Biodiversity is defined in the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity [1] as the variability of living organisms from any source, including terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are a part; it also includes the diversity within each species, between species and ecosystems. 'Bio' means life and 'diversity' means variety, and is also known as biological diversity .
Importance of biodiversity
Our world depends on biodiversity more than we can imagine. Each species plays a fundamental role within its ecosystem. All life is intertwined; when a plant grows and dies, it supports countless other species. We depend on it for food and energy, and on its irreplaceable role in maintaining air quality, providing fresh water and fertile soil, and regulating the climate. For this reason, safeguarding natural resources and biodiversity is essential for the health of people and the wealth of the planet.
However, biodiversity is declining at an accelerated rate like never before in history and the fashion industry is a significant contributor to the loss of this biodiversity. Clothing supply chains are directly related to land degradation, conversion of natural ecosystems, and pollution of waterways. In the conventional cultivation of cotton, for example, 22.5% of the world's insecticides and 10% of all pesticides are used.
Sustainable agriculture is the answer to reversing the trends that lead to the loss of biodiversity, in order to meet the needs of present and future generations while ensuring profitability, environmental health, and social and economic equity. Sustainable food and agriculture contribute to the four pillars of food security - availability, access, utilization and stability - and to the dimensions of sustainability (environmental, social and economic). [2]
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has a long history of promoting sustainable agricultural development and the sustainable use of biodiversity for food and agriculture, in order to achieve their goal of ending poverty and hunger. [3]
As for sustainable and responsible fashion consumption, it is possible to opt for GOTS-certified organic and recycled cotton garments; [4] or by products manufactured from certain fibers or fabrics such as: hemp or organic flax (both require the use of less water and pesticides), recycled nylon and polyester, recycled wool.