Biodiversity is more than simply the collection of plants and animals, it encompasses the huge variety of all living things on earth. This includes the diversity found within species (i.e. genetic diversity), between species, and of ecosystems.

Queensland is the most biologically diverse state in Australia, and South East Queensland (SEQ) is teeming with native species. Some of our native species are found nowhere else in the world!

As a subtropical area of around 6,600,000 ha, SEQ is home to over 3,000 species of native plants found across a wide range of ecosystems, including subtropical rainforests, open eucalypt forests, wetlands, heathlands, mangroves, and coastal dunes (to name a few). Believe it or not, there are more than 145 Regional Ecosystems (REs) described for the region.

This biodiversity rewards us with beautiful natural environments and unique species, but it is so much more than that. Biodiversity also supports our health, wellbeing, culture, lifestyle, and economy, and contributes to our tourism, primary production, and creative industries.

Unfortunately, our biodiversity in SEQ is under threat. Habitat loss, coupled with climate change, is leading to broader declines in environmental health, with knock-on effects for people, communities, and the economy. Many species and ecosystems face multiple threats that can interact to make biodiversity management increasingly complex and challenging.

To address this, in 2022 the Queensland Government released a biodiversity conservation strategy that outlines goals and objectives to actively support nature to thrive.

There are also a range of things that we can do as individuals. Our everyday choices can make a huge impact. Here are some examples of things you can do to support biodiversity:

• Learn about biodiversity and food issues. Understanding biodiversity is important to understand how humans should live while respecting our resources.
• Support local or sustainable farms and eat in-season fresh, local food.
• Buy biodiversity-friendly products and support biodiversity-friendly companies. Look at labels and make sure that you do your research.
• Take pictures, not samples.
• Reduce your carbon footprint. Climate change is one of the biggest threats to biodiversity, so reducing your carbon footprint can make a big difference. You can do this by using public transportation, driving less, and using energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs.
• Learn about weeds and how they prevent natural regeneration in remnant vegetation.
• Minimise waste. Waste disposal is one of the biggest threats to biodiversity, as it can lead to the accumulation of waste in natural habitats, such as forests, rivers, and oceans. This waste can harm or even kill wildlife through entanglement, ingestion, or suffocation.
• Rethink, reduce, reuse, repair and recycle. Recycling helps to reduce waste by converting materials that would otherwise end up in landfills, or the environment, into new products.
• Plant local flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Research the flora, fruits, and veggies native to your area, and plant a variety in your backyard, balcony, or hanging garden. You can ask your local nursery for help if you want to make sure that you are planting local flora. Nurseries can be great sources of information about plant maintenance and care. They should also be able to tell you where they source their plants from. The more local, the better. By supporting local wildlife, you’re helping to preserve the biodiversity of your area and support its local ecosystem. You can also help support bees by planting nectar-producing native plants (ask your local nursery). Bees are important to preserving biodiversity – and they are increasingly under threat.
• Clean up an area around you.
• Restore an area near you. There are many local bushcare groups operating around SEQ that are always looking for more help.
• Conserve your water use. Biodiversity depends on having available local fresh water. Taking five-minute showers and turning the water off while washing your hands, doing the dishes, or brushing your teeth are all easy ways to conserve water.
• Respect local habitats. Plants growing in parks, hiking trails, beaches, or nature preserves play an important role in preserving the local ecosystem. When you’re out there, protect local biodiversity by doing your part and respecting the habitat. Stick to the walking path or hiking trail. Follow the rules at the entrance of a park or beach and help your children and pets to do the same.
• Help animals, big and small.
• Know the source. Check the products you buy and the companies you support to ensure that your buying habits are not contributing to the destruction of habitat elsewhere.
• Share your experiences with your family, friends, and community members. Encourage them to work with you in helping protect biodiversity.

Sources: https://www.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/222081/queensland-biodiversity-conservation-strategy.pdf; https://www.cbd.int/.