Biodiversity Explained

What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity is the huge variety of living things and how these are all connected in ways big and small … and even yet unknown.  

Watch this short clip for a good succinct introduction about what biodiversity is and why it's important - https://youtu.be/XxNYom70Lv0

It’s everything from microscopic algae in our ponds and lakes ... to the huge whales that travel out in Hawke Bay. 

Biodiversity is a compound word - 'bio' (life)  + 'diversity'.  It refers to how each organism is connected, is a part of a complex, interwoven ecology.  It refers to the variety within a species, as well as the differences between species and ecosystems and how they interact. A high level of biodiversity is considered to be important and desirable.

Our Hawke's Bay Focus

Our focus is on the native biodiversity because it is unique to Hawke’s Bay and to New Zealand.  Our biodiversity is special to this place!   Which is why some passionate people have come together to make a difference and established the Biodiversity Hawke's Bay Trust and membership organisation, the Biodiversity Hawke's Bay Incorporated Society.

When we talk about stopping the decline in biodiversity, we don’t mean protecting everything, everywhere, all of the time. We know we have to focus our efforts to get anything done properly! That means we will aim to protect and enhance specific, high-value biodiversity areas, without devaluing other land uses and the rights of landowners.  

That's where the Hawke’s Bay Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan come in - these set the goals and priorities our community has decided will help improve our biodiversity in Hawke's Bay.