The importance of biodiversity is lost on the majority of people. It is commonly perceived that biodiversity conservation merely to ensure variety of consumption options for future generation. However, biodiversity actually amounts to something more than that. Every species in nature holds an indispensable role in their respective ecosystem and once it’s lost, the balance of the ecosystem will be disturbed. One missing link within the food chain could lead to a population surge or decline in other species which in turn will tamper with the population of species throughout the food chain. The effect of such will be undesirable. Worse, the interconnectedness of things will make it hard to trace the root problem and to deal with the situation.

Sahabat Alam wants to spread more knowledge about this, especially to younger generation. There is no better occasion to start the campaign than on International Biodiversity Day. On 24 May 2009, Sahabat Alam along with friends from SDN 07, SDN Benhil 012and Adiwiyata School guided by Adiwiyata Team from Indonesian Ministry of Environment visited Ecology Park (Eco Park), Cibinong Science Center LIPI Complex, Cibinong. Here they can learn more about biodiversity, specifically “Invasive Alien Species”. They are directly guided by experts in this fields like Ms. Dr. Siti Nuramaliati Prijono – Head of Biology Reseach Center of LIPI, Mr. Drs. Rajimun Muslihudin – Head of Species and Ecosystem Conservation from Indonesian Ministry of Environment, Ms. Rina Kusuma – Education and Public Officer Yayasan KEHATI, and Ms. Ir. Sugiarti – Coordinator Eco Park, Cibinong.

This activity aims to invite young generations to be more aware regarding the importance of biodiversity and more contributive towards conservation efforts. By knowing more about the issues revolving biodiversity, it is also hoped that young generation will find more effective preservation measures and be friendlier towards nature in their daily activities.