# Restoring Global Biodiversity • Collections #### Restoring Global Biodiversity ![Restoring Global Biodiversity](/files/cc81e452f1fb62e43df3feb77310ec8698485565) *** #### Why is biodiversity important? The overall health and stability of our planet relies on a diversity of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms such as bacteria. This variety of species and ecosystems working together provides us with everything we need to survive – from food to fresh water, energy, shelter and medicine. Biodiversity also underpins our global economy and plays a critical role in the fight against climate change. Over [half of global GDP](https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/voices/business-case-nature) is dependent on nature, while our [land and ocean](https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/climate-issues/biodiversity) absorb more than half of all carbon emissions. > “The truth is: the natural world is changing. And we are totally dependent on that world. It provides our food, water and air. It is the most precious thing we have and we need to defend it.”\ > — Sir David Attenborough #### Global biodiversity under threat Across the world, biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate, largely driven by human activities, which have already altered more than [70% of our land and two-thirds of our ocean](https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2019/05/nature-decline-unprecedented-report/). These activities are affecting the natural processes and ecosystems we rely on, primarily through habitat loss and degradation, pollution, and the overexploitation of natural resources, as well as climate change fuelled by greenhouse gas emissions. Your browser does not support the video tag. [Food production](https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/climate-issues/biodiversity) is one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss. Land cleared for agricultural use has caused mass deforestation and habitat destruction, with catastrophic consequences for nature and the climate. In this critical decade, we are faced with our greatest challenge yet: transforming how we manage our land and ocean to support and nourish a growing population while also restoring nature and stabilising our climate. Currently, just [17.6% of the world’s land and 8.4% of its ocean](http://digitalreport.protectedplanet.net/) are protected. * Global wildlife population sizes have plummeted by [73% since 1970](https://livingplanet.panda.org/en-GB/). * At least [one million](https://www.ipbes.net/) plant and animal species are at risk of extinction. * Critical ecosystems like parts of the Amazon rainforest are turning from carbon sinks to carbon sources due to widespread deforestation. * Other vital carbon stores are also under threat; we’ve lost 85% of our wetlands, such as salt marshes and mangrove swamps. *** #### Hope for nature’s recovery Science shows that it’s not too late to turn the tide for nature. With urgent action and collaboration across all sectors, we can restore biodiversity and start to build a more sustainable, resilient planet for people and wildlife. Your browser does not support the video tag. Many of the solutions already exist and are being adopted by pioneering individuals and communities across the world. You can find examples of these in our library, capturing stories of those leading the way to restore our planet. From nature-based solutions such as landscape restoration and rainwater harvesting; to regenerative farming efforts that restore land and support local communities; to game-changing solutions for managing waste and clearing plastics from our ocean. *** Only 31 of 195 countries submitted their biodiversity plans ahead of the 2024 CBD conference 16% > “To make real change, we must reach across boundaries and borders – of geography, sectors, age and expertise. We have one planet, and we must fight for it as one, united for nature.”\ > — Dr Grethel Aguilar, Director General of IUCN **Call for change** Urgent action is needed to restore ecosystems, protect wildlife and ensure a regenerative future for all. Storytelling can help inspire change -- start your story today. [Discover our biodiversity collection](https://www.openplanet-library.org/search;sortId=1234;filterIds=12945) *** Share this story * [Copy link](/knowledgebase/collection-archive/restoring-global-biodiversity-collections.md) * [Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true\&url=https://openplanet.org/collections/restoring-global-biodiversity/\&title=Restoring%20Global%C2%A0Biodiversity) * [Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://openplanet.org/collections/restoring-global-biodiversity/) * [Share on Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://openplanet.org/collections/restoring-global-biodiversity/\&text=Restoring%20Global%C2%A0Biodiversity) * [Share on Whatsapp](https://api.whatsapp.com/send?text=https://openplanet.org/collections/restoring-global-biodiversity/) * [Share via email](mailto:?\&subject=I%27d%20like%20to%20share%20a%20link%20with%20you\&body=https://openplanet.org/collections/restoring-global-biodiversity/) ![Open Planet wins prestigious MIP SDG Innovation Award](/files/8c282ecd62aa6c53b0de9c0b4a27798e4eb9b955) **Start your search** Trending: [Wildlife](https://www.openplanet-library.org/search;q=wildlife;sortId=1233) | [Extreme weather](https://www.openplanet-library.org/search;q=extreme-weather;sortId=1233) | [Climate](https://www.openplanet-library.org/search;q=climate;sortId=1233) Explore the biodiversity collection: --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. 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