Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth.

It includes all species of plants, animals, fungi and bacteria, as well as the ecosystems they form. Biodiversity is essential for the health and functioning of our planet. It provides us with food, clean water, clean air, and many other essential services. It also helps to regulate the climate, protect us from natural disasters, and provide us with opportunities for recreation and enjoyment.

Wales is a country with a rich biodiversity. We have a wide range of habitats, from mountains and forests to meadows and wetlands. These habitats support a diverse range of plants and animals, including many species that are found nowhere else in the world.

Meadows and hedgerows are two important habitats in Wales. Meadows are areas of grassland that are mown or grazed on a regular basis. They provide important habitat for a wide range of plants and animals, including wildflowers, butterflies, and bees. Hedgerows are strips of vegetation that are planted along field boundaries. They provide vital habitat for birds, mammals, and other wildlife.

Amenity grasslands are areas of grassland that are managed for recreational or aesthetic purposes. They may be mown, grazed, or left to grow wild. Amenity grasslands provide important habitat for a variety of plants and animals, including wildflowers, butterflies, and birds.

I am committed to protecting and enhancing biodiversity. At the start of my term, I was asked to get involved with a new project, that became the It’s For Them campaign. The project aims to encourage local authorities and residents to take action to protect and enhance biodiversity in their local area.

There are many things that you can do to help protect and enhance biodiversity in Wales. Here are a few ideas:

• Plant a wildflower meadow in your garden or community.
• Leave some of your lawn to grow wild.
• Plant a hedgerow.
• Avoid using pesticides and herbicides in your garden.
• Support local farmers who are working to protect biodiversity.
• Get involved in your local wildlife group.

By taking these simple steps, you can help to make a difference for biodiversity in Wales.

Benefits of Biodiversity

Biodiversity provides many benefits to people and the planet. Some of these benefits include:

• Food: Biodiversity provides us with a wide range of food, from fruits and vegetables to meat and fish.
• Clean water: Biodiversity helps to keep our water clean by filtering pollutants and preventing erosion.
• Clean air: Biodiversity helps to clean our air by absorbing carbon dioxide and other pollutants.
• Medicines: Many of our medicines are derived from plants and animals.
• Recreation: Biodiversity provides us with opportunities for recreation and enjoyment, such as hiking, fishing, and birdwatching.
• Climate regulation: Biodiversity helps to regulate the climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
• Natural disaster protection: Biodiversity helps to protect us from natural disasters, such as floods and landslides.
• Cultural identity: Biodiversity is an important part of our cultural identity and heritage.

Threats to Biodiversity

Biodiversity is facing a number of threats, including:

• Habitat loss: Habitat loss is the biggest threat to biodiversity. This is caused by the clearing of forests, the draining of wetlands, and the development of land for agriculture, industry, and housing.
• Pollution: Pollution from pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals can harm plants and animals.
• Climate change: Climate change is causing changes in temperature, rainfall, and other weather patterns that can harm plants and animals.
• Overexploitation: Overexploitation of resources, such as fish and timber, can lead to the depletion of species populations.

What We Can Do to Protect Biodiversity

There are many things that we can do to protect biodiversity. Some of these things include:

• Reduce our consumption of resources.
• Choose sustainable products.
• Support businesses that are working to protect biodiversity.
• Get involved in local conservation efforts.
• Get to know your local wildlife.
• Educate others about the importance of biodiversity.

By taking these simple steps, we can all help to make a difference for biodiversity.