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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.

The tale of the disappearing vultures

The tale of the disappearing vultures

Vulture populations in southern Asia experienced a 99% collapse and for a long time nobody knew why. Then, a historic discovery saved them.

Cheetahs return to India after seventy years

Cheetahs return to India after seventy years

The Indian government has pledged to reintroduce cheetahs, classified as a “vulnerable” species by the IUCN, into the wild. The animals will be transferred from Africa.

There’s still time to save platypuses from plastic

There’s still time to save platypuses from plastic

In Australia, more and more platypuses are getting caught in plastic waste. Efforts to protect this species need to be increased.

Despite successes in Indonesia, we can’t let our guard down in fighting deforestation

Despite successes in Indonesia, we can’t let our guard down in fighting deforestation

Six years ago, Indonesia was shrouded in smoke from ravaging wildfires. Today, it is cited as a successful case in the fight against deforestation. Yet the balance remains delicate.

Water defender Olsi Nika is fighting for Albania’s Vjosë River

Water defender Olsi Nika is fighting for Albania’s Vjosë River

Europe’s last wild river, the Vjosë in Albania, is threatened by hydroelectric development. Activist Olsi Nika tells us about the international campaign to protect it.

Celebrate the Lungs of the Earth on 21st March, the International Day of Forests

Celebrate the Lungs of the Earth on 21st March, the International Day of Forests

Our species took its first steps in a world covered in trees. Today, forests offer us sustenance, shelter, and clean the air that we breathe.

Whales are starving to death due to rising ocean temperatures

Whales are starving to death due to rising ocean temperatures

The decline in grey and humpback whales in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans has been traced to food shortages caused by rising ocean temperatures.

Two new embryos created to save the northern white rhino from extinction

Two new embryos created to save the northern white rhino from extinction

Only two northern white rhinos remain, and both are females, but scientists have created two new embryos to save the species, for a total of five.

Welcome to the UN Decade of Ocean Science

Welcome to the UN Decade of Ocean Science

The United Nations has launched a major international alliance for ocean science, undertaking a mission close to all our hearts.

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.