Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Costa Rica

© Kevin Wells/Getty Image

Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Costa Rica

Every day we spend on this beautiful planet is an excellent opportunity to reflect on biodiversity's critical role in humanity's history and continued survival. Biodiversity is the total variety of life in all its forms, from bacteria and genes to entire ecosystems like coral reefs, rain forests, ocean environments and more. Our water, food, medicines, clothes, shelter and energy depend on healthy ecosystems.

Costa Rica's Monteverde Cloud Forest is a perfect example of a local ecosystem's impact on the world's biodiversity. This forest is home to about 50% of Costa Rica's biodiversity and represents 2.5% of the world's biodiversity. Today we must reflect on our relationship with the world's ecosystems and work to be better stewards of the earth.