Biological diversity is more than all the different species on Earth. It is also the incredible variety within a species.
Trillions of characteristics are hidden in organisms’ genomes; the result of all the biological information from thousands of ancestors and millions of years of evolution. All the biological data and variation that makes life on our planet work is encoded in DNA. This is known as genetic diversity.
Food production affects important ecosystems and biodiversity worldwide. Therefore, our food choices need to reflect a greater consideration for the environment.
WWF Sweden’s One Planet Plate take into account both the climate and biodiversity. It is an easy way to make a difference, one meal at a time
As we passed the winter solstice on 21 December, the northern hemisphere have now had the longest night and shortest day of the year. For many this is a welcome turn of the year as every week will bring more light.
The last decades the use of artificial light has increased which may be positive for humans but disturbs wildlife in many ways, Read about light and darkness in this Conversation article
There is a lot to learn about biodiversity and how it could be integreated in decision-making in the financial system. We will be developing educational material in 2023 and hope you willl join us. .
Today, 21 December is the last day to listen to Swedish radio interview with BIOPATH researchers.
The nations at COP15 have agreed to protect a third of the planet for nature by 2030 in a landmark deal aimed at safeguarding biodiversity. Read more about the deal and the proposed EU Nature Restoration Law.
A recent rewilding project in Britain has re-introduced bison for the first time in 6000 years. The bisons boost biodiversity by trampling, debarking and seed dispersal and more. Filmed and edited by Timur Bekir
Currently, financial institutions and companies don’t have the information they need to understand how nature impacts the organisation’s immediate financial performance, or the longer-term financial risks that may arise from how the organisation, positively or negatively, impacts nature.
TNFD’s risk management and disclosure framework aims to enable organisations to report and act on evolving nature-related risks.
Learn more about TNFD
“Slåttergubbens ekorally” is an initiative open for everyone in Sweden that combines a fun family or friends activitiy with bird spotting and fundraising for conservation of wetlands.
The challenge takes place on 11 February 2023 between 00.00-16.00 and only wild birds count. By the end of the day all spieces are reported and 2 SEK per species are paid to the fund.
Winter and early spring evenings in the period February to April is the ultimate time to look out for the Eurasian Eagle-Owls (Berguv) in Sweden. They are increasing in southern Sweden and decreasing in the north.
Check the website Birdlife.se to learn more and get samples on their characteristic sounds to spot them in your neighbourhood. Report any findings to the national portal: Artportalen.se
Alexandre Antonelli, Director of Science at KEW Royal Botanical Gardens, combines inspiration stories and the latest scientific research in his book The HIdden Universe. Read and learn about the wonders of biodiversity at a genetic, species and ecosystem level - what it is, how it works, and why it's important. www.kew.org
The book is available in both English and Swedish ( Ett dolt universum). Professor Antonelli is part of Mistra BIOPATH research working group on quantifying biodiversity.
The coming generations should also be able to explore nature and enjoy thriving ecosystems. We need both a healthy and productive planet
In July 2022, the UN declared a clean environment to be a human right. Governments, business, civil society and people are all agents of change and the time to act is now. Read more about UN sustainable development
COP15 aims to achieve an historic agreement to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030, on par with the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.
COP15 will have a dedicated full-day event on Finance and Biodiversity., providing an opportunity for the global financial community to engage in discussion and communicate on their action, achievements and commitments related to the integration of biodiversity within financial decision-making.
COP 15 Finance Day program and live webcast
Established in 1964, the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global extinction risk status of animal, fungus and plant species.
is used by government agencies, wildlife departments, conservation-related NGOs, natural resource planners, educational organisations, students, and the business community.
Learn more at iucnredlist.org
Researchers and industrial partners within Mistra BIOPATH reflect on the role and contributions they forsee will be valuable outcomes of the research programme in the period 2022-2026.
On 12-13 December the issues of Business and Biodiversity is discussed at COP 15.
COP 15 Business & Biodiversity Forum
GBIF—the Global Biodiversity Information Facility—is an international network and data infrastructure funded by the world's governments and aimed at providing anyone, anywhere, open access to data about all types of life on Earth.
As a scientist or citizen you can support by adding your data to GBIF, for example by using the iNaturalist app, an initiative by National Geographic and California Academy of Science.
Nordens Ark works to ensure that endangered animals have a future. They engage in conservation, rearing, research and training, as well as increasing public awareness of biological diversity.
In mid-November, two manwolf puppies were born, for the first time captured on live camera. Now you can see them on live stream and see how they grow.
Ecosystem services are unpriced or underpriced in markets. To address this growing issue, governments can scale up the use and ambition of economic instruments. Biodiversity-positive incentives are fundamental for effectively implementing the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.
The interest from the business sector to participate at COP 15 is record high, says Susanne Arvidsson, Programme Director Mistra BIOPATH.
“We notice that it is important to industry and the financial actors to get involved and face the challenges related to biodiversity loss today. They want to contribute and find solutions. They turn to us for cooperation”
Read more: “Now business wants to get better at valuing nature”
New strategies, standards and safeguarding are needed to ensure that there is less negative impact and more positive impact from business activities and financial decisions on nature.
BIOPATH gathers experts in biology, ecology, law and political science, sustainable finance, economics and management, digital innovation and AI. The external partners represent agriculture, forestry and energy, the financieal sector and public authorities. Read more about BIOPATH research
Biodiversity COP15 7-19 December in Montreal will have the biggest programme of business- and finance-relevant events ever seen at a UN Biodiversity COP.
BIOPATH board member Matt Jones, UN Environment Programme-World Conservation Monitoring Centre, shares a guide for keeping track of relevant events, some online.
Business and Finance journey at COP 15
See also www.cbd.int
The WWF works all over the world to protect wildlife, halt biodiversity loss, secure valuable habitats and reduce the human ecological footprint caused by our production and consumption. They also work with issues related to business and finance. Read more in their expectation paper for COP15:
COP 15 - A once-in-a-decade chance to secure a nature-positive world (panda.org)
Read also Swedish WWF website on Economy and Finance
Frogs and toads are cold-blooded, which means that their body temperature varies with that of the environment. In order to survive winters in our climate they hibernate, just like bears. If it gets very cold they can shut down their body functions and even stop their heart beat - until spring returns with warmer weather.
Deers have a smart reproduction system. They are designed to favour mating when there is plenty of food. Then, in order to give their young the best conditions to survive after birth, the actual implantation of the egg in the womb of the female deer can be delayed. to best adapt to when there is enough food again in the summer season. Source. WWF magasin 4/2022.
With the help of music Malmö Opera want to highlight the wild, beautiful, and exciting landscapes in Skåne.
More musical postcards by Malmö Opera from various beaches, forests and other places of beauty and biodiversity can be found at https://www.malmoopera.se/musikaliska-vykort
Researchers, board members and industry partners from Mistra BIOPATH reflect on why biodiversity is important - for the planet, for humanity, for society and business, now and in the future.