Coronavirus Activism

Nature

Biodiversity – or biological diversity – is the foundation of nature, defined as the different characteristics of all living organisms. It is Earth’s genetic heritage; the variety of living organisms in terrestrial, marine and water habitats as well as the ecological systems they’re part of. It is diversity both between and within nature’s species. Genetic resources constitute the biological basis for agriculture and farming and, essentially, humans’ present and future sustenance. Unfortunately, this genetic heritage is increasingly being threatened: industrial farming, which favours large quantities and regular harvests, has limited crop varieties to a few thousand; and climate change and human encroachment on natural habitats are threatening the Earth’s biological wealth. The net result is that the natural world is deteriorating rapidly, with dire consequences for many plant and animal species (and beyond), which increasingly face the prospect of extinction. Follow news and updates about nature and biodiversity on LifeGate.

Putting nature first. The European Commission’s strategy for the Decade of Action

Putting nature first. The European Commission’s strategy for the Decade of Action

The European Green Deal will help rebuild a more balanced relationship between human activities and natural resources. A crucial goal, now more than ever.

Leydy Pech, the Mayan beekeeper who defeated Monsanto

Leydy Pech, the Mayan beekeeper who defeated Monsanto

Leydy Pech, winner of the 2020 Goldman Environmental Prize for North America, is the beekeeper who defended Mexican Maya land against the agro-industry.

Paul Sein Twa, the activist behind the peace park protecting Karen land in Myanmar

Paul Sein Twa, the activist behind the peace park protecting Karen land in Myanmar

Paul Sein Twa, winner of the 2020 Goldman Environmental Prize for Asia, has spent a lifetime defending Karen culture in Myanmar and its synergy with nature.

Zica Pires, a lifetime protecting quilombo land in Brazil

Zica Pires, a lifetime protecting quilombo land in Brazil

The story of water defender Zica Pires, a young Brazilian activist fighting against the exploitation of quilombo land in Brazil.

The world’s last white giraffe wears a GPS to protect it from poachers

The world’s last white giraffe wears a GPS to protect it from poachers

This is the last white giraffe left in the world. Thanks to a GPS device its movements are being tracked to protect it from poachers.

Philanthropist Paul Lister. I’m grateful for what has brought us here, but the future belongs to nature

Philanthropist Paul Lister. I’m grateful for what has brought us here, but the future belongs to nature

From Scotland to Abruzzo, via Romania. Philanthropist Paul Lister’s mission is to save biodiversity, and the journey starts in Europe.

Almost 40 per cent of plant and fungi species are at risk of disappearing

Almost 40 per cent of plant and fungi species are at risk of disappearing

Thousands of plant and fungi species may be at of risk extinction even before being discovered by scientists, according to a report by Kew Gardens.

Penguin dies on a Brazilian beach after swallowing a face mask

Penguin dies on a Brazilian beach after swallowing a face mask

A Magellanic penguin was found lifeless on a Brazilian beach: in its stomach, an N95 face mask. Researchers believe the animal died from ingesting it.

South Africa wants to breed elephants and other wildlife for meat

South Africa wants to breed elephants and other wildlife for meat

The South African government wants to change the Meat Safety Act, allowing for threatened species such as elephants and rhinos to be consumed as food.

Tree goddess Tulasi Gowda, the barefoot Indian activist protecting the forest

Tree goddess Tulasi Gowda, the barefoot Indian activist protecting the forest

Tulasi Gowda is known as the goddess or encyclopaedia of the forest for her ability to extract seeds from mother trees and regenerate plant species.