Climate Emergency

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Biodiversity. That’s a word we hear a lot these days, especially as the impacts of the climate crisis become increasingly apparent. Without biodiversity we lose a lot of ecosystem services that support our livelihoods, but have you heard of biodiversity hotspots? These locations across the globe are the hub of diverse and rich life that underpins our existence. There are 35 of them worldwide and one of them is the home to a  <a href="https://x.ecologi.com/articles/climate-emergency/our-trees-in-madagascar">reforestation project Ecologi supports in Madagascar. </a>
Here, we’ll focus on seven of the biodiversity hotspots; The Caribbean Islands, Madagascar, The California Coast, The Atlantic Forest in Brazil, The Philippines, The Horn of Africa and Southeast Asia.
We’re going to use the word endemic a lot &#8211; the dictionary definition of which is:
“<a href="https://www.thefreedictionary.com/Endemic+(biology)">Native only to a particular locality or region</a>”. 
Let’s jump in, shall we?

A biodiversity hotspot is a  region with significant amounts of biodiversity, which is threatened by human habitation. The concept was first documented by Norman Myers, a British environmentalist, in two articles “The Environmentalist’ in 1988, and revised again in 1990.

To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot a region must meet two strict criteria:
1) It must contain at least 0.5% or 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics (only found in that location), and
2) It has lost at least 75% of its primary vegetation.

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1 Caribbean Islands

The Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot consists mainly of three large groups of islands between North and South America: the Bahamas, the Lesser Antilles and the Greater Antilles. Like its natural diversity, the cultural and socioeconomic diversity of the hotspot is incredibly high.The Caribbean’s biodiversity is at serious risk of species extinctions. More than 700 species are globally threatened, making the Caribbean one of the top hotspots for globally threatened species. 
 
Flora and Fauna 

All of the 189 native species of amphibian in the Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot are endemic, and sadly most have gone extinct.
Bats are very important components of ecosystems within the Caribbean and are represented by 51 species, 35 of which are endemic.
More than 560 species of bird have been recorded in the Caribbean Islands Hotspot, including brightly coloured parrots.
Two of the smallest lizards in the world can be found here too &#8211;  <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphaerodactylus">Sphaerodactylus ariasae</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgin_Islands_dwarf_sphaero">S. parthenopion</a> are both smaller than the size of a penny.
What are the main threats?
Invasive species
Infectious disease
Unsustainable development
Severe weather and climate change

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6 Madagascar

This island is probably the most interesting out of all of these biodiversity hotspots, but we might be a little biased as the first reforestation project we supported is located there. Because Madagascar and the continental Seychelles broke off from the Gondwanaland supercontinent more than 160 million years ago, the islands are a living example of species evolution in isolation.
Madagascar alone possesses an astounding 11,200 endemic species of plants. This endemism is not limited to plants as the island is home to five families of birds, five families of primates and two families of freshwater fish found nowhere else on the planet. This island was once the home of the Dodo.
Flora and Fauna 

Madagascar is known for its rich native flora, with around 90% of its <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vascular_plant">vascular plants</a> found only on the island.
Nearly 60% of birds in Madagascar are found nowhere else on the planet. The birds in the region are seriously threatened: more than 55 endemic species are Endangered, and 32 have already disappeared, mainly in the Mascarene Islands. New species are being discovered in Madagascar at a rapid rate, especially lemurs and small mammals; in the past 15 years, 22 new species and subspecies have been described. Madagascar has several critically threatened species including the Silky Sifaka, a lemur, which is one of the rarest mammals on earth. 

What are the main threats? 
Deforestation 
Hunting for local consumption 
Illegal trafficking of animals and plant species 
Invasive alien species 
Climate change

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7 Califonian Coat

This region contains a wide variety of ecosystems, including coastal sage scrub, alpine forest, mixed evergreen forests, Douglas fir forests, coastal dunes, and salt marshes. Today, a quarter of the original vegetation remains in more or less pristine condition, but it’s still in dire need of conservation.
Flora and Fauna
A number of threatened endemic species are found here, including the endangered giant kangaroo rat, the desert slender salamander and the California condor. Although there are fewer than 10 endemic bird species found in the California Floristic Province, more species of birds breed in this region than anywhere else in the United States of America. 
 
