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Biodiversity

Biodiversity

What is biodiversity precisely? 
Biodiversity is the wide variety of life on Earth and the genetic differences within each species. It also includes the variety of ecosystems in which living creatures – including humans – form a community, interacting with one another. 

Why are we engaging in biodiversity? 

The loss of biodiversity and climate change are today's primary environmental challenges. Aviation contributes two per cent to man-made CO2 levels, while deforestation accounts for approximately 17 per cent of global greenhouse emissions – making it the second largest source after the energy sector. Deforestation also is a key component of the global threat to biodiversity – which means when tackling climate change, deforestation must be addressed at the same time.

Air transport utilises only one per cent of all land used for transport in Europe, compared to four per cent for rail and 83 per cent for road. Just seven per cent of the population is affected by transport near airports, compared to 14 per cent for rail and 79 per cent for road. In addition, aviation is credible when it comes to biodiversity. Three kilometres of runway can transport people and goods around the world, while three kilometres of railroad track only leads down the road.

More than half of Earth's original rainforests have been destroyed, two-thirds of our ecosystem is in an advanced state of destruction and species extinction is running at 1,000 times the natural rate. Ensuring sustainable growth is not an end in itself. Considering the crucial issues of an endangered Earth, as well as the global responsibility towards the community it serves, Airbus is putting its resources and expertise into supporting the people tackling the major causes of climate change.

The loss of biodiversity is a global problem and needs to be addressed as such. The organisation best equipped to coordinate this effort is UNEP, which is why Airbus signed a memorandum of understanding with its Convention on Biological Diversity in 2008.

The Green Wave

Airbus is proud to be working in partnership with the UN Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity to support a campaign called Green Wave.  

The goal? To engage and educate young people worldwide about the crucial role biodiversity – the rich variety of life on Earth – plays in our lives and our futures. Since 2008, Airbus has been using its global reach to support the campaign and is asking others in the industry and beyond to do the same.
In support of the Green Wave campaign, Airbus mobilised its vast network of employees to help make a difference on the 2011 International Day of Biodiversity – during which Airbus employees rolled up their sleeves to work with children in the Yunnan Province of China on a school garden, while employees in the United Kingdom stepped away from their offices to give mini-orchards to nearby schools. 

Airbus – which is committed to raising awareness on biodiversity – hopes its participation in the Green Wave campaign serves as a catalyst for many more businesses looking to develop solutions on how to protect life on Earth for future generations. The company already has encouraged airlines from around the world to jump on board with this initiative. Airbus has secured more than 30 partner airlines flying 200 million passengers to pledge their support for The Green Wave and join Airbus in raising awareness of this vital issue. 

Airbus also support the Bonne Challenge, a UNESCO coordinated global government challenge to restore 150 million identified hectares of forest by 2020

The airbus corporate foundation biodiversity program

With 2010 being the International Year of Biodiversity, the Airbus Corporate Foundation launched a Biodiversity Program, with the goal of raising awareness of biodiversity issues among young people.

Through a unique “Biodiversity Program,” groups of Airbus employees are involved in a conservation project in India that forms part of a wider effort endorsed by the Indian Ministry of the Environment and Forests. This project consists of the installation of an environmentally-friendly and sustainable energy source in a rural village – reducing both deforestation and the need for LPG gas. On their return, the Airbus employees who participated in the project will share their experience with youth groups in the frame of a three-year educational biodiversity project with local schools.

The biodiversity conservation program is a unique and rewarding experience for the Indian communities, Airbus employees and local schools around Airbus sites. This work will help conserve local forests, open new opportunities for the village, and improve the quality of life of individuals without compromising biodiversity.

inspired by nature

Since the days of Leonardo da Vinci, aeronautical engineers have been inspired by the natural world. From eagle-inspired winglets on the A380 to lotus-effect coatings on cabin fittings, ‘biomimicry” shows us that nature is a library from which industry can learn. So safeguarding biodiversity also preserves Airbus’ future innovation.