biodiversity
DESCRIPTION
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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.