Biodiversity is usually defined as the variety of life ranging from genes to species present in a broad scale of ecosystems. This means that our planet is home to the smallest insects and largest animals that are often interconnected and depended on each other for survival. There are three levels of biodiversity, namely; genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystems diversity.
Why is it important? Biodiversity is key for supporting all life on earth. It leads to the provision of food and also various industrial products and medicines. It is the foundation of a healthy and functioning ecosystem on which we all depend on. Biodiversity provides us with clean air, water and opportunities for recreation, tourism, research and education. More so, the cultures and languages that have developed throughout human history are closely related to the degree of biodiversity and its use.
What are current dilemmas? Nowadays there are many factors that lead to a dramatic loss of biodiversity. These factors are a.o. : Habitat loss and destruction, invasive species, pollution and contamination. Habitat loss is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity and is directly related to human induced pressures on land. On the other hand, invasive species that replace local and native species are considered to be the second largest cause of biodiversity loss and often lead to extinction. Pollution and contamination causes irreversible damage to species and varieties.
Biodiversity on Aruba
Aruba finds itself within the Caribbean biodiversity hotspot. This means that our Island, together with Bonaire and Curacao, is home to over two hundred species and sub species of endemic plants and animals. Our island is home to various important birds such as our ‘Shoco’ (Athene cunicularia arubensis) and the ‘Warawara’ (Caracara cheriway). Birds are important indicators for the health of our habitats and therefore the state of our biodiversity. More so, several important bat species are found on our island. Bats are important because they are the main pollinators of different species of columnar cacti that in turn provide food for a range of other animals. Not unimportant are our plants. Aruba has an extraordinary flora that is well adapted to the extreme circumstances prevalent here. Many of our plants have medicinal properties that contribute towards the health of our local communities.
Current threats on Aruba
Despite the increased consciousness about its importance, the biodiversity on our Island is also being threatened by many factors. Continuous development affects our habitats and causes loss, degradation and fragmentation. Invasive plant and animal species threaten our endemic animals and plant, alter our ecosystem and place an increasing pressure on our biodiversity. Nevertheless our current state of affairs provides us with a opportunity to form strategic and sustainable partnerships that can lead to the protection of our biodiversity. These partnerships should include all members of our community and should strive to find the balance between the needs of our people and the health of our natural environment.
The movie night will take place May 22nd from 19:30 till 21:30 at Arikok’s Visitors Center
If you have any questions or comments please contact Arikok National park at 585-1234 ext 226
