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	<title>Action biodiversity</title>
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	<link>http://actionbiodiversity.org</link>
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		<title>Recycle water and save money. Install a rain water tank and pump to your home</title>
		<link>http://actionbiodiversity.org/2013/05/recycle-water-and-save-money-install-a-rain-water-tank-and-pump-to-your-home/</link>
		<comments>http://actionbiodiversity.org/2013/05/recycle-water-and-save-money-install-a-rain-water-tank-and-pump-to-your-home/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 May 2013 06:08:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Christoper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Biodiversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[poly tanks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[water]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[water tanks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://actionbiodiversity.org/?p=156</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are numerous steps that a homeowner can take to save money on regular expenses. When it comes to decreasing the water bill, however, it may seem difficult to make a big impact on this expense. Installing low-flow toilets and faucets can have some impact, but it may seem rather nominal on a month by [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class=" wp-image-157 alignleft" style="border: 1px solid black; margin: 5px;" title="rain water falling" src="http://actionbiodiversity.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/rain-water-falling.jpg" alt="rain water falling" width="225" height="175" />There are numerous steps that a homeowner can take to save money on regular expenses. When it comes to decreasing the water bill, however, it may seem difficult to make a big impact on this expense. Installing low-flow toilets and faucets can have some impact, but it may seem rather nominal on a month by month basis. When you want to make a bigger impact and really see a large difference in your water bill, you want to use <strong>water tanks</strong> to recycle water for substantial savings. <span id="more-156"></span></p>
<h3><strong>How a Rain Water Tank Can Save You Money</strong></h3>
<p>There are <a href="http://radialspot.com.au/rainwater-tanks.php" target="_blank">many styles of tanks</a> that you can install on your property, such as <strong>steel tanks</strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.watertankfactory.com.au/Rain-Water-Tanks.php">poly tanks</a></strong>, <strong>slim line tanks</strong> and others. While each of these may have different water storage capacities along with different shapes and sizes, all serve the purpose of storing rainwater that is collected each time rain falls from the sky. The property owner can then draw from the water in the tank as needed. Depending on the type of tank and pump used, the water could be used for everything from <a href="http://www.lookingacross.net/growing-a-successful-garden-with-a-rainwater-tank.php">watering the garden</a> to flushing the toilet, washing the laundry and more. Rather than pay for water from a municipality like <strong>Sydney</strong> or Brisbane, the homeowner will be using free water.</p>
<h3><strong>Maximum Savings on Your Water Bill</strong></h3>
<p>If you have the desire to make the maximum impact to your water bill, you want to consider researching the different <strong>Sydney</strong> or <strong><a href="http://www.watertankfactory.com.au/Water-Tanks-Brisbane.php">Brisbane</a> water tanks</strong> in more detail. Some <strong>slimline tanks</strong>, for example, can hold only a few thousand litres of water while some <strong>round tanks</strong> may hold tens of thousands of litres of water. A larger tank will allow the property owner to harvest more rain during major rain events, and this water can be used for a longer period of time during drought conditions than rainwater stored in a smaller tank would. In addition, larger <strong>water tanks</strong> are also more suitable for homeowners who want to use water for both indoor and outdoor purposes.</p>
<h3><strong>Choosing your Rainwater Tank Style</strong></h3>
<p>The good news is that there are many <strong>water tank</strong> styles available to choose from, so there is a tank that is suitable for all homeowners’ needs. For example, <strong>underground tanks</strong> can be installed beneath the ground so that usable space in the yard is not taken up by the tank. <a href="http://www.watertankfactory.com.au/Slimline-Water-Tanks.php"><strong>Slimline water tanks</strong></a> have a slender profile, and they can easily be installed next to an exterior wall of the property or even on a patio when space is limited. Each style has its benefits, so property owners should review the options carefully.</p>
<p>If you are interested in taking advantage of the benefits of a <strong>water tank</strong> to save money on your water bill, I’d recommend taking a look at <strong>The Tank Factory</strong> online at <strong><a href="http://www.watertankfactory.com.au/">http://www.watertankfactory.com.au/</a></strong>. You can read more about the different styles of tanks, and the helpful staff members can help you to find the right style for your needs and budget.</p>
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		<title>Economic Value On Biodiversity</title>
		<link>http://actionbiodiversity.org/2013/03/economic-value-on-biodiversity/</link>
