The polar regions are home to a rich and diverse array of life forms, from microscopic algae to majestic whales.
These organisms have adapted to the harsh and extreme conditions of the Arctic and Antarctic, and play a vital role in the global cycles of carbon and nutrients.
However, these delicate ecosystems are facing unprecedented challenges from climate change, pollution, invasive species, and overexploitation.
To conserve the polar biodiversity and the services it provides, scientists are calling for a comprehensive and coordinated effort to map and monitor the living resources of the polar regions.
The importance of polar biodiversity
IRENE STACHON/Lehtikuva/AFP via Getty Images
Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth, and it encompasses the genes, species, and ecosystems that make up the natural world.
It is essential for the functioning of ecosystems, as it provides food, water, oxygen, medicine, and other benefits to humans and other living beings, and contributes to the resilience of ecosystems, as it enables them to cope with disturbances and adapt to changes.
Polar biodiversity is particularly important, as it supports the life and livelihoods of millions of people, especially the Indigenous communities that have lived in harmony with nature for thousands of years.
It also regulates the global climate, as it influences the albedo, or reflectivity, of the Earth's surface, the exchange of heat and gases between the atmosphere and the ocean, and the storage and release of carbon.
Moreover, polar biodiversity serves as an indicator of the health of the planet, as it responds to the environmental changes that are occurring faster and more intensely in the polar regions than anywhere else.
Despite its importance, polar biodiversity is under threat from multiple and interacting stressors, such as:
Climate change
The polar regions are warming at twice the global average rate, causing the melting of ice and snow, the thawing of permafrost, the acidification of the ocean, and the shifting of seasons and habitats.
These changes affect the distribution, abundance, and survival of polar species, and disrupt the ecological interactions and food webs that sustain them.
Pollution
The polar regions are not isolated from the rest of the world, and are exposed to various contaminants that are transported by air, water, and human activities.
These pollutants include heavy metals, plastics, persistent organic pollutants, and radioactive substances, which can accumulate in the tissues and organs of polar organisms, and impair their health and reproduction.
Invasive species
As the polar regions become more accessible and hospitable, the risk of introduction and establishment of non-native species increases. These invaders can compete with, prey on, or transmit diseases to the native species, and alter the structure and function of the polar ecosystems.
Overexploitation
The polar regions are rich in natural resources, such as fish, krill, oil, gas, and minerals, which attract the interest and demand of various stakeholders.
The extraction and utilization of these resources can deplete the target populations, damage the habitats, and generate waste and noise that affect the polar biodiversity.
To address these challenges, scientists are advocating for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to map and monitor the polar biodiversity, using the latest tools and technologies, such as remote sensing, molecular analysis, and citizen science.
By mapping the polar biodiversity, scientists can identify the patterns and trends of the species and ecosystems, assess their status and vulnerability, and evaluate the impacts and risks of the stressors.
Scientists can detect the changes and responses of the species and ecosystems, track their recovery and adaptation, and provide early warnings and alerts by monitoring polar biodiversity.
Furthermore, sharing and integrating the data and information can improve the understanding and awareness of the polar biodiversity, and support the decision-making and policy-making for its conservation and management.
The mapping and monitoring of the polar biodiversity is not only a scientific endeavor, but also a collaborative and participatory one, that involves the engagement and contribution of various actors, such as governments, organizations, communities, and individuals.
By working together, we can protect the polar biodiversity, and ensure its sustainability and resilience for the present and future generations.
