As we are reminded today, World Biodiversity Day, biodiversity is a general asset of humanity that we must respect. However, while the conservation of the multitude of species that cohabit the planet with us is a common duty, biodiversity is increasingly threatened by the numerous damages caused by man.

Among the most important threats are the modification or disappearance of natural areas, the introduction and spread of invasive exotic species, the overexploitation of natural resources and pollution. Sometimes, the magnitude of these environmental problems can make us fall into catastrophic postures, demotivate us or make us think about the impossibility of acting effectively individually in the face of dangers of this magnitude. Throwing in the towel is not the most convenient attitude; we can do much more than we think.

First of all, it should be emphasized that the management of species implies the management of the ecosystems to which they belong. Species conservation requires the maintenance of the areas where they live. Thus, it is not possible to conserve the capercaillie, the bearded vulture or the bear if they do not have an adequate territory in which to develop. Nor is it feasible for them to survive if there are no plant or animal species with which they feed and shelter, or which are directly involved in their biology.

Precisely, it is in this management where we can intervene through our daily behaviors and actions. Everyone can and has the responsibility not to pollute so much, not to degrade the environment, not to introduce non-native species and not to use more resources than necessary.

The solution to biodiversity loss involves, among other actions, the respect that each of us shows to our environment, to our home. A respect that assumes that some local actions may have consequences in other geographical areas and extend over time, affecting future generations. This depends on the principles that have been instilled in us, which is why the Education in values -fundamentally in respect- represents one of the keys to ensure the conservation of biodiversity.

This rich plurality is perceived in the social environment, as an integral part of the natural environment, through multiculturalism, for which many of us may not be prepared. Even today we find it difficult to open our minds to other ways of thinking, other cultures, to this other form of biodiversity deserving of respect.

On World Biodiversity Day, all this should help us to reflect on co-responsibility, respect and solidarity, both intra and intergenerational. It is a matter of acting taking into account the local and global level; the natural and social environment, indissolubly united; and doing so from the self, the here and now.