Protecting vital
habitats

The importance of protecting vital habitats for a sustainable future

Protecting vital habitats is an essential aspect of preserving the health and wellbeing of the planet, as they are crucial areas to the survival of a diverse range of plant and animal species. These habitats provide vital ecosystem services such as regulating climate, purifying air and water, and supporting biodiversity.

Hippo in water habitat, Africa.

What are habitats?

A habitat is a natural environment where a particular species of plant or animal lives and grows. It is characterised by specific physical and biological conditions such as temperature, humidity, soil type, water availability, and the presence of other organisms. Habitats range from aquatic ecosystems like oceans, rivers, and lakes to terrestrial ecosystems like forests, grasslands, and deserts.

Importance of habitats for ecosystems and biodiversity

Networks of interconnected habitats create ecosystems, each with its own unique set of living and nonliving components. These components work together to create a self-sustaining system that provides food, water, and shelter to the living organisms within the ecosystem. If any of these habitats are destroyed or disturbed, it can have a ripple effect on the entire ecosystem.

Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms on Earth, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. Biodiversity is crucial for the functioning of ecosystems and the services they provide, such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and pest control. 

Habitat destruction threatens biodiversity. The loss of biodiversity can have severe consequences for ecosystems and human wellbeing, such as reduced crop yields and increased disease transmission.

Read more: Where are the world's biodiversity hotspots?

The second largest mangrove forest in the world, located near Chidambaram in Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, India.

Overview of the threats to habitats around the world

Ecosystems are under threat from various human activities. Here is an overview of some key threats:

• Deforestation: Forest loss, particularly in tropical regions, reduces biodiversity, as many species rely on forest habitats for survival.
  Read more: What are the effects of deforestation?

• Urbanisation: The expanding of cities encroach on natural habitats and ecosystems, reducing overall biodiversity. 
• Overfishing: Overfishing disrupts marine ecosystems and affects other species. This can also lead to the collapse of fisheries.
• Invasive species: Invasive species lead to a loss of biodiversity and ecosystem function. They also introduce diseases and alter habitats, further impacting ecosystem health.

Group of bonobos. The Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa.

Start protecting biodiversity today

What are the types of vital habitats?

Different types of vital habitats, such as forests, wetlands, coral reefs and grasslands, help support biodiversity and provide vital ecosystem services.

Mangrove forest.

Terrestrial habitats

• Forests: Forests are one of the planet's most important types of vital habitats. They cover approximately 30% of Earth's land area and are home to millions of species and biodiversity ‘hot spots’. Forests also provide carbon sequestration, air and water purification, and soil conservation. 
  DGB Group is committed to protecting forests by developing and supporting reforestation and afforestation initiatives to ensure a healthy and sustainable planet for future generations.
  Read more: Impact of forests on biodiversity
• Grasslands: Grasslands cover one-quarter of Earth's land area. They are characterised by a variety of grasses, herbs, and shrubs and are found in both temperate and tropical regions. Grasslands provide a range of ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, soil conservation, and habitats for a diverse range of wildlife, such as bison, antelopes, and prairie dogs.
  
  We can protect grasslands as vital habitats by implementing strategies such as establishing protected areas, promoting agroecology, and restoring degraded grasslands. The use of technology, such as remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS), can also play an important role in monitoring and protecting grassland ecosystems.
• Wetlands: Wetlands are areas where water is the primary factor controlling the environment and associated plant and animal life. Wetlands include marshes, swamps, bogs, and fens in freshwater and saltwater environments. It's estimated that up to 87% of the world's wetlands have been lost in the last 300 years. By establishing protected areas and restoring degraded wetlands, we can protect the world's wetlands.
  Read more: The importance of conserving Earth's wetlands for a sustainable future

• Deserts: Deserts are home to a wide variety of plants and animals that have adapted to survive in this environment. Deserts, similarly to other habitats, absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide. Habitat destruction and overgrazing threaten deserts. 
  

  Read more: Desertification in Africa

• Tundra: The tundra is an important environment that supports a diverse range of fascinating species like arctic foxes, caribou, and polar bears. Permafrost is a feature of the tundra; it is a layer of frozen soil covering much of the region. Permafrost provides a stable foundation for many plant species, such as lichens, mosses, and low-growing shrubs.