The highest levels of endemism in the California Floristic Province are found among amphibians, with over half of the nearly 50 species present in the region being found only in this hotspot. The hotspot also has impressive invertebrate diversity. The state of California is home to an estimated 28,000 species of insects, about 32% of which are endemic. These species represent about 30% of all known insects in the United States and Canada.
What are the main threats? 
Urbanisation 
Pollution 
Habitat encroachment 
Unsustainable expansion of large-scale agriculture 
Mining and oil extraction 
Invasive alien species 
Soil degradation

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2 The Atlantic Forest in Brazil

The Atlantic Forest stretches along Brazil&#8217;s Atlantic coast, from the northern state of Rio Grande do Norte south to Rio Grande do Sul. Also included in this hotspot is the offshore archipelago of Fernando de Noronha and several other islands off the Brazilian coast. Long isolated from other major rainforest blocks in South America, the Atlantic Forest has an extremely diverse and unique mix of vegetation and forest types. 
Flora and Fauna 

20,000 plant species live there, 40% of which are endemic, and over 950 bird species which are also endemic to these forests.
More than 450 tree species have been recorded in a single hectare of forest in southern Bahia. Brazil-wood and Brazilian rosewood live here and are two of the world’s rarest woods, making it valuable to the timber industry.  Many of the species native to Brazil are now endangered, like the Brazilian Merganser, Maned Sloth and the Green Turtle. <a href="https://www.cepf.net/our-work/biodiversity-hotspots/atlantic-forest/species">Here is a full list</a> of animals (most endangered) that call this place home. 
 
What are the main threats? 
Deforestation 
Intensive land use 
Urban expansion 
Fuel-wood harvesting 
Poaching and animal trading

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4 Philippines

The Philippines consists of more than 7,100 islands in the westernmost Pacific Ocean, and is likely the most biologically diverse country in the world in terms of unique terrestrial and marine plant and animal species per unit area. Many endemic species are confined to forest fragments that cover only 7% of the original extent of the hotspot. This includes more than 6,000 plant species and many bird species such as the critically endangered Cebu flowerpecker, the critically endangered Visayan wrinkled hornbill and the critically endangered Philippine eagle.
 
Flora and Fauna 

Of the 9,250 plant species native to the Philippines at least 1/3 of them are endemic.
There are more than 150 species of palms in the hotspot, and around 2/3 of these are found nowhere else in the world. Out of the 530 bird species found in the Philippines about 185 of these are endemic and over 60 are threatened.  The largest and most impressive of the mammals in the Philippines is the c<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamaraw">ritically endangered tamaraw, a dwarf water buffalo</a> that lives only on Mindoro Island.
What are the main threats? 
Conflicting policies within the Philippines government 
Extraction Industries 
Increased population 
Urbanisation

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5 The Horn of Africa

Centred on the arid Horn, east of the Ethiopian Highlands, the Horn of Africa Biodiversity Hotspot also covers the Rift Valley, which divides the Ethiopian Highlands into two major blocks, the xeric bushlands of northeastern Kenya and the southern coastal parts of the Arabian Peninsula. One of only two hotspots that is entirely arid, the region is home to a number of endemic and threatened antelope, the vulnerable Dibatag and endangered Speke’s gazelle among them. 
 
Flora and Fauna 
Although research into the flora of the Horn of Africa is still ongoing, the best possible estimates are that there are about 5,000 species of vascular plants in the region, just over half of which, about 2,750 species, are endemic. Of the 697 bird species regularly recorded in the hotspot, 24 are endemic. Seven of these species are found only in Somalia. 
Nearly 220 mammal species are found in the Horn of Africa, although only about 20 are endemic to the hotspot. It is home to the critically endangered <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somali_wild_ass">Somali wild ass</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desert_warthog">desert warthog</a>.The Horn of Africa&#8217;s highest levels of endemism occur among reptiles, with more than 90 of around 285 species found nowhere else. There are an estimated 100 species of freshwater fish in the Horn of Africa, about 10 of which are endemic. These endemics include three cave-dwelling species found only in Somalia, two of which are blind; the Somalian blind barb and Somalian cavefish. 
 
What are the main threats? 
Overgrazing 
Charcoal production 
Political instability 
Infrastructure development

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3 Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia has the highest relative rate of deforestation of any major tropical region and could lose three quarters of its original forests by 2100, and up to 42% of its biodiversity. Due to geographic isolation, the flora and fauna of most of the islands in this region have evolved independently leading to the high levels of endemism seen here. Southeast Asia is a bio-cultural hotspot encompassing about 20%of global plant, animal and marine species. The region contains three megadiverse countries; Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, where four of the world’s 25 biodiversity hotspots are located. Its montane ecosystems are particularly noted for their high diversity of ferns, mosses and orchids.
 
