Biodiversity and cosmetics are intimately linked. The beauty industry is dependent on living organisms while having a significant negative impact on them. Nature is an exceptional reservoir of precious raw materials for hygiene and beauty products. However, by exploiting its resources, the cosmetic industry contributes to its destruction. How can this sector rethink its relationship with biodiversity to help preserve it? Let's decipher the links and issues between cosmetics and living organisms.

Biodiversity, the abundance of Life

"Biodiversity refers to all living organisms and the ecosystems in which they live. This term also includes the interactions of species with each other and with their environments " Office Français de la Biodiversité.

It is described as a third-tier diversity whose interdependent elements fit together. We speak of genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. Biodiversity is therefore not limited to the sum of species, but represents all interactions between living organisms, as well as with their environment.

It was only in 1992, at the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit, that the preservation of biodiversity was recognized as one of the major challenges of sustainable development.

However, biodiversity is essential for human life. The alteration of living organisms has potentially disastrous consequences for humanity. The extinction of keystone species and the encroachment of human habitats on ecosystems expose us to new diseases with an ever-increasing risk of pandemics. The scarcity of bees is another symbol of the threats to biodiversity. With the disappearance of these pollinators, the entire balance of life and our survival are at risk.

The diversity of living organisms faces 5 major threats

Scientists have identified five major threats to biodiversity. All of them are due to human activity:

• The destruction of natural spaces, mainly caused by the artificialization of environments, threatens living spaces and the movement of species.

• The overexploitation of resources (fishing, logging, removal of wild species, etc.) leads to a decrease in populations, seriously compromising their renewal.

• Climate change impacts the life cycle of all living organisms. It also modifies the geographical distribution of species, disrupting ecosystems as a whole.

• Pollution (pesticides, plastic waste, noise or light pollution, etc.) harms biodiversity as a whole.

• Invasive alien species compete with native species and contribute to the scarcity of biodiversity.

The cosmetic industry, like other human activities, threatens biodiversity. 18% of the plants used by the perfume and cosmetic industry are on the list of endangered species according to the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature.

The hygiene and beauty products sector is therefore particularly confronted with issues related to the protection of ecosystems and living organisms. The FEBEA (federation of beauty companies) has published a guide to good practices for biodiversity. However, these recommendations are not subject to any constraints. Some companies are now committed to biodiversity conservation projects, but more needs to be done.

Biodiversity and cosmetics, a virtuous relationship is possible

Many solutions can be implemented to reduce the impact of the cosmetic industry on Nature. Margerie is not content with these measures. The primary objective of its creation is the defense of biodiversity. The brand goes further by participating in rehabilitating and protecting living organisms. With an environmental NGO as a shareholder, it donates a portion of its profits to conservation and restoration programs for threatened ecosystems in France as well as in Madagascar, Kenya, and Peru.

As humans are an integral part of Nature, Margerie claims to be inclusive. Among its founding values, fraternity dictates that it considers the protection of the planet in its entirety. The collapse of biodiversity has a greater impact on certain populations for economic, geographical, or social reasons. Individuals are not all equal on a global scale. Margerie advocates for solidarity among all peoples. Inclusivity and empathy must be expressed towards humans as well as towards all living beings, whose destinies are linked.

This commitment can be illustrated by its financial support for the conservation of the spectacled bear in Peru. In parallel with the protection program, Margerie has established fair trade with local populations. This exchange contributes to environmental protection, economic equity, and social justice, guaranteeing access to employment for women in the community. The improvement of the inhabitants' living conditions is based on the development of avocado cultivation using agro-ecology (water recycling, organic and sustainable production, use of renewable energy). The production purchased by Margerie is integrated into the formulas of its cosmetics. This virtuous cycle benefits the ecosystem as a whole, the protection of bears, as well as the inhabitants and consumers.

Biodiversity is the foundation of life. However, human activities endanger the diversity of living organisms. Margerie cosmetics are part of the preservation of the planet's global ecosystem. But we want to go further by contributing to restoring Nature while creating bonds of fraternity and solidarity beyond borders.