		<comments>http://actionbiodiversity.org/2013/03/economic-value-on-biodiversity/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:31:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Christoper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Biodiversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[biodiversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economic value]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[medication]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://actionbiodiversity.org/?p=148</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Nature is the best mother that the world can turn to when the other artificial means of productivity prove difficult. One of the best ways to tap the wealth of nature is through biodiversity measures towards a friendly environment while doing secure production activities. There are a number of economic values of biodiversity as discussed [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft  wp-image-149" style="border: 1px solid black; margin: 5px;" title="biodiversity" src="http://actionbiodiversity.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/photo.jpg" alt="biodiversity" width="200" height="175" />Nature is the best mother that the world can turn to when the other artificial means of productivity prove difficult. One of the best ways to tap the wealth of nature is through biodiversity measures towards a friendly environment while doing secure production activities. There are a number of economic values of biodiversity as discussed below:</p>
<p>Source of food</p>
<p>Biodiversity is a very probable way of generating enough food for the ever increasing human population. The world needs to domesticate more animal species and crops as a way of increasing food supply. Wild species of both animals and plants are very resistant to adverse weather conditions. This minimizes the losses that farmers incur incase of less rainfall and instead increases food as well as animal productivity. It is the high time to counter the rampant occurrences of hunger by adopting biodiversity.<span id="more-148"></span></p>
<p>Biological pest controlling method</p>
<p>Control species are the best available option to control pests. They are both environment friendly and very effective as compared to artificial pesticides. This method not only kills pests but also controls the spread of weeds in farms. Besides, this is a cheap method since it is natural and not purchased as you do with the commercial pesticides. This method ensures that most of the competition to your crops is cut off thus increasing the yield at the end of harvesting season.</p>
<p>Source of medication</p>
<p>Many plants as well as non plants are very good sources of natural medicines. Since the old ages in the human history, plants have been invaluable sources of medicine to all variety of diseases. The world population needs a constant supply of medication and artificial means cannot meet this vast demand. An alternative lies in plant barks, leaves as well as roots. Animals are used for lab tests in the development of drugs. This is a way of ensuring that human life is preserved and only treated with the best possible form of medication.</p>
<p>Source of energy</p>
<p>This is the era in which the world is looking to other alternatives of energy. Petroleum products are becoming rare each day and hence the other prices for the same. In addition to this, petroleum products are major pollutants of the environment hence the need to look for safer alternatives. Biomass is one of the natural ways to produce clean and safer form of energy. Cow dung is the raw material used and the decomposition of this by bacteria results into energy generation.</p>
<p>Commercial tourism and recreation</p>
<p>In many countries, tourism is becoming the major source of both domestic and foreign income. National parks, game reserves and forests have been turned into money generating sources. Tourism and recreational activities ensures that environment is conserved so as to attract more tourists. This result into income from the fees charged as well as the existence of reliable climates and weather.</p>
<p>There are so many economic benefits that come with the embracing of biodiversity. This is one sure way of ensuring friendly environments as well as providing alternative source of food, medicine and energy to all mankind.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Helping the world by preserving biodiversity</title>
		<link>http://actionbiodiversity.org/2013/02/helping-the-world-by-preserving-biodiversity/</link>
		<comments>http://actionbiodiversity.org/2013/02/helping-the-world-by-preserving-biodiversity/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:44:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Christoper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Biodiversity]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://actionbiodiversity.org/?p=143</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Watch this video on helping the world by preserving biodiversity
<iframe width="250" height="215" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/L3QgCLyxvn4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Watch this video on helping the world by preserving biodiversity<br />
<iframe width="500" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/L3QgCLyxvn4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>The importance of biodiversity &#8211; What is our role?</title>
		<link>http://actionbiodiversity.org/2013/01/the-importance-of-biodiversity-what-is-our-role/</link>