Aquatic habitats

• Oceans: The role of the oceans is to absorb and store carbon dioxide (CO₂) and regulate the climate. The oceans are home to many species that maintain the balance of the ocean's ecosystem. To protect the oceans, we must reduce the usage of single-use plastics and other waste. 
  
  DGB provides a solution to reduce your plastic footprint and contribute to nature. 

• Rivers and streams: Rivers and streams provide water supply, nutrient cycling, and flood control. Rivers and streams are also important for human communities, providing water for irrigation, industry, and recreation. They are also home to other aquatic species, including amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates such as crayfish and snails. These organisms all play important roles in the ecosystem, from controlling insect populations to breaking down organic matter. 
  
  Protecting these vital habitats requires a combination of conservation efforts, including watershed management, restoration of degraded habitats, and regulations to limit pollution and other harmful activities.
• Lakes and ponds: Lakes and ponds are home to everything from fish and waterfowl to aquatic plants and insects that rely on these bodies of water for survival. Wildlife and humans benefit from lakes and ponds that replenish groundwater and provide drinking water for local communities. They also play a role in regulating the climate.
• Estuaries: Rivers meet the sea to form estuaries, creating a network of channels, islands, and marshes that provide food, shelter, and breeding grounds for plants and animals. They protect coastlines from erosion and flooding, improve water quality, and reduce the impact of human activities on downstream ecosystems. To reduce the impact of human activities on these fragile ecosystems, we need to reduce pollution from agricultural and industrial sources and protect wetland areas from development.

Calculate your carbon footprint and make a positive impact on ecosystems

Human activities

Human activities

The impact of human activities is significant on the natural habitats of wildlife and plant species. We therefore need to protect the planet from human activities that threaten habitats.

• Deforestation: Deforestation is the reason for the loss of millions of hectares of woodland and the loss of biodiversity. As a result, species are left without a home and are often unable to adapt to their new environment.
  
  Another major impact of deforestation on habitats is the disruption of ecosystems. The loss of forests can lead to soil erosion and cause landslides. As forests absorb large amounts of CO₂, deforestation also causes the release of CO₂ back into the atmosphere.
  
• Urbanisation: While urbanisation has benefits, it also poses a significant threat to habitats and ecosystems worldwide. City growth and increased demand for resources and land have resulted in significant habitat loss. This habitat loss decreases the number of wildlife and plant species that depend on these areas for food, shelter, and breeding.
  
  There are several ways we can mitigate the impacts of urbanisation on habitats. DGB focuses on preserving forests and developing reforestation projects around the world. 
  
• Agriculture: One of the primary threats posed by agriculture is habitat destruction. As farmers clear land for crops or livestock, they often destroy or degrade vital natural habitats, including forests, wetlands, and grasslands. This can lead to a loss of biodiversity, as many plants and animals are unable to survive in altered or destroyed habitats.
• Mining: Mining provides essential materials for a wide range of products and technologies. However, it can also pose a significant threat to natural habitats. The extraction of minerals often requires the use of heavy machinery, chemicals, and vast amounts of land, which can contaminate water sources and soil and result in the clearing of large areas of forest.
  
  Certain steps can be taken to mitigate the impact of mining on habitats, like implementing strong environmental regulations that require mining companies to reduce their environmental impact.
  
• Environmental instability: The effects of environmental instability are causing shifts in weather patterns and, as a result, changes in ecosystems. As a result, habitats are altered in ways many organisms cannot adapt to, leading to biodiversity loss and even extinction. In addition, environmental instability increases the frequency and severity of hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, which can devastate habitats.
  

Planting a tree seedling in a garden.

Natural disasters

Vital habitats, such as forests, oceans, and wetlands, are particularly vulnerable to the destructive forces of natural disasters. We discuss some of these natural disasters below:

• Wildfires
  • Wildfires destroy habitats: Flames can spread and burn forests, grasslands, and other habitats. Wildfires impact wildlife that relies on these habitats for food, shelter, and breeding grounds.

  • Wildfires alter ecosystems: Wildfires change the composition of the soil, destroy microorganisms, and alter the chemical balance of the environment. This can have long-term effects on the habitat and the wildlife that rely on it.

  • Wildfires reduce biodiversity: Wildfires threaten habitats by reducing biodiversity. Burned habitats may no longer support the same diversity of plant and animal life as before. This affects the entire ecosystem.

