Thread by @FAO

Biodiversity is one of our planet’s most precious resources.

In fact, without biodiversity life as we know it wouldn’t exist.

Here are 9⃣ more things you may not know about #biodiversity 👇🧵

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1⃣ Mountains host most of the world’s species of amphibians, birds & mammals.

Plants, animals, insects, microbes & their environment...

Biodiversity is vital to global food production & essential for human well-being.

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2⃣ Most crops depend, at least in part, on pollination.

Our world is made of an invisible web, & loss of species weakens this web as well as whole ecosystems.

Take pollinators for example. Without them, most of our food wouldn't exist.

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3⃣ There are more living organisms in 1 teaspoon of healthy soil than there are people on Earth!

Safeguarding natural resources & #biodiversity is critical to people’s health & that of our planet too.

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4⃣Of the existing livestock breeds, at least 26% are at risk of extinction.

Sustainable agriculture can reverse trends that lead to #biodiversity loss.

#DYK the use of biodiversity-friendly practices in agriculture is reported to be increasing👉 bit.ly/3iEH0cw

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5⃣ We depend on 9 species of crops for over half of all crop production.

Biodiversity has been used & conserved by farming communities for millennia, & is key to the livelihoods of small-scale farmers.

We need #biodiversity to address food insecurity.

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6⃣ Coral reefs provide vital habitat for a quarter of the world’s known marine species.

From bees & earthworms to coral reefs & rainforests, #biodiversity helps to keep our agrifood systems healthy, productive & resilient.

Learn more👉bit.ly/3iEH0cw

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7⃣ One third of all land is used for cropping or animal husbandry.

Unsustainable farming practices, systems & urbanization impact natural resources.

Sustainable agriculture is key to preserving these resources, protecting #biodiversity & producing food, feed & bioenergy.
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8⃣ 80% of the planet’s #biodiversity is found on traditional indigenous territories.

Preserving biodiversity is essential for food security & nutrition.

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