Biodiversity, the diversity of life
View(s):Biological diversity is the variety of life on Earth, and is commonly referred to as biodiversity. The number of species of plants, animals, and microorganisms, the diversity of genes in each species of animal, plant and microorganism, the different ecosystems on the planet, such as deserts, rainforests and coral reefs are all part of a biologically diverse Earth. Almost all cultures have recognized the importance of nature and its biological diversity for their societies and have therefore understood the need to maintain it. Many of the luxuries and things that we need are obtained at the cost of destroying much biodiversity. Take into consideration the process of extraction of fossil fuel, which destroys vast regions of biological diversity due to the initial clearing process and the toxic chemicals released as a result.
Conservation and sustainable development strategies have and continue to attempt to recognize the integral approach to preserving biodiversity. Lets take a look at the following example where, a larger number of a species gives a greater genetic variety, which in turn increases the stability and resilience of the species to adapt to various stress situations. Thus a greater number and variety ensures a healthy and sustainable ecosystem. This is the reason that many monocultures are susceptible to diseases and pests, as they lack the genetic variety. More often the current generation of plants are derived from a limited stock of parent plants and hence have a limited diversity.
Some of the benefits on a global scale due to the diversity of various life forms include, but are not limited to, the following -
=Protection of water resources
=Soils formation and protection
=Nutrient storage and recycling
=Pollution breakdown and absorption
=Contribution to climate stability
=Maintenance of ecosystems
=Recovery from unpredictable events
=Food
=Medicinal resources and pharmaceutical drugs
=Wood products
=Ornamental plants
=Breeding stocks, population reservoirs
Furthermore aspects such as research, education and monitoring; recreation and tourism and cultural values give us a social benefit as well as a steady economical support scheme.
The international community has recognised the need to conserve biodiversity and hence at the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development (the “Earth Summit”), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was born. The Parties signed on to the convention agreed to significantly reduce the loss of biodiversity by the year 2010. It is, however, interesting to note that despite many great efforts taken in this regard, the overall targets have not been achieved. It is up to us to make a genuine effort in this area and preserve the biodiversity for the benefit of future generations.
Joanne Kotelawala, (British Council International Climate Champion, British Council Active Citizens Facilitator and Past President of Green Army of Spectrum Institute of Science and Technology)
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