		<comments>http://actionbiodiversity.org/2013/01/the-importance-of-biodiversity-what-is-our-role/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jan 2013 12:54:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Christoper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Biodiversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[biodiversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[biological diversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ecosystems]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://actionbiodiversity.org/?p=139</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The term &#8220;biodiversity&#8221; is relatively new, conceived in 1985 by merging two words &#8211; biological diversity. At the symposium in 1986 after the publication of the book &#8220;Biodiversity&#8221; (Wilson 1986), whose editor was biologist EO Wilson, accepted the use of the word and its concepts. But why are we interested in the term biodiversity? The [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-140" style="border: 1px solid black; margin: 5px;" title=" biological diversity " src="http://actionbiodiversity.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/photo1.jpg" alt=" biological diversity " width="287" height="176" />The term &#8220;biodiversity&#8221; is relatively new, conceived in 1985 by merging two words &#8211; biological diversity. At the symposium in 1986 after the publication of the book &#8220;Biodiversity&#8221; (Wilson 1986), whose editor was biologist EO Wilson, accepted the use of the word and its concepts. But why are we interested in the term biodiversity? The answer is simple. In recent decades the world has begun to growingly lose species and habitats at an alarming rate. Why? This was mostly due to human activities. It is very difficult to answer the question how many species we lost. Specifically, we do not really know the final number of species that exist on the planet, because new species are found every day.</p>
<p>Biodiversity is different for given ecosystems, and it is important to conserve biological diversity at the highest levels in the ecosystems. Biodiversity is something that we should not be playing with because biodiversity is 4 billion years of the evolution of numerous species. We should remember that one thing is for sure and that is that nature knows best, as unlike us humans, nature has time and the experience to make the things as they must be.<span id="more-139"></span></p>
<p>Biodiversity is not just some weird word we should take for granted as it provides us a diversity of food because people use 40,000 or more species of animals and plants for food, care, clothing and medical needs a day. In the food chain we are all connected therefore the normal functioning of the food chain requires a great biological diversity. If biodiversity suffered great losses the food chain will lose their rings, and finally our entire planet will be lost and that is something that none of us want.</p>
<p>Connection between many plants and animals is extremely complex, but is based on a very simple rule &#8211; all types are needed. This association between species is the very basic principle of preserving life on our planet. All plants and animals are needed, and all types have a unique role which makes the natural system perfect, but yet so simple. At least the basis was simple until humans with their attitude, &#8220;we can do better,&#8221; began to make changes in what&#8217;s worked so perfectly before.</p>
<p>Once again, we humans took the lead role which was wrong as it should be reserved only for nature, and we should play the role of a trusted member, because we have a brain that can actually help nature, but do not use it in just the expected manner. With a number of endangered animals and destroyed natural habitats, it is possible for biodiversity to lose its main support and that could mean serious changes for all lives on Earth.</p>
<p>Therefore, it is extremely to preserve the natural connection between the different types of species and pay special attention to those ecosystems that are affected the most and species that call them home. People for their survival definitely need other species, and their survival at this point depends on us. It is known that with power comes a huge responsibility for the preservation of biological diversity.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>What can you do to reduce environmental pollution?</title>
		<link>http://actionbiodiversity.org/2013/01/what-can-you-do-to-reduce-environmental-pollution/</link>
		<comments>http://actionbiodiversity.org/2013/01/what-can-you-do-to-reduce-environmental-pollution/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jan 2013 10:35:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Christoper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Biodiversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CO2 emissions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[efficiency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[environmental pollution]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://actionbiodiversity.org/?p=136</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Are you energy efficient? What else is there, and that will help you keep the money in your wallet and simultaneously contribute to the reduction of environmental pollution? Most of today&#8217;s energy that we need for life in the 21st century we still get from non-renewable sources, mainly from fossil fuels. It took millions of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft  wp-image-137" style="border: 1px solid black; margin: 5px;" title="environmental pollution" src="http://actionbiodiversity.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/photo.jpg" alt="environmental pollution" width="200" height="175" />Are you energy efficient? What else is there, and that will help you keep the money in your wallet and simultaneously contribute to the reduction of environmental pollution?</p>
<p>Most of today&#8217;s energy that we need for life in the 21st century we still get from non-renewable sources, mainly from fossil fuels. It took millions of years to occur oil, gas and coal but today we consume them rapidly.</p>
