The Local Area & Biodiversity
This section aims to get your community thinking about your local environment and the richness of the wildlife in your area. Biodiversity literally means ‘the variety of life’, and is concerned with the wealth of wildlife in the world around us, from wildflowers and insects to mammals and birds. It includes all the woodlands, meadows, wetlands and other natural habitats, as well as man-made places such as plantations, fields, canals – even ‘wasteland’ can be valuable for wildlife.
Human life itself depends on the relationships between all living creatures and their environment. Biodiversity and the condition of our local area matters because it impacts on all our lives, both directly and indirectly.
For example:
- Wild plants and animals have provided most of our foods, drugs and medicines.
- Natural systems help control flooding and recycle waste.
- People enjoy nature and wild places, encouraging eco-tourism.
- It is widely believed that all species have as much moral right to exist as we do.
- No one knows just what benefits may be lost when species become extinct.
The quality of our lives is greatly enriched by the natural environment, yet a lot of human activity is having a negative impact on biodiversity across the world. Here in Wales, urban development, intensive farming, increasing transport and pollution has led to huge losses of several habitats and species. Quite apart from this, living in a nice area promotes a sense of health and wellbeing. This is why the Cadarn scheme asks communities to look after, and take steps to improve their local biodiversity.