BIODIVERSITY

WHAT IS BIODIVERSITY The variety of life on Earth, its biological diversity is commonly

referred to as biodiversity. The number of species of plants, animals,

and microorganisms, the enormous diversity of genes in these species,

the different ecosystems on the planet, such as deserts, rainforests

and coral reefs are all part of a biologically diverse Earth. Appropriate

conservation and sustainable development strategies attempt to

recognize this as being integral to any approach. Almost all cultures

have in some way or form recognized the importance that nature, and

its biological diversity has had upon them and the need to maintain it.

Yet, power, greed and politics have affected the precarious balance.

IMPORTANCE OF BIODIVERSITY Biodiversity boosts ecosystem productivity where

each species, no matter how small, all have an

important role to play.

For example, a larger number of plant species

means a greater variety of crops; greater species

diversity ensures natural sustainability for all life

forms; and healthy ecosystems can better

withstand and recover from a variety of disasters.

MAJOR THREATS TO BIODIVERSITYDestruction of habitat

Habitat fragmentation

Habitat Degradation Pollution

Introduction of Exotic species

Over exploitation

Destruction of habitat:

The primary cause of loss of biodiversity is

the habitat. The primary cause of loss of

biodiversity is the habitat destruction which

from the expansion of human population and

human activities.

Habitat fragmentation

Habitats are now being divided into pieces of

roads, fields, towns, canals, power lines etc.

Habitat fragmentation is the process where a

large area of habitat is reduced in area and

divided into more fragments.

Habitat Degradation Pollution

The major cause of habitat degradation is

environmental pollution. Deforestation and

environmental pollution have resultant in the

degradation of important habitats. Migratory

animals are particularly vulnerable to

destruction of habitats.

Introduction of Exotic Species

The introduction of exotic deliberately has

affected many species by imposing new

factors in competition for food and spare

predation habitat destruction and

degradation, transmission of diseases and

parasites. The native species of fish of fresh

water and of islands are especially affected by

the introduction of new species.

Over Exploitation

Over exploitation is a serious threat to

wildlife. Over fishing is seriously depleting

the marine living resources and significantly

affecting the fresh water. Even if a species is

not completely eliminated by over

exploitation the population size may become

so low that the species is unable to recover.

Consumption

Danger to our future

Environmental damages

Effects on Account on Destruction of Biodiversity

Global Warming

Major cause

Origin

Rise in temperature

Environmental Barriers

Storm and flooding

Coastal communities

Destruction

PREVENTION OF BIODIVERSITY LOSSProtecting Areas

Preventing Species Introduction

Informing\Educating

Slowing Climate Change

Promoting Sustainability

Protecting Areas

Creating protected areas where human activity is limited is the best way to

prevent deforestation and exploitation of organisms and the resources they

need to survive. In order to truly make a difference, much planning needs to

go into the creation of a protected area.

protecting species introduction

It is often much easier and less expensive to prevent a problem from

developing in the first place than to try to fix it once it occurs. This is the

case with invasive species, which can wreak havoc when introduced to

ecosystems that aren’t prepared to deal with them.

Informing\Educating

Education is a powerful tool, and the more people know about biodiversity loss, the more they

will be prepared to help slow it. Spreading the word about detrimental human effects on

plants and animals can encourage people to change their ways and effect changes to

preserve biodiversity.

Slowing Climate Change

Climate change is the documented cause of several extinctions that we know about, and has

likely caused hundreds of species to go extinct about which we may never know.

Promoting Sustainability

Climate change is the documented cause of several extinctions that we know

about, and has likely caused hundreds of species to go extinct about which we

may never know.

HOW TO SAVE BIODIVERSITY Species and ecosystems need space to develop and recover. At least 10% of all

ecosystem types should be under protection to maintain nature and natural

landscapes.

Without biodiversity there will be no agriculture. Farming practices should not

jeopardize species survival: improving farmland diversity and reducing the usage

of pesticides and fertilizer are key efforts to saving biodiversity. Organic agriculture

practices can serve as an example in many areas.

75% of all fisheries are fully exploited or over-fished. Species like cod, haddock and

halibut are already threatened. If we do not move towards sustainable use, there will

be no fish left for our grandchildren.

Roads, factories and housing destroy habitats for animals and plants. If urban and rural

development continues to ignore nature, our surroundings will be dominated by concrete

and pollution.

Climate change is considered to be the greatest challenge for humanity. With changing

conditions, ecosystems and habitats will change as well. It is an obligation to fight climate

change and make sure that species can migrate or adapt to new surroundings.

If you release a species outside its usual habitat, it might simply die. In other cases, the so-

called alien invasive species have thrived and destroyed local flora and fauna. As you never

know how things turn out, reducing these invasions is crucial.

Biodiversity is the foundation for sustainable development. Its ecosystem services provide

the basis for all economic activity. Biodiversity concerns need thus be integrated into all

areas of policy-making. Measures include market incentives, development assistance,

biodiversity-friendly trade and international governance processes.