<p>In addition,the production of energy from these fuels pollutes the air;this is due to a variety of hazardous substances such as gas, carbon dioxide, CO2, which (along with methane) contribute to warming of the atmosphere and the climate change phenomenon.<span id="more-136"></span></p>
<p>As these energy sources are gradually disappearing, and environmental pollution is reaching a global catastrophe it is time to take concrete action. We can no longer behave as we behaved until now, wasteful and thoughtless, but we all have to be more energy efficient.</p>
<p>Are you ready to change?</p>
<p>But what does that really mean? Being energy efficient means the ability to extract more from each unit of energy that is available. Think about all the ways in which you waste the energy from light bulbs in the foyer to the pressure in the tires of your car.</p>
<p>Being energy efficient means that you need to accept some entirely new types of behavior and habits. Let&#8217;s say, we have to get used to turning off lights every time you do not need to lower the temperature of the boiler, to use a public transporter take turns with a colleague in the car driving to work.</p>
<p>Being energy efficient and saving energy is the cheapest way to reduce energy consumption, saving money which you can set aside for energy and reduce the pollution.</p>
<p>Where you lose energy?</p>
<p>Like many other things in life, and energy efficiency starts at home. The average household produces up to 10 tons of carbon dioxide over a year, nearly double the amount of CO2 produced annually by a typical car (approximately 5000 pounds). This side effect is the CO2 production of energy use in the home, which is produced in power plants. To that should be added and CO2 emissions from the houses that can be generated using a wood burning stove, coal, oil, gas, etc.</p>
<p>Have you ever wondered how much your house or apartment consumes energy just to make you feel comfortable, when nobody is home or when everyone is asleep? Maybe your house or apartment is not built yesterday, and are not made to the demands of energy-efficient construction. Maybe you have bills for electricity and heating, which are simply too high.</p>
<p>Where are you losing the energy, and that you may not even be aware of? Well, the energy can escape through the windows literally. In some houses, the draft that occurs due to poorly insulated windows and doors such that the loss of heat is the same as having a window wide open.</p>
<p>So, the first step is to look at doors, windows, walls, ceilings, roofs. Installation of good insulation can make your home quieter, and heating and cooling costs reduced by more than 20 percent.Compact fluorescent light bulbs use only a third of the energy for the same amount of light using incandescent bulbs, last up to ten times longer, and return the money invested for two years through lower energy bills.</p>
<p>If you manage your energy consumption &#8211; taking the advice that we give in this post &#8211; only decrease by one-third, you&#8217;ll have money for many other things that you afford yourself: a few more days of vacation, new shoes, or save for college.</p>
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		<title>Educational Projects About Kapok Trees and Rain Forests</title>
		<link>http://actionbiodiversity.org/2012/06/educational-projects-about-kapok-trees-and-rain-forests/</link>
		<comments>http://actionbiodiversity.org/2012/06/educational-projects-about-kapok-trees-and-rain-forests/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jun 2012 04:00:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Christoper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Biodiversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kapok Trees and Rain Forests]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://actionbiodiversity.org/?p=121</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Kapok trees and rain forests can launch numerous educational, interesting activities for school projects, homeschooling units or just for fun. There is an abundance of materials applicable to kapok trees and rain forests, such as research topics, writing assignments, stories and hands-on activities. Share a Story Lynne Cherry&#8217;s book “The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-122" title="Kapok trees" src="http://actionbiodiversity.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Kapok-trees.jpg" alt="Kapok trees" width="218" height="209" />Kapok trees and rain forests can launch numerous educational, interesting activities for school projects, homeschooling units or just for fun. There is an abundance of materials applicable to kapok trees and rain forests, such as research topics, writing assignments, stories and hands-on activities.</p>
<p><strong>Share a Story</strong></p>
<p>Lynne Cherry&#8217;s book “The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest” is centered around a young man who travels to the forest with his ax in order to chop down trees. Cherry&#8217;s story features exquisite illustrations, and it creatively delivers an excellent message about eco-responsibility. This book is the winner of the International Reading Association Teacher&#8217;s Choice Award and the Charlotte Award.</p>
<p><strong>Create a Lapbook</strong></p>
<p>A lapbook is a cost-effective educational tool that can serve as the basis of a multifaceted, detailed project. In order to make a lapbook about kapok trees and the rain forests, several items can be placed inside of a file folder, like a kapok tree booklet, folded world map with rain forests marked, rain forest animal flashcards in an envelope and a rain forest layers flip book.</p>
<p><strong>Cultivate Budding Activists</strong></p>