Flora and Fauna
The region contains 20% of the <a href="http://unu.edu/publications/articles/unraveling-the-drivers-of-southeast-asia-biodiversity-loss.html#info">planet’s vertebrate and plant species</a> and the world’s third-largest tropical forest. Southeast Asia is the home of the Komodo dragon. The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_eagle">Philippine eagle</a> is the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_bird">national bird</a> of the Philippines. It is considered by scientists as the largest eagle in the world and is endemic to the Philippines’ forests. While Southeast Asia is rich in flora and fauna, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deforestation_in_Southeast_Asia">Southeast Asia is facing severe deforestation</a> which causes habitat loss for various <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endangered_species">endangered species</a> such as the orangutan and the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumatran_tiger">Sumatran tiger.</a> 

What are the main threats? 
Deforestation 
Unsustainable tree plantations 
Urbanisation 
Hunting and animal trafficking 
Mining 
Habitat degradation 
Overexploitation

It’s apparent that these seven hotspots are abundant with natural beauty but they’re in desperate need of our help. We believe in collective action and that together we can stand against this climate crisis.
If, like us, you want to help these biodiverse hotspots here’s a list of recognised and responsible organisations:
<a href="https://www.conservation.org/priorities/biodiversity-hotspots">Conversation.org</a>
<a href="https://www.wwf.org.uk/">WWF</a>
<a href="https://www.cepf.net/our-work/biodiversity-hotspots">Critical Ecosystems Partnerships Fund</a>
<a href="https://zeroextinction.org/">Alliance for Zero Extinction</a>
And of course us, <a href="https://x.ecologi.com/plan">our monthly subscription</a> helps reforest land on the coast of Madagascar. Learn more about <a href="https://x.ecologi.com/">tree planting with Ecologi.</a>
<a href="https://x.ecologi.com/plan">Join Ecologi today</a> to start supporting the world’s best climate projects.
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Hopescrolling: The good news timeline

It’s not all bad. While there’s a lot of negative news about the climate, let’s not forget the good stuff. Find climate wins, reasons to be hopeful and plenty of positivity in our good news timeline.

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Ready to make a difference for our planet? Get in touch, and let’s chat about how we can help you on your climate journey. 

In Depth

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Just as we make sure all our reforestation projects are designed in a way that is most beneficial to our planet, our other terrestrial restoration projects need to be of the highest quality too. Wildflower, Wetlands and Wildlife projects have the potential to provide vital support to a wide array of species, boosting local, national and international biodiversity, as well as being an important and secure carbon store. But for these benefits to come to fruition the projects must be implemented properly, in line with best practices.
We know you might have some questions about this new type of project, so we’ve put together answers to some FAQs to help you learn more about our Wildflower, Wetlands and Wildlife project.

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Before and after: See how your climate action is making a difference

Before and after: This is how your Ecologi impact is transforming landscapes and lives.

We love a before and after shot at Ecologi. They&#8217;re an incredible way to show the impact of the projects supported by our community. Whether it’s deforested land turning back to verdant green, or solar projects springing to life, sometimes two simple images are worth a thousand words.
On this blog you’ll find snapshot images that paint pictures of the difference our supported climate projects are making, all around the world. Thank you to our community for making it all possible! 
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📍 Location: Ouarzazate, Morocco
⌛ Dates: 2015 –2020
🌱 Project: Verified Carbon Standard
🌳 Type: Solar energy

Morocco

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From a bare area of desert to a haven of clean energy. The Ouarzazate II solar project is a major milestone in Morocco&#8217;s journey towards a clean energy future. It is one of the largest concentrated solar power plants in the world and is expected to supply around 500 GWh per year to Morocco’s power grid.
The project uses thousands of concave mirrors to concentrate solar energy and generate electricity, which can be stored for up to 7 hours. This allows the project to continue generating electricity even after the sun sets.
The Ouarzazate II solar project supplies electricity to nearly 2 million Moroccans and will prevent emissions equivalent to 300,544 tCO2e per year over its 10 year crediting period. The project has also created around 7,000 local jobs and incorporated co-projects that promote the creation of cooperatives, educational opportunities, and skills training.
Learn more about this<a href="https://x.ecologi.com/projects/morocco-solar"> project</a>.

📍 Location: Brodoclea, North Ayrshire, Scotland
⌛ Dates: 2018 –2021
🌱 Project: Future Forest Company
🌳 Type: Temperate reforestation

Scotland

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Nestled in North Ayrshire, Brodoclea is a sprawling 174-hectare haven of broadleaf woodland that plays host to woolly pigs, the incredible ecological restoration engineers! 
Under <a href="https://thefutureforestcompany.com/">The Future Forest Company</a>&#8216;s guidance, these pigs awaken the soil seed bank, nourish soil microbiology, create space for sapling growth, reduce competition, and form pondlets for breeding amphibians and invertebrates. This enriches the ecosystem, offering sustenance for birds and materials for nests. 
Since 2018, the Ecologi community has helped make a significant impact on this site, funding the planting of 56,170 trees, with a focus on native broadleaf species including oak and birch, creating important habitat for local invertebrate and bird species.

