A few days ago, talking to a friend, he was saying how indispensable his smartwatch was becoming in his life. From my side, with a different lifestyle and living in Monteverde, I told him I didn't have a watch since a long time ago, nor a clock anywhere in my house. I guess the phone clock is enough for me.
His answer was almost immediate: “I couldn’t live without my watch, it’d feel unnatural.”
I laughed because the actual “unnatural” part of this — however familiar in modern life — is to be guided by phones, watches, and the ticking of clocks. In a world where schedules and agendas have become a priority, the unnatural seems to be the wilderness, the rhythm of life, and the drum of our hearts.
Over time, the luxury and comfort of technology and modernity can start to seem just as integral to us as moving, eating, and breathing, and for many people, this comes at a cost of inviting nature into our lives.
But the actual fact is that we are natural beings. It is who we are. And as the research has continued to show over the years, we need nature to charge ourselves, to get real rest from all the buzz of our daily work lives. It is essential for humans to connect with open spaces and life's beauty. We dim ourselves when we don’t do this often enough.
Nature supports new ideas, creativity, and high levels of productivity. It is valuable to our economy, our medicines, and our very nutrition.
But when we think about nature solely as a business opportunity, or a resource to be mined and used, we are doing nature a disservice. Because, in the complexity and fascinating diversity of our world, there is an inherent value.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the many factual reasons that it’s just smart to protect nature. And in an upcoming companion post, I’ll share a glimpse into what nature truly holds for people willing to stop, take a look, and wonder.
So, to begin with, why do we protect nature?
1. Because We Need Food
Nature encompasses all the plants and animals — wild and domesticated — that provide food, feed, fuel, and fiber. The multitude of creatures also maintains food production due to ecosystem services – called “associated biodiversity”. This contains all the animals, plants, and micro-organisms (such as insects, bats, birds, mangroves, corals, seagrasses, earthworms, soil-dwelling fungi, and bacteria) that retain fertility in the soils, cross-pollinate plants, cleanse water and air, keep fish and trees healthful, and fight crop and livestock pests and diseases.
Without biodiversity, we would not have food. But we wouldn’t either have clothing, hygiene, or beauty products that we use every day.
In Monteverde, you will find that many restaurants are farm-to-table. Due to all the influence and responsibility of having such an important habitat (As the cloud forests are) nearby the community, you will find that in the region the biodiversity has thrived in the menus and tables of the region.
2. Natural Biodiversity is Key to Producing Medicines
“80% of registered medicines come from plants or have been inspired by natural products. Right now, the cure for cancer, or COVID, could be going extinct” – Peter Bickerton, Earlham Institute (2)
For thousands of years and all around the globe, medicines came from nature. Forests, deserts, or the ocean.
It is estimated that we use up to 20,000 different species to create everything from penicillin, quinine, and morphine to products against certain types of cancer. And it is estimated that the global pharmaceutical sector depends between 25% and 50% on biodiversity.
The University of Alabama in Huntsville Natural Products Research Group has been studying the phytopharmaceutical possibilities of tropical rainforest higher plants from Monteverde for the past twenty years. They have concentrated primarily on anticancer agents, antimicrobial agents, and antiparasitic agents. (1)
3. Because a Robust Ecosystem Makes Us Healthy
Clean air, water, sanitation, green spaces, and safe workplaces improve people's quality of life: reduced mortality and morbidity, healthier lifestyles, increased productivity of workers and their families, improved lives of women, children, and elderly.
Time in natural environments also improves mental health, according to research.
They also stimulate creativity for children with attention deficits and depression, and proximity to greenspace reduces stress and depression, as well as anxiety symptoms.
4. Because Natural Resources Are Valued in Trillions of Dollars
The services of ecological systems and the natural capital stocks that produce them are critical to the functioning of the Earth's life-support system.
In 2014, a group of investigators led by American economist Robert Constanza assessed the current economic value of 17 ecosystem services for 16 biomes.