<p>Inspired children can become rain forest advocates. Have the children create posters about rain forest protection and preservation. They can also make postcards to send to friends and family about the importance of rain forest conservation. For computer-based activities, children can build a website page or blog about the subject with links to rain forest preservation charities.</p>
<p><strong>Give a Writing Assignment</strong></p>
<p>Give the children a writing/research assignment regarding the use of kapok trees in cultures across the East Indies, Africa and the Americas. Or assign a comparison paper about temperate rain forests versus tropical rain forests. For creative writing assignments, students can write a note to the main character in “The Great Kapok Tree,” explaining the reason why he does not want to chop down the trees.</p>
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		<title>Conserving Biodiversity: Value of a Diverse Ecosystem</title>
		<link>http://actionbiodiversity.org/2010/07/conserving-biodiversity-value-of-a-diverse-ecosystem/</link>
		<comments>http://actionbiodiversity.org/2010/07/conserving-biodiversity-value-of-a-diverse-ecosystem/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:33:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Christoper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Biodiversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[biodiversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[conservation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diverse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Earth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ecosystem]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[value]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://actionbiodiversity.org/?p=20</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Biodiversity is, as far as science can tell, one of the most unique aspects of Earth as a planet. While astronomers hope to find Earthlike planets out in the galaxy, as far as Earth&#8217;s solar system is concerned, it contains all of the biodiversity orbiting the Sun. Unfortunately biodiversity is threatened on Earth by the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-21" title="ss" src="http://actionbiodiversity.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/ss-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Biodiversity is, as far as science can tell, one of the most unique aspects of Earth as a planet. While astronomers hope to find Earthlike planets out in the galaxy, as far as Earth&#8217;s solar system is concerned, it contains all of the biodiversity orbiting the Sun.<span id="more-20"></span></p>
<p>Unfortunately biodiversity is threatened on Earth by the continued dominance of the Human species &#8211; at least the industrialized portion of it. The growth of cities and the conversion of every speck of arable land to agricultural uses has shrunk the habitats of so many species that some have either gone extinct or threaten to do so in the near future. Conserving biodiversity has never been so important as in the twenty-first century, when the unpredictability of rapid climate change threatens the biodiversity of entire continents.</p>
<p>Biodiversity is important because all life human science is aware of depends on other life for its own survival. Every living entity, down to the lowest fungus, requires another species in order to survive. Even plants that derive the majority of their energy from the sun and soil rely on elements within the soil that are often drawn from the decomposition of other organisms. When species go extinct, and biodiversity is threatened as a result, other species whose well being depended on the now extinct groups are pushed towards the edge themselves.</p>
<p>And for all the accomplishments human civilization has achieved, it is itself still wholly dependent on other lifeforms for its own sustenance. Humans eat plants and animals both, and their bodies cannot receive proper nourishment without consuming a wide variety of organic substances. It is in the interest of human civilization itself to conserve biodiversity even if it may mean constraints on continues economic growth.</p>
<p>Conserving biodiversity is of the utmost importance in order to keep the ecosystem capable of sustaining life for the long term. With no other planet within reach that has near to the degree of biodiversity available on Earth, conserving biodiversity (visit <a href="http://www.futureearth.com.au/" target="_blank">inspirational science</a> for more info) in all its various forms is vital to the continued survival of the human species. Not to mention that a world without wild creatures would be rather dull indeed.</p>
<p><object width="480" height="385" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5d3qie3jbHk&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed width="480" height="385" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5d3qie3jbHk&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1" allowFullScreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" /></object></p>
<p>Post by <a href="http://www.mysouthwest.com.au/Directory/Entry?entry_id=20142">http://www.mysouthwest.com.au/Directory/Entry?entry_id=20142</a></p>
<p>Post by <a href="http://www.evonobel2007.org/">http://www.evonobel2007.org/</a></p>
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		<title>Threats to Food Security</title>
		<link>http://actionbiodiversity.org/2010/07/threats-to-food-security/</link>
