A farmer holds rice in his hand in Khon Kaen province in northeastern Thailand March 12, 2019. Picture taken March 12, 2019. REUTERS/Patpicha Tanakasempipat - RC1A25F20210

Rice is a staple crop and food source in Thailand, but now, 50% of land growing rice only cultivates two varieties. Image: REUTERS/Patpicha Tanakasempipat

Human activity is eroding the world's ecological foundations

Human activity is eroding biodiversity. Image: World Economic Forum Nature Risk Rising

Peter Gash, owner and manager of the Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, snorkels during an inspection of the reef's condition in an area called the 'Coral Gardens' located at Lady Elliot Island and north-east from the town of Bundaberg in Queensland, Australia, June 11, 2015. REUTERS/David Gray/File photo - D1BETGZOWZAB

Coral reefs are essential to tourism in some parts of the world – but they're disappearing. Image: REUTERS/David Gray/File photo

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Forest officials ride an elephant as they count one-horned rhinoceros during a rhino census at the Kaziranga National Park, in Golaghat district, in the northeastern state of Assam, India March 26, 2018. REUTERS/Anuwar Hazarika - RC1A411D1C60

Forest officials count one-horned rhinoceros during a rhino census in Assam, India. Image: REUTERS/Anuwar Hazarika

Scarlet ibis are pictured on the banks of a mangrove swamp located on the mouth of the Calcoene River where it joins the Atlantic Ocean on the coast of Amapa state, northern Brazil, April 6, 2017. Picture taken on April 6, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes - RC1233FE5800

Scarlet ibis on the banks of a mangrove swamp in Amapa in northern Brazil Image: REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes

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