Biodiversity is essential for our food supply, our health, air and water quality, and climate regulation. Rich and abundant biodiversity is one of the key factors ensuring our survival on Earth.
One million animal and plant species are currently threatened with extinction as a result of human activities. Over the past 20 years, insect populations have declined by 70 to 80 per cent in mixed agro-industrial landscapes across Europe. It is worth noting that insects contribute to 90 per cent of the reproduction of flowering plants.
Sources : UNEP – UN Environment Programme et Le déclin des insectes met en péril le vivant | MNHN
In Geneva, urbanisation and the fragmentation of natural habitats are putting significant pressure on local biodiversity. There are around 15,000 animal species recorded there, of which nearly 30 per cent are considered to be threatened.
Source : Grand Genève | Biodiversité
In the 1960s and 1970s, swimming was banned in certain parts of Lake Geneva because the water quality had deteriorated so badly as a result of severe eutrophication caused by excessive phosphorus from human activities.
Today, after 50 years of efforts, phosphorus concentrations have reached their lowest level since 1979.
Decrease in phosphorus in Lake Geneva: 50 years of effort rewarded – Cipel
To restore and protect biodiversity, our everyday actions can make a difference. By taking a few simple, practical steps, we can reduce our impact.
Balconies, gardens, shop signs or terraces: remove or reduce night-time lighting to preserve the natural rhythms of insects, birds and bats.
Plant a few native or nectar-rich plants to provide food and shelter for pollinators in the city. Lavender, thyme, sage and wildflowers attract bees and butterflies.
The shores of Lake Geneva, the forests and the parks are home to a fragile ecosystem: please do not leave any litter behind and respect the protection of these natural areas.