		<comments>http://actionbiodiversity.org/2010/07/threats-to-food-security/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:30:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Christoper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Food Security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[threats]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://actionbiodiversity.org/?p=16</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Most people, when they hear the term "national security" or similar, they're thinking about a country's ability to maintain its security of its nation. However, most people are not familiar with a similar term: food security. The idea behind food security is allowing all people in a region, nation, or the world to have enough food to cover their nutritional needs.(see <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_security" target="_blank">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_security</a>) ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-17" title="food" src="http://actionbiodiversity.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/food-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Most people, when they hear the term &#8220;national security&#8221; or similar, they&#8217;re thinking about a country&#8217;s ability to maintain its security of its nation. However, most people are not familiar with a similar term: food security. The idea behind food security is allowing all people in a region, nation, or the world to have enough food to cover their nutritional needs.(see <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_security" target="_blank">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_security</a>) <span id="more-16"></span></p>
<p>There are, however, some threats to food security on the planet right now. Some of the consequences can be seen all over the world. Thousands of people die each year because of starvation, in many cases due to overpopulation. However, some other causes must be taken into account as well.</p>
<p>One potential threat to the world&#8217;s food security is that of genetic erosion and shrinking biodiversity brought on by increased hybridization experiments. For years now, geneticists have been breeding new &#8220;high-yield&#8221; versions of plants, that produce more food per acre than natural strains of those plants. However, as more and more of these genetically engineered versions of these plants come into being, and shoehorn out the native breeds, there are consequences to be paid.</p>
<p>The overuse and constant continued experimenting with new, genetically engineered breeds of crops are forcing out, and even driving to extinction, other breeds of similar plants. This concept is referred to as &#8220;genetic erosion.&#8221; Put into layman&#8217;s terms, when more and more of the natural crops and other native plants are driven to endangerment and extinction, there is a smaller gene pool overall to select from. The fear is that if too much hybridization and other experiments continue, eventually there may be a tipping point when there are no more natural plants left, and the genetic pool is very, very small.</p>
<p>Overall, the production of hybrid, high yield plants has been a boon for the world, since more and more people have been able to be fed, but the continuing cost to genetic diversity thanks to genetic erosion has some people worried about the world&#8217;s food security. Will there be a time when all arable land is occupied by food crops, just to feed a growing population?</p>
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<p>We&#8217;d like to thank Miss <a href="http://robinsphysicalphenomena.webs.com/apps/profile/75973676/" target="_blank">Sue Lang</a> on this contribution to our web page.</p>
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		<title>Human benefits of biodiversity</title>
		<link>http://actionbiodiversity.org/2010/07/human-benefits-of-biodiversity/</link>
		<comments>http://actionbiodiversity.org/2010/07/human-benefits-of-biodiversity/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:28:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Christoper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Biodiversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[benefits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[biodiversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ecosystem]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[human]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://actionbiodiversity.org/?p=12</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Biodiversity is the variation of life forms within a given ecosystem, or on Earth more generally. Maintaining biodiversity is important for many reasons, not least of which are the many direct benefits to humankind. Biodiversity tends to be closely tied in the popular imagination with philosophical or purely environmentalist ethics, but there are a number [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-13" title="Biodiversity-forest-large" src="http://actionbiodiversity.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Biodiversity-forest-large-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Biodiversity is the variation of life forms within a given ecosystem, or on Earth more generally. Maintaining biodiversity is important for many reasons, not least of which are the many direct benefits to humankind. Biodiversity tends to be closely tied in the popular imagination with philosophical or purely environmentalist ethics, but there are a number of very practical reasons to support biodiversity conservation.<span id="more-12"></span></p>
<p>In the field of human health, robust biodiversity has led to the development of drugs that come from plants or microbes. Around half of all drugs on the market in the United States are derived from plants, animals, or microbial organisms. Although in recent decades more research has been spent on developing synthetic drugs, many believe that the energy and money would be better spent on exploring new treatment options based on natural sources. In this case, maintaining biodiversity has an obvious benefit: the more plants, animals, and microbes that exist, the better the chances of finding treatments for a wide range of diseases and conditions.</p>