• Floods: Floods disrupt the natural environment by eroding soil and sediment, resulting in the loss of fertile ground and making plant growth difficult. Floods can also cause trees and other vegetation to uproot or be washed away, leading to the loss of important habitats for wildlife. Floodwaters can carry contaminants from upstream areas and deposit them into habitats downstream, which can harm aquatic life and the ecosystem. 
• Hurricanes and storms
  • Damage to coastal habitats: Storm surges and high waves can damage coastal ecosystems, including mangrove forests, salt marshes, and coral reefs. These habitats provide breeding and feeding grounds for many species.
  • Flooding and erosion: Flooded habitats can lead to the displacement of animals and the spread of disease and invasive species. Storms also cause erosion, destabilise the soil, and cause landslides.
  • Impact on migratory species: Hurricanes and storms can also significantly impact migratory species like birds and sea turtles. The disruption of migratory patterns can lead to further ecological imbalances, affecting the entire ecosystem.

Many measures can mitigate hurricane and storm effects on habitats:

• Restoring and protecting critical habitats such as mangrove forests and coral reefs can help mitigate the impacts of hurricanes and storms.
• Reducing carbon emissions can help mitigate the impacts of changing environmental conditions and reduce the likelihood of destructive storms.

Coral nursery being grown to improve the reef.

Reduce your carbon emissions to protect habitats

Conservation and protection of habitats

The conservation and protection of habitats are critical components of environmental sustainability. To address the importance of conserving and protecting habitats, international treaties and agreements are established, habitat restoration and management techniques are developed, and individual actions can be taken.

International treaties and agreements

• Convention on Biological Diversity
  The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international treaty signed by 196 countries and promotes the conservation and sustainable use of the Earth's biodiversity. The CBD focuses on the protection and preservation of habitats. The CBD recognises the importance of protecting and restoring habitats to conserve biodiversity and sets targets for member countries to achieve. These targets include reducing the rate of habitat loss, increasing the amount of protected land and marine areas, and restoring degraded habitats.
• The Ramsar Convention
  The intergovernmental treaty known as the Ramsar Convention provides a framework for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and their resources. The convention was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971. It became a key tool for promoting the protection of wetlands around the world. The Ramsar Convention recognises the role of wetlands in maintaining the health of our planet's ecosystems. Wetlands provide a range of ecosystem services, such as water purification, flood control, and climate regulation.
• The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
  The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) is an international agreement between governments that aims to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. CITES was created in 1971 to protect endangered species by regulating their trade to maintain the balance of ecosystems. 

Read more: Why should endangered species be protected?

Young Siberian tiger hunting in the shallow water.

Habitat restoration and management

• Reforestation
  Forests provide homes for plant and animal species, assist in climate regulation, and provide ecosystem services such as water filtration and soil conservation. Reforestation refers to the planting of new forests in locations where existing forests are lost. Reforestation can remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in trees and soil.
  

  Read more: The impact of reforestation on biodiversity

  One of the key benefits of reforestation is the preservation of biodiversity. Planting trees not only helps reduce carbon emissions but also plays a vital role in preserving biodiversity and ensuring the survival of various species. At DGB, we recognise the importance of this effort and are committed to planting trees to reduce carbon emissions and preserve biodiversity. By doing so, we help protect various species and contribute to the overall wellbeing of our planet.
• Wetland restoration
  Wetlands provide vital habitats for species, regulate water flow, and filter pollutants. Wetland restoration involves the repair and rehabilitation of degraded wetlands. This can include removing invasive species, planting native vegetation, and restoring natural hydrology.
  Read more: Small, isolated wetlands are pollution-catching powerhouses
• Habitat connectivity
  Habitat connectivity is the degree to which habitats are connected and supports the movement of plant and animal species between them. This connectivity is essential for maintaining healthy populations of many species, preserving biodiversity, and supporting ecosystem services. The efforts to restore habitat connectivity involve creating wildlife corridors, restoring riparian habitats, and reconnecting isolated patches of habitat.
• Ecological corridors
  Wildlife corridors, or ecological corridors, are natural or artificial strips of habitat that connect fragmented habitats, allowing plant and animal species to move freely between them. Enhancing ecological corridors involve activities such as reforestation, the restoration of riparian habitats, and the removal of barriers that prevent the movement of plant and animal species.

Read more: From the brink of extinction: four endangered species that made a comeback

Ecological corridor. Infrastructure built for animals and other wildlife to cross traffic.

