Butterflies play a crucial role in the UK ecosystem, contributing significantly to biodiversity, pollination, and serving as indicators of environmental health. Their importance extends across various ecological and economic dimensions:

Pollinators

Butterflies are essential pollinators. They transfer pollen as they feed on nectar, helping flowering plants including many crops and wildflowers, to reproduce. This also supports the growth of fruits, seeds, and the overall health of plants.

The food chain

Butterflies and their larvae (caterpillars) are an integral part of the food web. They serve as prey for various predators, including birds, bats and other insects. This role helps to maintain the balance of the ecosystem by supporting the survival and reproduction of these predators.

Biodiversity

The UK is home to around 59 species of butterflies, each occupying specific habitats and niches. These species add to the richness of the UK’s wildlife and provide aesthetic and educational value. The presence of a variety of butterflies can also support other wildlife, such as birds and small mammals, which feed on them or their larvae.

Indicators of Environmental Health

Butterflies are excellent bioindicators, meaning their presence, absence, or abundance can give scientists valuable insights into the health of the environment. Changes in butterfly populations can indicate shifts in climate, habitat quality, and the effects of pollution. This sensitivity makes butterflies useful in monitoring ecological changes and guiding conservation efforts.

The Big Butterfly Count

The Big Butterfly Count is a UK-wide survey aimed at helping scientists assess the health of the environment. It has run annually since 2010.

Since the 1970s, butterfly and moth numbers in the UK have significantly declined, signalling broader environmental issues. Tracking their numbers helps scientists monitor the health of nature and informs conservation efforts

Join in

By joining in on the count we are contributing to science, a science that is essential for conserving our natural world and overall biodiversity.

Download your butterfly ID chart below and hop on over to the Butterfly Count website to register and submit your count: Together we can do this.

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Established in 2017, by the Rainforest Partnership,, this day emphasises the urgent need for conservation efforts and highlights the numerous benefits rainforests provide to the planet and humanity.

Biodiversity

Rainforests are home to an incredible diversity of life, hosting millions of species of plants, animals, and microorganisms. They harbour approximately 50% of the world’s plant and animal species, many of which are not found anywhere else. This immense biodiversity is crucial for the stability and resilience of ecosystems.

Addressing climate change

Rainforests play a pivotal role in regulating the Earth’s climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. They also act as significant carbon sinks, absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide and mitigating the effects of climate change. By regulating temperatures and weather patterns, they contribute to the stability of global climate systems.

Maintaining the water cycle

Rainforests also play a critical role in the hydrological cycle. Through the process of transpiration, they release water vapor into the atmosphere, contributing to cloud formation and precipitation. This process is essential for maintaining regional and global water cycles, which affect agriculture, water supplies, and natural ecosystems.

Soil conservation

The dense vegetation of rainforests helps prevent soil erosion. The roots of trees and plants bind the soil, reducing the risk of landslides and maintaining soil fertility. This is vital for sustaining the health of terrestrial ecosystems and agricultural productivity.

Cultural importance

Rainforests are home to numerous indigenous peoples who have lived in harmony with these ecosystems for centuries. Their cultures, traditions, and knowledge systems are intimately linked to the forest. Protecting rainforests is also about preserving the cultural heritage and wisdom of these communities.

The most important rainforests

Here are some of the most significant rainforests:

Amazon Rainforest (South America)

Location: Spans across Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and several other countries.

Biodiversity: The Amazon is the largest rainforest in the world and is home to approximately 10% of all known species.

Congo Basin Rainforest (Central Africa)

Location: Extending across several countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Gabon.

Biodiversity: The Congo Basin is the second-largest rainforest and is rich in wildlife, including gorillas, elephants, and numerous plant species.

Southeast Asian Rainforests

Location: Spread across countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Biodiversity: These rainforests are incredibly diverse, with many unique species such as orangutans, tigers, and various endemic plants.

Daintree Rainforest (Australia)

Location: Located in Queensland, Australia.

Biodiversity: The Daintree is home to numerous rare and endemic species, including the cassowary and the tree kangaroo.

Central American Rainforests

Location: Found in countries like Costa Rica, Panama, and Honduras.

Biodiversity: These rainforests host a wide variety of species, including jaguars, sloths, and countless bird species.

Madagascar Rainforest

Location: Located on the island of Madagascar off the southeastern coast of Africa.

Biodiversity: Due to its unique biodiversity and high levels of threat from deforestation, Madagascar is a global conservation priority. It is home to the Ring-tailed Lemur, Fossa, and Baobab.

Importance of Conservation

These rainforests are not only vital for their ecological and climatic roles but also for their cultural, economic, and scientific values. However, they face numerous threats, including deforestation, illegal logging, mining, and climate change. Conservation efforts are essential to protect these critical ecosystems and ensure they continue to provide their invaluable services to the planet and humanity. Efforts include establishing protected areas, promoting sustainable land use, enforcing environmental laws, and supporting indigenous communities in their stewardship of the forests.

World Rainforest Day is a crucial observance that brings global attention to the vital role of rainforests and the urgent need for their protection. By raising awareness, promoting conservation actions, and supporting indigenous communities, this day aims to foster a worldwide commitment to preserving these invaluable ecosystems.

Raising awareness

Collective efforts inspired by World Rainforest Day can help ensure that rainforests continue to thrive and provide essential benefits for the planet and future generations. Various activities and initiatives take place globally to engage and inspire people. These include:

• Educational Campaigns: Schools, universities, and environmental organisations conduct educational programs, workshops, and webinars to spread knowledge about rainforests and their importance.
• Tree Planting Events: Community groups and organisations organise tree planting events to restore degraded forest areas and promote reforestation.
• Fundraising: Fundraising campaigns are launched to support conservation projects, research, and the work of organisations dedicated to rainforest protection.
• Advocacy and Policy: Environmental activists and organisations use this day to advocate for stronger environmental policies, legal protections, and enforcement measures to safeguard rainforests.
• Social Media Campaigns: The use of social media platforms to share information, success stories, and calls to action helps to reach a wider audience and amplify the message of rainforest conservation.

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Drought, desertification, and land degradation

Climate change and its effect on drought, desertification, and land degradation poses an escalating threat to the planet and its inhabitants. Globally, over 2 billion hectares of land are degraded – an area nearly equivalent to the combined size of India and the Russian Federation. Annually, around 12 million hectares of land are lost to degradation, significantly impacting global food and water supplies. Each year, 55 million people are directly affected by droughts, making it the most severe hazard to livestock and crops in nearly every region of the world.

The global role of women

In developing countries, women constitute 45% of the agricultural labour force, with their participation ranging from 20% in Latin America to as high as 60% in parts of Africa and Asia. This substantial involvement underscores the critical role women play in agriculture and ecosystem management. Involving women in ecosystem restoration is essential for several reasons:

• Women often possess extensive knowledge about local ecosystems and sustainable agricultural practices, which can be pivotal in restoration efforts. Their involvement ensures that restoration projects are more attuned to the unique environmental and social contexts of their communities.
• Empowering women through active participation in restoration promotes equality and enhances community resilience.
• Women are also more likely to invest their earnings in their families and communities, leading to improved health, education, and economic outcomes.

Moreover, when women are included in decision-making processes, the strategies for ecosystem restoration are more comprehensive and inclusive, addressing the needs of all community members. This inclusivity enhances the effectiveness and sustainability of restoration initiatives. Therefore, the success of ecosystem restoration efforts is intricately linked to the active and meaningful participation of women. Women’s involvement is not only beneficial but indispensable.

Relevance to the UK

In the UK, this day also provides an opportunity to highlight specific national concerns. These include our habitat destruction, air pollution and plastic waste.

One of the most pressing issues in the UK is air quality. Despite improvements over the past few decades, air pollution remains a significant health threat. Cities like London frequently exceed safe air pollution levels, leading to thousands of premature deaths each year. World Environment Day helps to spotlight these issues, fostering public understanding and prompting governmental action.

Promoting sustainable practices

World Environment Day helps to encourage individuals and organisations to adopt more sustainable practices. In the UK, this translated into increased efforts to reduce carbon footprints and promote renewable energy. This led to the current government setting legally binding targets to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This goal requires substantial changes across various sectors.

Businesses and individuals alike are encouraged to reduce waste, conserve energy, and embrace sustainable alternatives. For example, many UK supermarkets have pledged to eliminate single-use plastics and increase the use of recyclable materials. Initiatives like these gain additional momentum and public attention around World Environment Day, driving further progress towards sustainability goals.

Encouraging community involvement

World Environment Day also emphasises the importance of community involvement in environmental conservation. Across the UK, numerous events and activities are organised to engage local communities. From tree planting drives to beach clean-ups, these activities not only improve the local environment but also foster a sense of community and shared responsibility.

