Understanding biodiversity - nature's technology
Explore the similarities between biodiversity and technology – where every part plays a role
You may have heard or used the saying: ‘Technology is great….when it works!’
It’s a phrase that often comes to mind when you experience an internet outage, your computer crashes, or your screen goes blank in the middle of an important presentation. Yet when technology does work, which let’s be fair, is most of the time, we barely even notice it, let alone call it great.
Biodiversity is like nature’s technology
Biodiversity is the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria that make up our world, and the way they function together in ecosystems to support life.
And like with technology – Each part, in this case, organism, plays a unique role and contributes to a web of life, providing us with clean air, fresh water and rich soils, which enhance the creation of healthy food, medicines and a natural world which boosts our wellbeing.
Like technology, when biodiversity is thriving, we barely notice it, yet it is vital to our functioning, our wellbeing and our economy.
Biodiversity is under threat
Unfortunately, biodiversity is not thriving and is under threat in Australia and around the globe. Like your computer freezing, the effects of this are more noticeable.
Without healthy biodiversity, millions of people face a future where food supplies are more vulnerable to pests and disease, and where fresh water is in short supply. The global implications include affected supply chains and increased costs, higher levels of disease transmission and reduced access to medicinal resources. These things are no longer abstract concepts, but realities we have recently experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Biodiversity needs our help, including stronger protections within legislation. Consequently, the South Australian government is developing a new Biodiversity Act – the first of its kind in our state – and you’re invited to have your say.
Who should participate?
Anyone! Biodiversity touches all our lives, and you don’t need to be an expert to participate. Whether you’re a nature lover, a landowner or someone who just enjoys a day out in our national parks, you will have valuable connections to biodiversity.
The Department for Environment and Water is keen to hear from a wide range of community members and welcomes the diversity of views and experiences that will be brought to the consultation.
Why do we need a Biodiversity Act?
Current state laws do not reflect the modern and significant challenge of biodiversity loss, particularly in a changing climate. Legislation is needed to help conserve and restore ecosystems and to prioritise the recovery of biodiversity to secure our future prosperity.
Unfortunately, the existing provisions haven’t successfully prevented biodiversity loss. In fact, more than 1,100 of our state’s unique native plant and animal species are currently threatened with extinction. Many more are likely threatened but are yet to be assessed.
How can I have my say on the new Biodiversity Act?
Visit YourSAy before 18 February 2025 and complete the online survey: YourSAy: Draft Biodiversity Bill.
An explanatory guide has been developed to help guide you through the draft Bill, highlighting its intent and rationale.
You can also subscribe to receive updates on the Act’s development and be kept informed on future opportunities to be involved.
Need to know more about the proposed Biodiversity Act or biodiversity in general? Read Unpacked: How South Australia is proposing to boost biodiversity…10 ways you can improve biodiversity or Explore the relation-chip between food and biodiversity
