There has been considerable diversification of living forms on Earth since life began almost 3.8 billion years ago. The term ‘biodiversity’ refers to the overall amount of diversity found in all levels of biological organisation. Conservation of biodiversity is critical for economic growth and poverty alleviation. The vast majority of the world’s poor live in rural regions and are reliant on woods, rivers, marshes, farms and pastures for survival. The maintenance of biological diversity leads to the preservation of essential ecological diversity, which is required for the continuation of the food chain.
Meaning of biodiversity conservation
A diverse range of species is required to keep the natural world in balance, healthy and thriving. We must acquire and share crucial knowledge that may enable individuals, companies and governments to live in harmony with nature to guarantee that we maintain and feed this biodiversity. Biodiversity conservation refers to the preservation, enhancement and management of biodiversity for the benefit of current and future generations. It makes a substantial contribution to a range of development sectors.
Major causes for biodiversity loss
Human actions are primarily to blame for the world’s current high rates of species extinction. Four primary factors contribute significantly to biodiversity loss.
Habitat loss: The most critical factor pushing animals and plants to extinction is habitat loss and fragmentation. Tropical rainforests are the most notable examples of habitat loss. They are being demolished at a rapid speed. Mammalian and avian species that require large territories, as well as certain migratory species, are badly impacted when large ecosystems are fragmented as a result of multiple human activities, resulting in the decline of populations.
Over-exploitation: Humans have always relied on nature for food and shelter, but natural resources are over-exploited when ‘need’ becomes ‘greed’. Many species have faced extinction in the last 500 years because of human overexploitation (Steller’s sea cow, passenger pigeon, etc.).
Introduction of alien species: Alien species invasions occur when alien species are introduced inadvertently or purposefully for whatever reason, and some of them become invasive, causing the decrease or extinction of native species. The introduction of the Nile perch into East Africa’s Lake Victoria resulted in the demise of an ecologically unique assemblage of over 200 species of cichlid fish in the lake.
Co-extinctions: When a species becomes extinct, all of the plant and animal species that are linked with it must also go extinct. When a host fish species becomes extinct, it leaves behind a unique collection of parasites. Another example is the coevolved plant-pollinator mutualism, in which the extinction of one always results in the extinction of the other.
Importance of biodiversity conservation
There are several reasons to conserve biodiversity. They are classified as narrowly utilitarian, generally utilitarian, or ethical.
- The narrowly utilitarian justifications for biodiversity conservation are evident; natural food, firewood, fibre, construction material, industrial products and medical materials provide people with several immediate economic benefits. Investing more resources in ‘bioprospecting’ (exploring molecular, genetic, and species-level diversity for economically important items) can help countries with abundant biodiversity.
- Biodiversity is important in many of nature’s ecological services, according to the general utilitarian argument. The Amazon forest, which is quickly dwindling, is said to provide 20% of the total oxygen in the atmosphere through photosynthesis. Other intangible advantages we obtain from nature include the aesthetic delights of strolling through deep woods, watching spring flowers bloom or waking up to the song of a bulbul in the morning.
- The ethical justification for biodiversity conservation is founded in our obligation to the millions of plant, animal and microbial species that share our planet with us. We must recognise that each species has intrinsic value, even if it is not currently or monetarily beneficial to us, whether philosophically or spiritually. We have a moral obligation to look after their well-being and ensure that our biological inheritance is passed on in good condition to future generations.
Ways to conserve biodiversity
The biodiversity of the ecosystem is conserved at all levels when we conserve and protect the entire ecosystem; for example, we save the entire forest to rescue the tiger. In-situ (on-site) conservation is the name given to this method. Ex-situ (off-site) conservation, on the other hand, is the preferred technique when an animal or plant is endangered or threatened and requires immediate action to prevent extinction.
- In-situ conservation – Invariably, the number of species waiting to be saved from extinction far exceeds the conservation resources available. This issue has been addressed by notable environmentalists on a worldwide scale. They have identified many ‘biodiversity hotspots’, or areas with high levels of species richness and endemism, for maximal conservation. There are 34 biodiversity hotspots across the world. Three of these hotspots – Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, Indo-Burma, and Himalaya – encompass our country’s most biodiverse areas.
Biosphere reserves, national parks, and sanctuaries are constitutionally protected, environmentally distinctive and biodiversity-rich locations in India. There are presently 14 biosphere reserves in India, as well as 90 national parks and 448 wildlife sanctuaries. India’s religious and cultural traditions have traditionally emphasised environmental protection.
- Ex-situ conservation – This method involves removing vulnerable animals and plants from their native environment and placing them in particular settings where they may be preserved and looked after. Zoos, botanical gardens and animal safari parks are used to do this. Many creatures have gone extinct but are still kept in zoological parks. In recent years, ex-situ conservation has advanced beyond putting endangered species in enclosures. Gametes from endangered species may now be cryopreserved for long periods of time in a viable and fertile form.
All nations were urged to adopt suitable actions for biodiversity protection and sustainable use of its benefits during the landmark convention on biological diversity ‘The Earth Summit’ convened in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.
Conclusion
Earth’s diverse biodiversity is critical to humanity’s existence. Conservation of biodiversity has utilitarian, broadly utilitarian, and ethical motivations. Aside from the obvious advantages (food, fibre, firewood, medicines, etc. ), ecosystem services such as pollination, pest management, temperature moderation and flood control provide many indirect benefits. We also have a moral obligation to protect the earth’s biodiversity and pass it on to future generations in good condition. Ex-situ and in-situ biodiversity conservation are both possible ways to take a step towards a sustainable ecosystem.