UN International Day of Biologic Diversity
Reflection
A contemplative view of biologic diversity respects the presence of the Sacred in all life and in creation. It sees creation as integrated and reverences all its expressions. It is in awe at the variety of life’s expressions. One sees everything through the eyes of its Creator. A contemplative perspective realizes that each species of vegetation and each creature has a place on earth and plays a vital role in the circle of life. Everything, including humans, is part of the web of life. Plant, animal, and insect species interact and depend upon one another for what each offers the other. The contemplative perspective understands that a wide diversity of species is necessary to preserve the web of life that sustains living things.
This year 2021 the theme for Biologic Diversity Day is “We’re part of the solution”. Human activities are driving biodiversity loss and nature degradation, but we can act to turn things around. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that the world needs to work together to resolve our common challenges. If we are serious, we all can be part of the solution.
Prayer
Bless us with contemplative vision and the courage to change.
Action
Are you aware of the Sacred in life? What is your level of concern with regard to biodiversity? Is there any action you can take?
Example: An estimated eight million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year, threatening the health of ecosystems, marine animals, and humans.
What you can do:
Choose a day to track all of the disposable plastic that you use from morning to night.
After you’ve written a list, research and choose sustainable alternatives made out of material like wood, glass, or natural fibers.
Suggested Reading
How manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
Psalm 104:24-30
All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents.
Pope Francis, Laudato Si
Each year sees the disappearance of thousands of plant and animal species which we will never know, which our children will never see, because they have been lost for ever.
Pope Francis, Laudato Si
We must not be indifferent or resigned to the loss of biodiversity and the destruction of ecosystems, often caused by our irresponsible and selfish behavior.
Pope Francis, Laudato Si
A degraded habitat will produce degraded humans. If there is to be any true progress, then the entire life community must progress.
Thomas Berry
When we acknowledge that all of life is sacred and that each act is an act of choice and therefore sacred, then life is a sacred dance lived consciously each moment. When we live at this level, we participate in the creation of a better world.
Scout Cloud Lee
From individual species through entire ecosystems, biological diversity is vital for human health and well-being. The quality of the water we drink, the food we eat and the air we breathe all depend on keeping the natural world in good health.
Antonio Guterres
Biodiversity is the natural infrastructure supporting all life on earth — including human life. It is the food we eat – it is really on our plates every day – Biodiversity is the water we drink, and it is also the air we breathe. More than that, biodiversity is part of us, as we humans are part of nature.
Dr. Christiana Pasqua-Palmer
We cannot win this battle to save species and environments without forging an emotional bond between ourselves and nature as well – for we will not fight to save what we do not love.
Stephen Jay Gould
We share this planet with many species. It is our responsibility to protect them, both for their sakes and our own.
Pamela A. Matson
Note:
Three-quarters of the land-based environment and about 66% of the marine environment have been significantly altered by human actions.
1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction.