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Biodiversity, the resources our economic activities depend on

As we look forward to the upcoming event co-organized by Partners for Water, RVO and IUCN on biodiversity, Heleen van den Hombergh explains why nature’s diversity is “extremely important” and extends far beyond just environmental benefits.

Heleen van den Hombergh is an advisor on agricultural-commodities and nature-based solutions at the IUCN National Committee of the Netherlands. She got involved in organizing this event with PFW and RVO because companies that work abroad or have an impact abroad are key to helping preserve biodiversity, which is the IUCN’s greatest concern.

“Biodiversity forms the foundation of our lives, of the resources we all depend on,” explains Van den Hombergh without any doubt in her voice. It is essential for ecosystem health, but also crucial to combat climate change, ensure human well-being, and for economic activities like agriculture, and the water sector. Biodiversity provides vital services such as clean air and water and pollination, and is key for climate mitigation and adaptation.

However, as we all know, it faces threats from habitat loss, climate change, pollution, over-exploitation, and invasive species. Protecting biodiversity is crucial for sustaining life.

Hondsbossche Dunes

In the water sector, the Hondsbossche Dunes in the Netherlands provide a good example of an area with high biodiversity. This project was initiated to offer protection against rising sea levels but also included nature development, such as dune formation and creating habitats for plants and animals. This kind of nature-based solution combines infrastructure with nature restoration and has been exported to other countries, such as those in West Africa, to protect coasts against erosion and flooding. Developing ‘robust nature’ is essential in this context; it means an ecosystem that can sustain itself over time and has high biodiversity, including plants, birds, and grasses that are resilient and can survive under changing conditions.

Without proper care for nature – protecting, supporting, and restoring it – our productivity and food security are at risk.

Heleen van den Hombergh

Agricultural crops

Van den Hombergh works a lot with the sustainable production of agricultural commodities. “Without proper care for nature – protecting, supporting, and restoring it – our productivity and food security are at risk,” she explains, pointing out why preserving biodiversity is also crucial for the stability and yield of agricultural crops.

“Deforestation and loss of vegetation lead to unstable water systems and poor harvests, as has happened with soya in Argentina and the United States.”

Van den Hombergh argues that while promoting conversion-free sustainable agricultural practices in international value chains is vital, we also need to strive for a better balance in our diet, with more plant-based proteins instead of animal proteins.

“The current intensive model does need to change to allow more space for nature and healthy food in the long term. Farmers around the world can be invited to contribute to this transition.”

Sharing knowledge

According to Van den Hombergh, the event is “a unique opportunity for cross-pollination between different sectors: the water sector, the agricultural sector, the financial sector, and transformation thinkers. Participants are offered the chance to look beyond their own field and be inspired by best practices from other sectors.”

An important theme is how biodiversity affects water security and management. She explains that robust nature can help manage water flows, retain water, and prevent sudden shocks such as floods or droughts.

The ‘Room for the River’ programme in the Netherlands has helped prevent flooding by giving rivers more space and restoring natural areas that work like sponges.

The challenge, she acknowledges, is communicating the importance of biodiversity and nature-based solutions. Although there are already many collaborations taking place, the main goal of the event is to “inspire people, show them the latest insights and best practices, and encourage transformative thinking.”

Helene van den Hombergh is a specialist in the fields of biodiversity, agricultural commodities and sustainability, with a particular focus on integrating ecological concerns into business practices and policy. She has worked extensively with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), governmental bodies, and the private sector to promote sustainable development strategies that align economic activities with environmental protection.

Biodiversity event

On 1 October, we are organising a biodiversity event together with the International Union for Conservation of Nature in The Netherlands (IUCN).

Join the event: Shaping a Biodiversity Proof Future on October 1, 2024.

NOTE: The event is fully booked, but you can register. You will then be put on the waiting list. Should a place become available, you will receive an e-mail confirming your participation in the event.

Join us for: Shaping a Biodiversity Proof Future

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