Many species have been perceived as endangered because of hunting, habitat loss and degradation, chemical and noise pollution, global climate change, unmonitored by-catches, poaching, accidents and disturbance. We need to think of ways in which we can change our attitude and behaviour for their and our benefit. Whale of a Time is encouraging communities to get involved by creating art that focuses on the beauty of nature. We believe that only if we understand the true beauty we can appreciate what we have and have the will and passion to save it.

The range of animals and plants living in an area is a key indicator of the healthy condition of the environment. Evolution takes place over millions of years and is based on environmental adaptation. Where an area is subjected to environmental stress species may be lost rapidly. The recovery may take many years or the species may even go extinct and be lost forever!

7 Reasons why we should protect Biodiversity

1. Natural equilibrium of the ecosystems involving a mixture of wild species ensures stability of living organisms including human life. For example, plankton in the oceans and trees on land are the main sources of the oxygen that we breathe as well as being the disposal system for the excess carbon dioxide we produce.

2. A healthy environment and biodiversity is the foundation of human health and welfare, not least as it is where our food and water comes from! We currently depend on highly specialised varieties of a tiny number of species for our food. Whenever problems arise with disease or crop failure we find our solutions in wild populations.

3. Maintenance of natural wild populations of plants and animals is essential to the fishing industry and to many aspects of agriculture, and therefore to the security of our food sources.

4. We know enough to recognise the value of wild species as sources of medicines. Most wild species provide irreplaceable drugs - which hold the cure for cancer and other diseases?

5. Biotechnology has begun to indicate the inestimable value of the genetic material in plants and animals in every aspect life.

6. Biodiverse systems both terrestrial and marine are resilient to natural changes in moderate natural cycles and have a higher recovery potential but can be induced to stress and collapse if under human-exploitation.

7. Biodiversity and a healthy natural environment are also crucial for long-term sustainability and for mitigation of the effects of climate change.