We are just one among the millions of species that populate the planet, but we are the species that has made the greatest cultural and technological advances. However, we are also responsible for a serious loss of biodiversity that scientists have already described as the ‘sixth great extinction’. But this extinction is different, as it is the first that directly affects humans. And it is doing so at a dizzying rate compared to the previous five extinctions.
It is impossible to foresee all the consequences of biodiversity loss, but we do know that it will have a radical impact on our quality of life.
Biodiversity is responsible for the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat. It also supplies us with many of the drugs and products we need in our daily lives. Nature gives us marvellous places for rest and leisure — spaces that inspire us, where we can do sport or simply walk in silence. Biodiversity is a treasure that must be preserved to guarantee our wellbeing and health and to ensure that our planet remains habitable.
In this new era, called the Anthropocene, people’s activities are the main cause of changing conditions on Earth. We are changing vital processes and causing climate change and extraordinary global warming — with largely unpredictable consequences.
We can only hope that we will do honour to the name given our species, Homo sapiens — that with our knowledge and cooperative intelligence, we will be able to remove the threats to our wellbeing and that of future generations.
Change is underway, as many people and organizations are already acting to protect biodiversity. Discover what biodiversity is and how it works — and join a movement of people working to change the world and ensure a healthy planet for humanity.
Exhibition
You are invited to an exhibition divided into seven distinct areas that will leave you astounded by the beauty of nature and by the sensation of wellbeing it brings, that will enhance your understanding of biodiversity and your feeling of being part of it and that will convince you that commitment is necessary to stop biodiversity loss and restore damaged ecological systems. The exhibition aims to convey that action now is crucial to ensuring that people’s basic needs are met and their health and wellbeing are protected. Biodiversity is the primordial wealth of a country. People can act alone, but especially collectively, to protect it.
The seven areas of the exhibition are summarized as follows:
- You are nature. Although the Earth was formed 4,600 million years ago, humans appeared only 300,000 years ago. Yet, even as only one species among millions, our activities are leading to great changes that threaten our survival.
- The web of life. Explore how all life forms are connected.
- Biodiversity in Catalonia. Explore Catalonia’s biodiversity, which needs to be protected and maintained, and see how science and natural history museums preserve our natural heritage.
- The limits of a unique planet. Learn about the limit situations Earth is facing, such as climate change, species extinction, a shrinking ozone layer and a shortage of fresh water.
- Feel nature. A break will allow you to enjoy breathtaking landscapes from nature, which gives us material resources and contributes to our health and wellbeing.
- We need to act now. What can we do to protect biodiversity and restore its ecosystems? Projects are already underway to reduce our negative impact in different areas, including agriculture, livestock husbandry, forestry, inland waters, fishing, waste and construction. Learn about initiatives by public bodies, such as Barcelona’s Green and Biodiversity Plan 2020 and the Catalan Natural Heritage and Biodiversity Strategy.
- Do you want to participate in projects to study natural diversity? Take part in a citizen science project underway in Catalonia. You can choose from 90 projects at Fem natura.