The challenge of protecting biodiversity and ecosystems
The Covid-19 crisis makes us realize that it is imperative to take action to protect biodiversity. Some actions can be carried out in the field, in relation to local populations who have an excellent knowledge of the ecosystems in which they live, and others that promote awareness, to reach the younger generations who will live in the world of tomorrow. The crisis gave many researchers a voice showing that the recent spread of infectious diseases is fully linked to the destruction of ecosystems.
Most viruses are of animal origin and two-thirds come from wild animals. These animals carry many pathogens that are harmless to them but can create devastating epidemics by coming into contact with humans. It is the destruction of habitats that favors repeated contact with humans and, therefore, the spread of these epidemics. Protecting biodiversity is not only a matter of human health, it is also about its medium-term survival and that is why it must be a priority.
The challenge of environmental awareness: children are the cornerstone
Children are already today’s actors. They are the ones who will be part of tomorrow’s world and the main agents of change that motivate the participation of those around them. An environmental education project for children also raises awareness among parents, family and friends. It is an initiative that allows children to better understand and protect nature and for parents to seek to create a better world for their children’s future.
Raising awareness, not only in young people like farmers and indigenous communities, but also in most children around the world, about respect and protection of biodiversity, the importance of ecosystems and forests, is a great challenge and a priority action of the Fundación Impulso Verde Colombia and those who support it.
Therefore, Impulso Verde chose to develop an educational project that can be carried out both with groups of children in remote villages and in the big cities of Colombia and the world. The project will start before the end of 2020 in the department of Nariño, Colombia.