Today, May 22nd, we celebrate International Biodiversity Day. This day reminds us of the richness of life on Earth—from plants and animals to bacteria and fungi. Our own well-being is closely tied to the health of these ecosystems. Breathing, eating, energy, and even our medicines all come from nature. "Nos ta biba di naturalesa" - we live from nature. Our lives are completely dependent on healthy ecosystems.
The challenges are substantial. Globally, urban expansion, deforestation, pollution, climate change, and invasive species are leading to a decline in biodiversity. Invasive alien species are plants or animals from other areas that displace native species. Bonaire faces similar challenges.
In recent years, certain native plants and trees have become scarcer due to free-roaming grazers. For example, the lionfish and the neem tree can displace our own fish and plants. Climate change is causing more frequent coral bleaching, severely damaging the reefs. Coastal construction also negatively affects the coral reefs, due in part to erosion and over-fertilization.
To counter these losses, nearly all UN member states have pledged to restore at least 30% of damaged natural areas by 2030. Bonaire contributes to this by working on nature restoration projects in our parks, coral reefs, and mangroves, and by strengthening wastewater management and water quality monitoring.
This approach involves us all—from national and local governments to entrepreneurs, nature organizations, educators, researchers, and citizens. Commissioner Anjelica Cicilia emphasizes the importance of local efforts: "Every action counts when it comes to protecting our biodiversity. By working together to protect our nature, we can not only preserve our beautiful environment but also ensure a healthy future for Bonaire."
