Everything can change with the introduction of one illegal exotic species!
The new awareness campaign for travellers
See moreThematic Articles
- Businesses
- Citizens
- Non classé
- wide public
Invasive alien species – The traveller awareness campaign
A silent invasion: invasive alien species Red-vented bulbul, Egyptian goose, Amur sleeper, broomsedge bluestem, these names probably do not mean anything to you… Still, they are among the 88 invasive alien species of animals and plants that are regulated by the European Union. Despite of their pleasant names, those species represent an important threat to our biodiversity and the ecosystems which we live in.
See more
Biodiversity, victim of fast fashion!
The world of fashion, with its big names, its catwalks and its designers, is still a dream. This sector remains associated with seduction, beauty and creativity. And yet, the other side of the picture is gloomier. The industry is increasingly criticised for its environmental impacts and unacceptable working conditions. Overconsumption and large-scale pollution make the textile sector one of the most polluting in the world.
See more
Save biodiversity by eating better
Our food choices have significant effects on biodiversity and ecosystems, but also on our health. Among other things, intensive meat production is responsible for the destruction of many ecosystems around the world and excessive meat consumption is a source of various diseases. Yet demand is growing on an increasingly populated planet with limited natural resources. As individuals, do we have a role to play in mitigating this trend in a globalised world? The answer is yes!
See more
A very meaty diet: what consequences for biodiversity?
Did you know that, in the European Union, the food industry is the main cause of environmental damage, followed by housing and mobility?[1] Although many consumers are aware of this, we tend to underestimate the effects of our eating habits on the environment.[2] While this is not good news, it does mean that our choices can make a real difference. But can we really protect biodiversity at mealtimes?
See more
Unravelling the link between trafficking in sea turtles and plastic pollution
Every year thousands of turtles return to their birthplace on the beaches of the South Pacific to lay their eggs. These include the Olive Ridley, Pacific Leatherback and Hawksbill turtles. While their grace, agility and speed delight and surprise at sea, on the beaches they are slow and vulnerable. Some species take 20 years to reach their reproductive age.
See more
A Happy New Year 2019 focused on biodiversity!
Is the year-end holiday season behind you? No more crazy shopping for gifts, no more hearty meals… until next year! As this period is behind us, let’s now take the time to ask ourselves what a celebration such as Christmas represents in terms of impact on biodiversity. And most importantly, what can we do to reduce our footprint during the holidays, whatever they may be?
See more
Staying fashionable and respecting biodiversity
The sales have arrived! The shelves are packed with bargains and everyone wants a new outfit. But what about the impact of fast fashion on biodiversity? Here we explained how textile production presents a threat to a large number of species. The good news is that you can remain fashionable without causing them too much harm.
See more
Visiting the sales without selling out the environment
The sales are back and are a wonderful opportunity to bag a bargain whilst pondering our consumption practices. A lot is said about food waste, but textile waste is a worrying reality for biodiversity.
See more
Taking care of ourselves without damaging biodiversity
We like taking care of ourselves. Every day, we use care products such as soap, shower gels, antiperspirants, make-up removers, shampoos, moisturizing creams, toothpaste and perfume. Altogether, each Belgian uses an average of 18 grams of cosmetic products per day. But what we think is good for us is not necessarily good for biodiversity.
See more
Shrimp at will : doom for biodiversity
Shrimp, scampi or prawns have long been rare, refined and expensive. But nowadays, their consumption has skyrocketed; in the world, it is estimated that by 2023, about 6 million tons of shrimp per year will be consumed! In the last 20 years, the production has been multiplied by 9. A boom that severely damages biodiversity.
See more
Worried experts at the bedside of biodiversity
In three years, 550 volunteer experts from 100 countries have compiled 10,000 scientific publications, supplemented by statistical data and an inventory of local traditional knowledge. The aim of this huge work coordinated by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) was to provide global decision-makers with five reports on the state of global biodiversity.
See more
No cocoa, no chocolate…
Once a casual, festive and sometimes even luxurious dish, chocolate is now part of our daily eating habits. A pleasure for the taste buds and morale but to which biodiversity pays a heavy price.
See more
Overexpoitation: a real threat to biodiversity
Biodiversity consists of an incredible resource in food and raw material for more than 7 billion of human beings. Sadly, we often forget that its resources are limited… Most ecosystems that provide them aren’t exploited in a sustainable manner; they are overexploited.
See more
Noise pollution: a danger for cetaceans
Maritime traffic, sonars, oil drilling, gas extraction, offshore wind farms… The sea is no more an ocean of silence. To the point that noise pollution now represents a serious threat to cetaceans that use sounds to communicate and echolocation to direct themselves and hunt.
See more
Every species has its own territory!
On holidays, a part of the budget is often dedicated to buying gifts and to discovering local products. Who doesn’t want to bring home a souvenir of the little chunk of paradise where you have lived amazing moments with family or friends? But watch out, some souvenirs that you plan to put in your luggage can be dangerous for the biodiversity back at home… and where you bought it.
See more
Let your souvenir have a future
Every year, numerous products made from protected animals and plants are illegally imported into Belgium (fur, caviar, art,…). Through organized crime? Often. But most of the time, it’s tourists who – with no bad intentions – bring home these objects in their luggage as souvenirs.
See more