Humans as a Keystone Species: A Vision for a Liveable Future

With our visions and dreams, our ideas and inventions, we pave the way for very different futures. But what role do we, as humans, play in this future? The answer to that question largely depends on how we shape the interaction between nature, humans, and technology.

Nature, Humans, and Technology: A Fragile Balance

• Nature: Nature existed before us and will continue to exist after us. Nature doesn't need humans, but humans are existentially dependent on nature. Despite this knowledge, we have altered every corner of the Earth. Even in the deep sea, traces of microplastics can now be found.
• Humans: When we look at human behaviour from a biological perspective, we might wonder: Are we like parasites? But parasites don’t kill their hosts because they depend on them. Human behavior is more akin to that of a virus or a cancer cell: growing exponentially and unstoppable, with no regard for losses.

This is how our story could be told now: A breathtakingly beautiful blue planet, whose existence is so improbable that our minds can hardly comprehend it, is infected by a species that destroys and alters it. Only one of them will survive. It’s unlikely that it will be humans.

But this story is not the only possibility.

A Different Story: Humans as a Keystone Species

Instead of viewing ourselves as a destructive force, we could tell a different story: the story of humans as a Keystone Species. A species that enables others to live and thrive, that acts with foresight and positively influences its environment.

The definition of a Keystone Species is one that has a disproportionately large impact on its environment, is crucial for maintaining biodiversity, and acts as an architect of the ecosystem. Humans could take on this role—not as destroyers, but as preservers and promoters of life.

What If We Were a Keystone Species?

Let’s entertain the idea for a moment, instead of dismissing it as mere dreams. Our visions and dreams are crucial for our actions. What would we concretely do differently as a Keystone Species?

1. Promoting Diversity

• Just as diversity in a financial portfolio lets us sleep well at night, biological diversity (biodiversity) is essential for life. As a Keystone Species, we would practice diversified agriculture, promote agroforestry systems, and replace monocultures with symbiotic relationships among trees, plants, and animals.
• We would establish protected areas that are interconnected to ensure migration paths for animals and promote genetic diversity.

2. Sustainable Resource Use

• In nature, there is no waste, and we would emulate this cycle. Products would be designed from the outset to be fully circular. Even human waste would be returned to the natural cycle. Did you know that the daily waste of all the people in Berlin could fertilize a 40-hectare rye field? The rye would, in turn, become part of our bread, creating a wonderful cycle.
• We would carefully manage our oceans to prevent overfishing and use resources sustainably. The importance of the oceans would be fully understood.

3. Peaceful Coexistence with Wildlife

• Cities and residential areas would be designed to allow peaceful coexistence with wildlife. Roofs, green spaces, and unused areas would provide habitats rather than being destroyed.
• Instead of relying on chemicals or weapons, we would find solutions for peaceful coexistence through smart observation of nature. An example from Africa shows how humans and elephants can coexist peacefully: beehives attached to fences keep elephants away because they fear the bees. This solution not only protects crops and people but also provides delicious honey.

4. Education for a Sustainable Future

• Our education system would aim to instill a deep understanding and appreciation of nature in our children. This awareness would form the foundation for our future decisions and actions.

What Is the Difference Compared to Today?

All these concepts and ideas are known. We have the knowledge and the means to implement them. But what is holding us back? Why aren’t we turning this vision into reality? This question remains open and challenges us not only to rethink our role but also to actively work towards changing it for the better.

It’s time to tell the story differently, don’t you think?

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