Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the variety of all life forms: the different plants, animals and micro-organisms, their genes and the ecosystems of which they are a part.

Importance of Biodiversity
Humans are dependent on biodiversity for their sustenance, health, well-being and enjoyment of life. Food- we rely on biodiversity to provide us with a large and
varied food source

Health- Humanity derives many of its medicines from

biodiversity.

The Value of Biodiversity

Recreation- many recreation activities
rely on or benefit from biodiversity

Inspiration-

Biodiversity as a whole inspires artists, musicians and writers.

Escape-

Biodiversity provides a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Threats to biodiversity
Habitat loss and fragmentation Competition from invasive species Pollution Global climate change Desertification Population growth and over consumption Unsustainable use of natural resources.

Consequences of loss of Biodiversity

A loss of ecosystem services- Protection of water resources, nutrient storage
and cycling, Pollution breakdown and absorption

Loss of genetic diversity- Genetic diversity allows species to adapt to

changing environmental conditions and stresses.

Reduced food security.

Preservation of Biodiversity
The National Strategy for the Conservation of Australias Biological Diversity Natural Heritage Trust Wild life reserves- e.g. National Parks. Flora and Fauna guarantee act Endangered species Program Quarantine Education Breeding Programs

 Conservation In-situ Conservation -conservation of plant and animals Ex-situ Conservation conservation of endangered species

NEED FOR BIODIVERSITY CONCERVATION

Bio means life and diversity means variations. So in general term biodiversity means range of variations among all form of lives whether plants and animals. The genetic diversity leads to formation of a new species in the process of natural selection through chromosomal mutation in the process of sexual reproduction.

Darwin's theory of evolution of species says one species is lost when it can not cope up with the new surroundings. Another species is created. But this process is very slow and takes millions of years. But due to excessive action of the human being this process is manipulated.

The human species now uses 40 per cent of the planet's annual net photosynthesis produce. This consumption of two fifths of the earth's net food resources by a single species is incompatible with biological diversity and stability and leads to loss of natural habitats, overexploitation of plant and animal species.

Biodiversity conservation is important for the maintenance of food, water, health and livelihood security as well as climate resilient food production system. With global warming and climate change posing threats to vegetation, plant and faunal diversity, the importance of conserving biodiversity is gaining momentum. Medicines originating from wild species, including penicillin, aspirin, taxol, and quinine, have saved millions of lives and alleviated tremendous suffering

BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION STRATEGIES

IUCN, UNEP & WWF 1980 came out with the first global strategy for Conservation. This strategy defined conservation as :

"Management of human use of biodiversity so that it may yield the

greatest sustainable future generation " This definition involves two complementary components , benefit to present generation while maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of

Conservation' and sustainability .

There are 2 main strategies ->in-situ conservation strategies ->ex-situ conservation strategies

In-situ conservation strategies

The preservation of species in its natural habitat is called in-situ conservation. In-situ conservation is being done by declaring area as protected area. In India following types of natural habitats are being maintained National parks Wildlife sanctuaries Biosphere reserves -A national park is an area which is strictly reserved for the betterment of the wildlife. In these parks, even private ownership rights are not allowed.

-A sanctuary is a protected area which is reserved for

the conservation of only animals and human activities like harvesting of timber, collecting minor forest products and private ownership rights are allowed as long as they do not interfere with well-being of animals. - Under MAB (Man and Biosphere) Programme UNESCO has established a number of biosphere reserves in the world.

Legislation Major central acts relevant to biodiversity include: Environment Protection Act, 1986 Fisheries Act, 1897 Forest Act, 1927 Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 1991

Landscape approach to conservation. -where protected and non-protected areas are integrated through significant protection measures initiated at both the state and local community levels. Recording Indigenous Knowledge. Community Participation in Biodiversity Conservation.

Ex-situ conservation strategies

Conservation of species in suitable locations outside the natural habitat. It includes -Seed gene bank: This is easiest way to store the germ plasma of plants at low temperature. -Field gene bank: Genetic variability also be preserved by field gene bank under normal growing conditions. -Cryopreservation: This type of conservation is done at very low temperature i.e. 196C -Botanical gardens: have the facilities of seed banks, tissue culture and other latest technologies. -Zoos: In world there are about 800 zoos. Such zoos have about 3000 species of vertebrates. Some zoos have undertaken captive breeding programmes .

SEED GENE BANK

CRYOPRESERVATION

BOTANICAL GARDEN

Expansion of the protected area network . - This coverage will provide a better distribution of protected areas with less gaps in the protection of bio geographic zones. Population surveys and db creations. - surveys on species diversity, populations, location and extent of habitat, major threats to different species, etc. , and changes in these aspects over time helps to design a proper strategy for conservation. Mapping of forest types, protected areas. -generate maps of the protected areas of the country showing their contiguity with the existing reserve and protected forests.

International Conservation Strategies -The Convention on Biological Diversity: This was signed during the Earth Summit in 1992. It focuses not only on conserving biodiversity but also on sustainable use of biological resources and equitable sharing of benefits arising from its use. -The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES): This is an international treaty which is designed to protect wild plants and animals affected by international trade. The treaty, in force since 1975, controls the export, import and re-export of endangered and threatened wildlife.

The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance: This Convention -also known as the Ramsar Convention, was signed in Ramsar (Iran) in 1971 and came into force in December 1975. -It provides a framework for international cooperation for the conservation of wetland habitats which have been designated to the 'List of Wetlands of International Importance'.

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