Most people know Naturalis as a beautiful museum in Leiden that brings the wonders of nature to life. What is less known is that Naturalis is also a leading research center for biodiversity. With 120 full-time scientists and 200 guest researchers, the Naturalis Biodiversity Center is an essential pillar in international biodiversity research. This institute not only houses an impressive collection of 42 million specimens but is also a hub for groundbreaking research on life on Earth.

International reputation

Naturalis has a strong international reputation in the field of biodiversity research. The expertise of its researchers, the size and quality of its collections, and its involvement in international projects such as the International Barcode of Life (iBOL) project have all contributed to this. In 2021, Naturalis was awarded the title of 'European Museum of the Year', recognizing the museum's quality and societal impact. This award highlights Naturalis' role in raising awareness about biodiversity and the importance of nature conservation.

Melting ice caps, extinct species

While the discussion around climate change is often dominated by talks of melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events, a crucial issue remains underexposed: the immense impact of climate change on biodiversity. Biodiversity, the fabric of life on Earth, is invaluable to ecosystems. All life depends on other life. It encompasses not only the diversity of plants, animals, and microorganisms but also the complex interactions between them and their environment. This diversity forms the basis of many essential ecosystem services, such as food production, climate regulation, and medicinal resources. However, due to climate change, this biodiversity is under increasing pressure.

Consequences of climate change

Climate change has a devastating impact on biodiversity by changing habitats and causing extreme weather conditions. Rising temperatures, droughts, and floods are forcing organisms to migrate, disrupting ecological balances, and destroying habitats. This, in turn, threatens "keystone species" like the jaguar, which play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. The extinction of a keystone species creates a domino effect on the entire ecosystem, with potentially disastrous consequences for all living beings in that area.

Participate in research

Naturalis remains focused on the future. New technologies, such as DNA analysis and advanced imaging, are opening doors for biodiversity research. Naturalis invites people to conduct research to preserve the natural world for future generations. The idea: if people can make species disappear, they can also protect them. Therefore, Naturalis encourages you to take part in their Shoreline Survey: a study covering thousands of kilometers of waterways and shores, that will run until September 15th. You can find more information on:https://sites.google.com/view/oeverplanten/

In line with this call to action, recent findings emphasize the need for collective efforts to conserve and restore biodiversity.A new dashboard, launched this month in collaboration with Naturalis, provides insight into the current state of biodiversity and potential opportunities for improvement. It shows that the Netherlands is not on track to meet the biodiversity targets for 2030.