NSWTR 2024 HR - Flipbook - Page 6
INTRODUCTION
THE MORE
THE MERRIER!
By conserving the myriad species that make up the
shared life on the planet, we’re ultimately helping
ourselves and supporting our childrens’ future.
pecies Survival: More than just
sustainability” is the school theme of
National Science Week 2024. It’s about
understanding that we’re all part of the
big, interconnected web of life. Every creature,
from the bees that pollinate our fruit trees to the
worms that enrich our soil, plays an essential part.
Their survival doesn’t just protect nature’s beauty,
it ensures the health of the ecosystems that provide
our food, clean water and the air we breathe.
Take a look at the United Nations’ 17
Sustainable Development Goals – our “shared
blueprint for peace and prosperity”. At a glance,
these are all quite human-focused, but many tie
back to other species’ survival. Here are a few
examples:
“Zero Hunger” (Goal 2) goes beyond human
nutrition. Sustainable agriculture supports
balanced ecosystems and protects the pollinators
crucial for our food crops. Without the tiny midges
that pollinate cacao 昀氀owers, for example, we’d
have no chocolate! The global decline in bees also
threatens one-third of the food we eat every day.
There is growing evidence though, that
monoculture crops can degrade soil, decrease
biodiversity, and lead to overuse of pesticides, the
“S
SPECIES SURVIVAL — MORE THAN JUST SUSTAINABILITY
European Commision reports. While more
diverse crop systems generally provide more
varied and healthier food for humans and
livestock, research from the University of Nevada,
among others, shows.
“Clean Water and Sanitation” (Goal 6) isn’t
just about human health. Clean water is essential
for our homes, farms, schools and businesses.
Healthy freshwater habitats support countless
aquatic species, as well as migratory paths for
wildlife. They also support cultural connections
for First Nations People in Australia. Research
has shown that increasing the diversity of species
within water systems promotes clean water.
“Climate Action” (Goal 13) is about protecting
our shared future, from supporting polar species
and coral reefs to maintaining the natural cycles
“It’s about understanding
that we’re all part of the
big, interconnected web
of life.”
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