No mosquitoes means no cocoa: how to save biodiversity

Biodiversity is much more than just the diversity of species. It also includes the diversity of ecosystems and the genetic diversity of organisms. So we humans are also part of the Earth's biodiversity. But the state of biodiversity is getting worse.

Biodiversity expert Judith Reise talks about the state of biodiversity, the causes of species loss and possible solutions to preserve it in the latest episode of Oeko-Institut's podcast 'All change please! 

Listen here to the podcast 'Can biodiversity still be saved?'

The podcast audio is in German; an English translationis here.

Many interdependencies in the ecosystem

The interdependencies in the ecosystem are numerous and sometimes unknown. “The example of the mosquito, which many people hate, shows how important the contribution of individual species is to the ecosystem,” says Reise, “because without the gall midge, the cocoa tree would have a hard time. With its small size, it’s almost the only mosquito species that can pollinate the chocolate flower. So without the gall midge, there might be no chocolate.”

The most common causes of biodiversity loss, such as land-use change, pollution and climate change, are human-induced. Experts distinguish between direct and indirect factors that threaten the state of biodiversity.

In particular, intensive agriculture, fishing and forestry have a direct impact on our ecosystems. On the one hand, substances such as pesticides, insecticides and fertilisers are introduced. On the other, forests are cleared to make way for farmland, and the infrastructure of roads and settlements expands, causing forests and other ecosystems to disappear. Hunting and overfishing can also lead to the partial extinction of animal species. In addition, the introduction of new, sometimes invasive species puts pressure on existing ecosystems. Climate change is accompanied by higher temperatures, rising water levels or water shortages. As a result, some species lose their habitat, have to move or adapt, or even lose their livelihoods altogether.

Hunting and overfishing can also lead to the partial extinction of animal species. In addition, the introduction of new, sometimes invasive species puts pressure on existing ecosystems. Climate change is accompanied by higher temperatures, rising water levels or water shortages. As a result, some species lose their habitat, have to move or adapt, or even lose their livelihoods altogether.

There are also indirect drivers such as consumption, politics and the economy. In Germany, for example, we have higher taxes on plant-based products than on animal-based products. Organic products are expensive, and air travel is very cheap considering the emissions.

Active protection of ecosystems: less is more (diversity)

This makes it all the more important to take appropriate measures to promote and protect biodiversity. Agriculture should be adapted so that it does not exploit natural areas beyond their ecological limits. For example, crop rotations should be adapted, organic farming should be encouraged, the intensity of animal husbandry should be reconsidered and the introduction of substances should be minimised. Small-scale structures such as hedges, flower strips, fallow land and water bodies are desirable and worth protecting as habitats. Consumers can focus more on plant rather than animal products in their diets. Regional products and organic labelling provide good guidance when buying food, as pesticides are not used in organic farming. In forestry, active forest conversion is needed. Structures such as tree hollows and dead wood are recommended. Long-term forest management planning is needed as changes in the forest take a long time.