<p>Biodiversity also helps humans in the agricultural, business, and industrial sectors. In agriculture, diversity among crops helps to reduce weakness to disease and to improve overall hardiness and crop performance. Most of the worst agricultural disasters throughout history can be linked to being overly dependent on only one strain of one kind of crop; the Irish potato famine being the foremost example of this. Within industry, various living organisms provide many of the base materials used in manufacturing. Maintaining biodiversity allows scientists to find even more ways to use these and other organic materials to push forward industrial development.</p>
<p>Beyond these very straightforward advantages to biodiversity conservation, most ecological systems that humans need to survive also rely on a biologically diverse ecosystem to operate. This is true for purifying water, the recycling of nutrients in soil, and the pollination of flowers, among many other things. It is very difficult for people to properly replicate these intricate ecosystems with man-made alternatives. All life on earth depends on a varied and diverse natural environment, and naturally, that includes humans as well.</p>
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		<title>What Is Biodiversity?</title>
		<link>http://actionbiodiversity.org/2010/07/what-is-biodiversity/</link>
		<comments>http://actionbiodiversity.org/2010/07/what-is-biodiversity/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:26:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Christoper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Biodiversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[biodiversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ecosystem]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[micro-ecosystem]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[species]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://actionbiodiversity.org/?p=8</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Biodiversity can have three general meanings. (see <a href="http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/environment/biodiversity/" target="_blank">http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/environment/biodiversity/</a> for more information) First, it can be used to describe the complexity of biological species that populate a specific ecosystem. At a macro level, biodiversity is influenced by the natural environmental features found within an ecosystem. These features may include lakes, oceans, forests, mountains, deserts, and swamps. Within these macro-environmental features there usually exists overlapping or distinct micro-ecosystems. <!--more-->]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-9" title="caribbean_biodiversity_600" src="http://actionbiodiversity.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/caribbean_biodiversity_600-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Biodiversity can have three general meanings. (see <a href="http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/environment/biodiversity/" target="_blank">http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/environment/biodiversity/</a> for more information) First, it can be used to describe the complexity of biological species that populate a specific ecosystem. At a macro level, biodiversity is influenced by the natural environmental features found within an ecosystem. These features may include lakes, oceans, forests, mountains, deserts, and swamps. Within these macro-environmental features there usually exists overlapping or distinct micro-ecosystems. <span id="more-8"></span>A micro-ecosystem is defined by the diversity of species living within it, and how this species population differs from what’s found in neighboring micro-ecosystems. Micro-ecosystems emerge in nature because such things as temperature patterns, soil composition, moisture levels, altitude, and sunlight exposure can vary considerably over short distances within a macro-ecosystem. The physical characteristics of macro- and micro-ecosystems therefore determine biological diversity.</p>
<p>Biodiversity also describes the complexity of interactions that occur between biological species populating macro- and micro-ecosystems. For example, on the eastern bank of a river there may be three types of salamanders dining on 50 different species of insects, while on the west bank there may only be two salamander types dining on 30 different species of insects. The different number of salamander types on each bank of the river could be due to differences in food availability. Biodiversity can therefore be used to describe how complex causal interactions are between species within an ecosystem, interactions that ultimately influence species survival.</p>
<p>The word biodiversity can also be used to describe the genetic complexity within a species. For example, there are 521 different species of salamanders in the world and 5093 sub-species. The species Ambystoma tigrinum, or Tiger Salamander, ranges widely across the United States and has six distinct subspecies that can be distinguished by pigment patterns and colors. By comparison, the species Ambystoma barbouri, or the Streamside Salamander, does not have any subspecies and resides in a relatively limited area along the Ohio River. The genetic diversity that allows Tiger salamanders to survive in habitats as diverse as the Sonoran Desert or the upper Great Lakes region would be predicted to be much greater than the genetic diversity of Streamside Salamanders residing in a fairly homogenous ecosystem.</p>
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