📍 Location: Belavenika, Madagascar.
⌛ Dates: 2019 –2022
🌱 Project: Eden Reforestation Projects
🌳 Type: Mangrove reforestation

Madagascar

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Blog_Before&After_Banner_Madagascar (Belavenika)

Madagascar’s mangroves are amazing habitats that, sadly, have been deforested over the years and become degraded. This project is one of three currently being supported by the Ecologi community that are replanting mangroves in Madagascar to bring benefits to local biodiversity and communities.
Creating new sustainable income streams for local people is a key component of the project, as is female empowerment. The project employs an average of 85 people per month, with female employees making up approximately 37.5% of the workforce in 2022.
As a result of their involvement in this project, local people are now able to purchase more nutritious food, leading to improved health, and can afford to send their children to school.
To date, the Ecologi community has funded 7.9 million trees on this site in north-west Madagascar.
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📍 Location: Marotaola, Madagascar.
⌛ Dates: 2019 –2022
🌱 Project: Eden Reforestation Projects
🌳 Type: Mangrove reforestation

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Blog_Before&After_Banner_Madagascar (Marotaola)

This was the very first project we supported, so it holds a special place in our hearts. Seeing its progress over the last four years has brought us so much joy! 
Native mangrove species are being planted on this site, including Avicennia marina, Rhizophora mucronata, and Ceriops tagal. To date, the Ecologi community has funded the planting of over 10 million trees here, and there’s room for another million. 
This site is particularly fascinating as the mangroves are only separated from the open ocean by a thin strip of sand about 100m wide. Despite being more exposed to the ocean, mangroves that have successfully become established are growing well, creating an important habitat for coastal biodiversity and protecting the coastline from erosion by the waves.
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📍 Location: Vĩnh Hảo, Tuy Phong District, Bình Thuận, Vietnam
⌛ Dates: 2018 –2023
🌱 Project: Verified Carbon Standard
☀️ Type: Solar

Vietnam

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Vietnam&#8217;s demand for energy has been rising sharply since the 1990s, and it’s a demand that the country has struggled to fulfil, with an overreliance on coal and frequent power outages.
This project, in the Vinh Hao commune, Vietnam, is generating electricity using photovoltaic technology, which transforms sunlight into electricity. The project is on around 60ha of salt farm, and will generate 83,750MWh of power annually.
Local people have been involved throughout the design phase and operation of the project. The construction process of the project was carefully managed to minimise the impact on the local environment. During the operation of the project, pollution will also be minimised through a series of measures, including ensuring no littering takes place, and waste materials will be responsibly disposed of off-site.
Over the 10-year crediting period, the project will prevent 704,110tCO2e from being emitted by replacing energy in the grid that would otherwise have come from fossil fuels.
The project has given a real boost to the living standards of local communities through economic support funds: the commune gratitude fund in the Vinh Hao commune, and the learning promotion fund in the Binh Thuan province.
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📍 Location: Mount Elgon, Uganda. 
⌛ Dates: 2021 – 2023
🌱 Project: Trees for the Future
🌳 Type: Reforestation and sustainable agroforestry

Uganda

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Trees for the Future’s innovative Forest Gardens approach is all about engaging farmers in reforestation and sustainable agroforestry. The farmers take part in a 4-year programme, learning the skills they need to better manage their land. This brings multiple benefits, including protected crops, stabilised soils, and habitats for pollinators, as well as increasing household incomes.
Over the past two years, the Ecologi community has funded the planting of 766,663 trees in Forest Gardens through this project. Three hundred farmers (57% of whom are women) are involved, with 3,522 people benefitting from the project so far. 
Pictured is 56-year-old Philister Khana, a farmer enrolled in the programme. In just two years she’s taken the number of trees on her plot from 4 to 2,001!
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World Environment Day: A Guide To Biodiversity Hotspots

What is a biodiversity hotspot?

What qualifies a biodiversity hotspot?

The Caribbean Islands

Madagascar

The California Coast

The Atlantic Forest in Brazil

The Philippines

The Horn of Africa

Southeast Asia

What can we do to help?

More posts

Hopescrolling: The good news timeline

Your questions answered about our Wildflowers, Wetlands and Wildlife project

Before and after: See how your climate action is making a difference

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