For the entire biosphere, the value (most of which is outside the market) is estimated to be in the range of US$16-54 trillion (1012) per year, with an average of US$33 trillion per year. Because of the nature of the uncertainties, this must be considered a minimum estimate. The global gross national product total is around US$18 trillion per year. (3)
5. Because Natural Ecosystems Help Combat Climate Change.
Well-preserved ecosystems help us to mitigate the negative effects of climate change and to better adapt to them. The same is true for biodiversity, with a greater variety of species.
We cannot discuss biodiversity loss without addressing climate change, and we cannot address climate change without acknowledging biodiversity loss.
When humans emit greenhouse gases, roughly half of the emissions stay in the atmosphere, while the other half is swallowed up by land and the ocean. These ecosystems, as well as the biodiversity they support, act as natural carbon sinks, offering so-called nature-based climate change solutions.
For example, protecting, managing, and restoring forests provides roughly two-thirds of the total mitigation potential of all nature-based solutions. Despite massive and ongoing losses, forests continue to cover more than 30% of the planet's land surface. (3)
6. Because we are inspired by its designs and materials
Many technological designs and new materials have been based on nature.
This is "biomimicry", with many examples: solar panels inspired by leaves, cooling systems based on termites, high-speed trains that copy the shape of birds' beaks, resistant fibers that imitate spider webs, and so forth.
But there is also a component of mental health in natural patterns and raw material: they allow us to calm our minds and rest our bodies in a flowing easy way.
When you stay at the Ocotea Boutique Hotel you will also notice how nature is brought inside to give a more holistic resting sensation. Materials and colors are inspired, among many things, by bird nests, flowering branches, or the abundant bromeliads.
7. Because they are essential for tourism activities
Many tourist activities are based on the great variety and richness of our natural and cultural heritage. Three million tourists visit Costa Rica each year for its high biodiversity, safety, and comfort on its zip lines, ecolodges, and huge network of jungle trails.
However, it is important to realize that in natural protected areas like national parks, preserves, and wildlife refuges, the prime reason for their existence it’s the conservation of the habitat and not the visiting, which happens to be a consequence of the amazing environment.
And this reason alone makes it even more attractive for real nature lovers.
Even though we may all see Costa Rica as a huge nature and adventure theme park, it is not. These are beautiful places to explore, but Costa Rica’s rainforests are quite real and unpredictable. Wildlife sightings are fortunate coincidences, and these areas are heavily protected to place the wellbeing of the animals first, with environmental crimes such as hunting or poaching being paid with heavy prison sentences.
8. Because it is part of our culture and our identity
The Costa Rican protection of nature is a part of our identity now. In our homes as much as in our schools, and communities, sustainability and conservation are reinforced in many ways.
Not only do we hold more than 30% of our country in protected areas, but you will find that the vast majority of people in Costa Rica completely identify with and follow the guidelines to protect nature. Our country has come together to protect our environmental richness, help our world combat climate change, and share this beauty with the world.
The Costa Rican motto “Pura Vida” is directly related to the breathtaking amount of life that you find in the country. Not because the expression comes from the natural abundance that we have but it fits like a glove the country and our peaceful nature.
What Can I Do?
There are a number of everyday habits you can take to protect the environment (which we’ll go into below), but the most powerful comes when you focus on nature as something inherently valuable, rather than just valuable to your daily life. More on that in the next article!
Respect Regulations to Protect the Environment
Sometimes it can seem like an extra step or an extra dollar to comply with regulations to protect the environment and nature. But in the long run, these small steps pay enormous long-term dividends. When we go to the national parks, out to the mountains, to the river, to the beach, or in the cities themselves, we respect the rules for each space.
Less Car Use, Less Pollution
Less car use and more use of alternative means of transport whenever possible has great environmental and personal advantages. Reducing the percentage of pollution gives us a more sustainable nature and better health. Biking or walking when you can is a small
Moderate Use of Water
Water is an element of great value to nature. Therefore, moderating its use and knowing how to save water is of utmost importance.
