Why is biodiversity so important?

International Day for Biological Diversity is observed on May 22. Several organisations in Laos held activities to mark the day and raise public awareness on biodiversity protection. Vientiane Times asked some local residents for their views on biodiversity and why it is increasingly important.
 
Mr Bounlay Duangphasouk, a resident of Sangthong district, Vientiane: I think it’s very important to protect biodiversity because it’s essential for the survival of our environment and our planet. The earth has balanced biological diversity which ensures that ecology and the environment are in harmony and sustainable. Unfortunately, biological diversity has been harmed by human action and development. Biodiversity is embedded in the natural world but the natural balance has been damaged by people and the use of modern technology. This is detrimental to ecological balance and the survival of the numerous species on our planet. This is a big concern and the responsible bodies in all countries should take the matter seriously and hold more activities to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. Nations and peoples should work together to sustain and protect the natural world and the environment because they are closely interlinked, as well as being affected by climate.
 

This conservation forest in Luang Prabang province has an abundance of biological diversity.

Ms Somkeo, an employee in Xaysettha district, Vientiane: It’s essential to protect and sustain biodiversity for the benefit of the whole world, including Laos. As we are aware, if biodiversity is harmed, it has a negative impact on ecological systems and climate. It can also affect our lives and health, as well as socio-economic development. It can also lead to climate change and increase pollution. All countries should strongly consider these issues and try to protect and sustain biological systems so they are in balance and do not cause problems in the natural world. There are numerous cases of natural and environmental degradation every year, which has a huge impact on biodiversity, animal species and crops. Every country should have a strong system in place to protect its species and environment. If this is not the case, biodiversity will be harmed and many species can become extinct. This in turn can unleash problems for humans and we could suffer as a result of our actions if they disrupt the natural world.
 
Mr Chone, a resident of  Xaythany district, Vientiane: It’s really important to protect biodiversity and prevent problems. It’s good that today our world is very modernised and that we have an abundance of hi-tech devices. Many countries are industrialised and many others are developing. All countries benefit from development and some are competing with each other to have the strongest economy. But all countries should be aware of the harm that unregulated development can cause, as it can result in reduced biodiversity and damage to the environment. Many species have become extinct because of human activity brought about by harmful aspects of development, such as factories, construction, pollution, toxins, chemicals and other things that cause climate change and affect biodiversity.
    
Ms Khamsy Vongphila, a resident of Naxaithong district, Vientiane: People around the world should realise the importance of biodiversity because it’s an essential part of our life, and benefits humans, plants and animals. Loss of biodiversity means we would not only lose our rich ecosystems but might also lose plants and other organisms that enrich our lives. Biodiversity has been harmed already and it we don’t take serious action to protect plant and animal species, things will only get worse in the future. So every country and all people should help each other in this matter. Everyone should do what they can to protect biodiversity because it means that we are protecting species, the world, and ourselves at the same time.

By Visith Teppalath
(Latest Update May 23, 2022)