In today's world, a wide range of interdependencies exist between different issues related to sustainability. So, although it may seem far fetched, the OSRAM O-Hubs may actually provide a benefit for the mountain gorillas of the Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and for a multitude of others species depending on the rainforest for survival.

The connection between O-Hubs and biodiversity has its roots in people's need for safe drinking water. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), contaminated water is responsible for the worldwide death of 3900 children per day. To make water safe for drinking, many households boil germ-infested water using charcoal, one of the most important sources of energy in central Africa. A significant portion of this charcoal is produced by the illegal cutting down of trees in forests such as those found in the Virunga National Park or the Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Uganda, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This destructive exploitation is threatening the habitats of several rare species, and any decrease in the demand for charcoal can serve as a slight relief.