Responsible Use of Cleaning Products
When buying household cleaning products, make sure they are biodegradable and do as little damage to nature as possible. When we throw water through the pipes with these products we are damaging nature, even if we do not see it.
Environmental Education
One of the most essential tips to take care of nature and the environment is to promote and make children aware of its importance. If from an early age they learn good practices in this regard and receive a good environmental education, they will not forget it and we will build a better future together.
Recycle
Recycling is one of the most used words, so much so that it can lose some meaning. But it’s important to keep our focus and be aware of what recycling truly means because it is very necessary when talking about how to protect the environment, as well as the fight against the climate crisis. Recycling is a fundamental action that is in everyone's hands, and simply means to use and reuse wherever you can. If you have any doubts, here you can find tips on what and how to recycle.
Consume Seasonal Foods
Foods that are out of season are more expensive to produce and harmful to nature since they also involve a greater transfer. Therefore, consume seasonal products, which are healthier and more sustainable and you will help the environment.
Take Advantage of Natural Light
During the day, try not to turn on the light and take advantage of natural light. And at night, use energy-saving light bulbs, because this energy saving, in addition to many others, is a great help to nature.
Conscious Consumerism and Business Practices
One of the most striking fights against climate change is personalized and belongs to us, the individuals. When we buy things, we must ask ourselves if we really need what we are buying, and if it breaks it’s important to fix it instead of throwing it out.
If you own a business, you can also protect nature by using smart and sustainable business practices, maximize the use of digital documents, recycling, treating your garbage responsibly, using biodegradable soaps and cleaning products, and trying to hire locals that don’t have to commute long distances.
Staying Informed and Involved (Voting!)
Probably that is the hardest and the easiest. We must believe in the democratic system we have fought so much for! Voting, getting involved, and looking for objective and real news can make a difference to nature and our own future. Think about this in your next elections, wherever you may be.
A Lot to Take In
Realizing the importance of nature and biodiversity to your life is just the beginning of a new way of living for our planet. With these tips for caring for nature, which you can apply from now on, you can be part of the solution: preserving a planet that gives us so much.
And in our partner article to this one, we’ll dive into a little bit of the soul, beauty, complexity, and wonder that is at the heart of nature, which is what inspires all of us in Monteverde to keep coming back to wander among the trees.
References:
- (Nations, U. (2015). Biodiversity - our strongest natural defense against climate change | United Nations. United Nations; United Nations.
- Pharmaceutical and Biodiversity.
- (Costanza, Robert, D'Arge, Ralph, De Groot, Rudolf, ... Marjan. Nature, 387(6630), 253-260.
Other references:
Álex Fernández Muerza. (2021, March 3). En el Día de la Naturaleza, 10 razones para proteger nuestros ecosistemas. Hablando En Vidrio.
https://www.facebook.com/unep. (2017). Healthy Environment, Healthy People. UNEP.
FAO - News Article: The Biodiversity That Is Crucial for Our Food and Agriculture Is Disappearing by the Day, 2019.
Cannamela, T. (2021, April 19). 7 Reasons Why You Need to Eat at a Farm to Table Restaurant | Buckingham Farms. Buckinghamfarmsonline.com.
Shah, R. (2020, May 5). Travel; National Geographic.
Shah, R. (2021). Costa Rica’s answer to range anxiety. Bbc.com.
Pharmaceuticals and Biodiversity: To protect ourselves we must safeguard our planet. (2021). Convention on Biological Diversity.
Costanza, R., d’Arge, R., de Groot, R., Farber, S., Grasso, M., Hannon, B., Limburg, K., Naeem, S., O’Neill, R. V., Paruelo, J., Raskin, R. G., Sutton, P., & van den Belt, M. (1997). The value of the world’s ecosystem services and natural capital. Nature, 387(6630), 253–260.