In Cornwall, for example, community groups regularly organise beach clean-ups to tackle marine litter, a significant problem affecting the UK’s coastlines. These initiatives, often highlighted on World Environment Day, not only help to protect marine ecosystems but also raise awareness about the broader issue of plastic pollution. In 2021, the Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) charity when it set up the Million Mile Clean reported that volunteers removed over 12,000 kg of litter from UK beaches.

Every day should be World Environment Day

Below is a selection of statements by our current committee and members about what this day means to them. However, here at Green Party Women we think every day should be World Environment Day.

Daily awareness and action are crucial in combating climate change, reducing pollution, and preserving biodiversity. By integrating sustainable practices into our own everyday routines, we can collectively make a significant difference. Continuous environmental consciousness also fosters a culture of responsibility and stewardship, ensuring that we protect natural resources not just for ourselves but also all other species. Making every day World Environment Day would encourage ongoing commitment to a healthier, more sustainable world.

Why World Enviroment day important to us

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“Be part of the Plan”, is this year’s theme for the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB). It is a call to action for all of the world to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity by supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, also referred to as the Biodiversity Plan.

The Biodiversity Plan offers opportunities for cooperation and partnerships among diverse groups including governments, indigenous peoples, local communities, non-governmental organisations, lawmakers, businesses, and individuals.

What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth, encompasses the myriad of species, genes, ecosystems, and ecological processes that make up our planet’s intricate web of life. It is the foundation of the ecosystem that supports all life, survival and well-being. Despite its critical importance, biodiversity is under threat due to human activities. Understanding and protecting biodiversity is not just a matter of preserving nature for its own sake but is crucial for the health, stability, and resilience of ecosystems that we all depend on.

Ecosystems and Ecological Balance

Biodiversity plays a fundamental role in maintaining ecological balance. Each species, no matter how small, has a role in the ecosystem, contributing to processes such as pollination, nutrient cycling, soil formation, and water purification. For instance, bees and other pollinators are essential for the reproduction of many plants, including crops that constitute a significant part of the human diet. Healthy ecosystems regulate climate, control floods, and purify water, providing essential services that support life on Earth.

Resilience to Environmental Changes

Ecosystems with high biodiversity are generally more resilient to environmental changes and disturbances. A diverse ecosystem can better withstand and recover from events such as extreme weather, disease outbreaks, and human impacts. This resilience is crucial in the context of climate change, where rapid changes in temperature and weather patterns can severely disrupt ecosystems. Biodiversity acts as a buffer, helping ecosystems adapt and maintain their functions under changing conditions.

Threats to Biodiversity

Despite its importance, biodiversity is facing unprecedented threats. Habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, overexploitation, and invasive species are driving a rapid decline in biodiversity worldwide. The loss of biodiversity not only undermines ecosystem services but also jeopardises human health and livelihoods. It is estimated that species are being lost at a rate 1,000 to 10,000 times higher than the natural extinction rate.

Conservation Efforts

Protecting biodiversity requires concerted global efforts. Conservation strategies include establishing protected areas, restoring degraded ecosystems, and promoting sustainable practices. International agreements, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, aim to coordinate global actions to preserve biodiversity. Additionally, raising public awareness and engaging local communities in conservation efforts are crucial for ensuring the long-term success of these initiatives.

Be part of the plan

“Be part of the Plan” reminds us, that as stewards of the planet, it is our responsibility to preserve its precious diversity for future generations of all life on earth. The time to act is now, before the tapestry of life unravels beyond repair.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of steps you can take as an individual to be part of the Plan:

• Moderate your consumption of meat and fish to reduce pressure on natural resources.
• Consume fruit and vegetables in season and try to shop locally to reduce transport emissions. 
• Reduce waste by shopping sensibly.
• Compost food waste.
• Repair, re-use and recycle anything from home appliances to clothing. 
• Learn how your use of chemicals (example: chemicals contained in detergents, pesticides and cosmetics) affects biodiversity and use this knowledge to adopt environmentally friendly alternatives.
• Choose fresh produce from local markets and support bio-products. Look out for products with fair trade certifications or eco-friendly labels when making purchasing decisions.
• Enquire about corporate social responsibility policies before buying a company’s products.
• Support and promote ecological tourism. Your next adventure does not have to leave a giant carbon footprint: consider nearby destinations.
• Avoid activities that disturb fauna and flora. 
• Explain the value of biodiversity to those around you.
• Engage with political officials from your region and/or with local representatives (example: the Member of Parliament for your region and/or the mayor of your city) and request information on what your local authorities are doing to implement the Biodiversity Plan. 

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