Individual actions for habitat conservation

Individuals can take many actions to conserve and protect habitats, from reducing their carbon footprint to supporting local conservation organisations. Here are actions to reduce the impact of human activities on habitats: 

Reduce, reuse, and recycle

These are the three essential actions individuals can take to contribute to habitat conservation:

• Reduce: Using fewer resources reduces the impact on the environment by using energy-efficient appliances and reducing water usage.
• Reuse: Reusing items is another way to conserve habitats. Instead of throwing away items that can still be used, there are ways to give them a new life.
• Recycle: Recycling helps reduce the amount of waste in landfills and conserve natural resources. By following community recycling guidelines, separating recyclable materials from non-recyclable ones, and recycling whenever possible, global waste can be reduced.

Sustainable agriculture and forestry

Here are ways sustainable agriculture and forestry can contribute to habitat conservation:

• Agroforestry: Agroforestry is a sustainable land-management system that integrates trees, crops, and livestock on the same land. This technique helps preserve and restore natural habitats by providing food and shelter for local wildlife and promoting sustainable farming practices.
• Sustainable forestry practices: Sustainable forestry practices, such as selective logging, help preserve natural habitats and promote reforestation and regeneration of natural habitats.
• Habitat restoration: Reforestation and habitat creation help preserve and restore ecosystems, ensuring the survival of many wildlife species.

Responsible tourism and recreation

These are ways responsible tourism and recreation can contribute to habitat conservation:

• Eco-tourism: Eco-tourism promotes sustainable tourism practices that preserve natural habitats, support local communities, and promote environmental education.
• Wildlife viewing: Responsible wildlife viewing practices, like maintaining a safe distance from wildlife, help increase the positive impact on ecosystems.
• Sustainable accommodation: Eco-lodges and green hotels promote sustainable tourism. These accommodations often use renewable-energy sources, reduce water consumption, and promote local biodiversity.

Read more: 7 Strategies for protecting wildlife

Support for habitat conservation organisations

Habitat-conservation organisations work to protect and preserve natural habitats. Here are ways they contribute to habitat conservation:

• Funding: Donations or grants help ensure these organisations have the necessary resources to continue their conservation efforts.
• Advocacy: Supporting these organisations through advocacy, such as writing to elected officials, helps ensure public policies and decision making are supported and enacted.
• Partnerships: Habitat conservation organisations partner with businesses, governments, and other organisations to carry out their conservation work to ensure coordinated and effective habitat conservation efforts.

DGB supports the environment by planting trees, restoring habitats, and protecting existing ecosystems in collaboration with local communities, governments, and partners. Protecting habitats is possible by investing in nature with the help of companies and individuals who want to offset their carbon footprint.

Contact our experts to start investing in nature conservation

Examples of successful habitat conservation

Case studies of restored habitats

• The Everglades: This large wetland in southern Florida has been impacted by human development. The goal is to reverse the damage and restore the area's natural hydrology. In recent years, scientists have observed increased populations of wading birds, alligators, and other species as well as improvements in water quality.

Florida Everglades.

• The Chesapeake Bay: It is the largest estuary in the United States and home to a diverse range of species. After its water quality and ecosystem health declined, restoration efforts were implemented. Restoration efforts include reducing nutrient pollution, restoring wetlands, and improving fisheries management. As a result, oyster populations increased, water clarity improved, and harmful algal blooms decreased.

Protecting vital habitats: a global commitment

Recap of the importance of protecting habitats

Many plant and animal species rely on habitats to survive. Habitats maintain biodiversity, provide ecosystem services, regulate the climate, and support human wellbeing through economic benefits and cultural significance. As human activities continue to impact natural habitats, humans must recognise their impact and work towards protecting and conserving habitats for the benefit of present and future generations.

How does DGB Group help protect vital habitats?

At DGB, we recognise the vital role of forests and natural habitats in supporting biodiversity and providing essential ecosystem services. We manage large-scale reforestation and nature-restoration projects  around the world that restore and protect vital habitats so local biodiversity can thrive.

Our projects involve planting trees and promoting sustainable land-use practices. We work closely with local communities, governments, and other stakeholders to ensure that our projects are socially and environmentally responsible and that they provide tangible benefits to the people and ecosystems they serve. Our reforestation projects aim to ensure a sustainable and healthy planet for all life forms to thrive.

Start making an impact towards habitat conservation and protection