Biodiversity and resilient ecosystems
Biodiversity is the foundation of all life on Earth. The interaction between thousands of species of plants, animals and ecosystems keeps our environment healthy, nourishing and resilient. Yet biodiversity is declining rapidly across the world. Through human activities – from deforestation and climate change to the spread of invasive species – nature is losing its balance. How can we turn the tide?
About biodiversity and resilient ecosystems
Read more about
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity is the variety of life: all species of plants, animals and micro-organisms, as well as the genetic variation within those species and between different ecosystems – from grasslands to forests and from rivers to oceans. Biodiversity is not just a sum of species, but the foundation of resilient nature, healthy landscapes and a functioning society.
What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem is the sum of all living organisms and their environment. Within an ecosystem, the interactions between organisms and their surroundings form one interconnected network. The greater the biodiversity, the stronger and more resilient the system becomes, and the better it can absorb changes or disturbances.
Why is it important to preserve biodiversity and resilient ecosystems?
Biodiversity is the foundation of a healthy life. Alongside clean water and fertile soil, biodiversity provides diverse food, medicines and building materials. A green environment also supports both physical and mental health. Yet nature is declining rapidly worldwide due to human activity. The loss of genetic diversity and the decrease in species richness have advanced so far that we have crossed safe boundaries. In doing so, humanity undermines its own security: clean water, food, health and a liveable climate are at risk. Biodiversity affects every layer of society, and its preservation is in everyone’s interest.
What causes the loss of biodiversity and resilient ecosystems?
Biodiversity is mainly lost through human activities. Agriculture, industry, transport and urbanisation cause pollution, nitrogen emissions, pesticide use and groundwater extraction, degrading habitats and driving species loss. Globally, agriculture accounts for most deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions, while itself becoming increasingly vulnerable to drought, soil depletion and the loss of pollinators. Climate change amplifies these pressures and accelerates extinction. Only by significantly reducing these drivers can biodiversity be restored in a lasting way.
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity is the variety of life: all species of plants, animals and micro-organisms, as well as the genetic variation within those species and between different ecosystems – from grasslands to forests and from rivers to oceans. Biodiversity is not just a sum of species, but the foundation of resilient nature, healthy landscapes and a functioning society.
What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem is the sum of all living organisms and their environment. Within an ecosystem, the interactions between organisms and their surroundings form one interconnected network. The greater the biodiversity, the stronger and more resilient the system becomes, and the better it can absorb changes or disturbances.
Why is it important to preserve biodiversity and resilient ecosystems?
Biodiversity is the foundation of a healthy life. Alongside clean water and fertile soil, biodiversity provides diverse food, medicines and building materials. A green environment also supports both physical and mental health. Yet nature is declining rapidly worldwide due to human activity. The loss of genetic diversity and the decrease in species richness have advanced so far that we have crossed safe boundaries. In doing so, humanity undermines its own security: clean water, food, health and a liveable climate are at risk. Biodiversity affects every layer of society, and its preservation is in everyone’s interest.
What causes the loss of biodiversity and resilient ecosystems?
Biodiversity is mainly lost through human activities. Agriculture, industry, transport and urbanisation cause pollution, nitrogen emissions, pesticide use and groundwater extraction, degrading habitats and driving species loss. Globally, agriculture accounts for most deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions, while itself becoming increasingly vulnerable to drought, soil depletion and the loss of pollinators. Climate change amplifies these pressures and accelerates extinction. Only by significantly reducing these drivers can biodiversity be restored in a lasting way.
A nature-positive future
The goal is clear: by 2050, humanity lives in harmony with nature. Biodiversity loss has been halted, and restoration is under way. The coming years are decisive for stopping and reversing biodiversity loss. Targeted action and a transformation of production and consumption are essential. Nature and biodiversity must be recognised as the foundation of society.
Pathways to a nature-positive future
A nature-positive transition in progress
Impactful projects (3)
Let's build nature-positive futures together
Life on Earth is not possible without biodiversity. The interplay of thousands of species of plants, animals and ecosystems forms the foundation of a healthy living environment, sustainable food production and the mitigation of climate change. Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is working hard for a society in which biodiversity flourishes. We do so in research, education and cooperation with companies, government and civil society organisations.
Connect with us about biodiversity & resilient ecosystems
Discover our themes
Sustainable food systems
We need to find a new balance between what we eat, how we produce it, and the conditions under which it is grown.
Biodiversity and resilient ecosystems
The interaction between plants, animals and ecosystems keeps our environment healthy, nutritious and resilient. How do we preserve that balance?
Global health
In a healthy world, it is not only people who thrive. Our health is connected to the health of all living things.
Climate-proof futures
To withstand the impacts of climate change, adaptation is essential — from green cities to nature-inclusive agriculture.
Biobased and circular society
In a circular society, we close resource loops, use renewable materials and generate almost no waste.
Sustainable water and land use
How do we manage our water and land so that these vital resources remain available for future generations?
Sustainable food systems
We need to find a new balance between what we eat, how we produce it, and the conditions under which it is grown.
Biodiversity and resilient ecosystems
The interaction between plants, animals and ecosystems keeps our environment healthy, nutritious and resilient. How do we preserve that balance?
Global health
In a healthy world, it is not only people who thrive. Our health is connected to the health of all living things.
Climate-proof futures
To withstand the impacts of climate change, adaptation is essential — from green cities to nature-inclusive agriculture.
Biobased and circular society
In a circular society, we close resource loops, use renewable materials and generate almost no waste.
Sustainable water and land use
How do we manage our water and land so that these vital resources remain available for future generations?