Biodiversity maintains ecological stability and assists the functioning of the ecosystem. This is necessary to provide support and regulation to the environment. It is the variation among the living organisms, including plants, animals, fungi as well as bacteria. It describes the richness and diversity of life on earth.
Introduction of Biodiversity
The term biodiversity was coined in 1985, it includes both the natural as well as artificial ecosystems. Thus, it is of immense ecological and economic significance.
Biodiversity is an important feature of the planet and there will be no life without it. It provides us with necessary nourishment, fulfills our needs. It also helps the nation to extract monetary benefits through tourist activities.
It is an astonishing discovery that the smallest creatures to the largest species found co-existing in a single ecosystem. All these species work in a chain to ensure their survival. This chain maintains the ecosystem and also provides certain benefits to the human beginning.
However, the human population, rise in consumption and other activities have disturbed the ecosystem. The pollution, climate changes, continuous changes in the consumption pattern has threatened the ecological balance. This affected the biodiversity of the planet. Expert scientists predicted that with this pace, half of the species will go extinct within the next century. This adversely affects the interrelation between the different creatures. Over the last years, Australis has witnessed the largest decline in the biodiversity of the continent. The world’s biodiversity is facing the threat of fragmentation and degradation, climate change & inappropriate fire etc. Therefore, it becomes necessary to conserve and preserve biodiversity and protect endangered species.
Biodiversity conservation
Biodiversity conservation refers to the protection, preservation and management of the ecosystem to ensure the health functioning.
Aims of biodiversity conservation
The basic aims of biodiversity conservation are following;
- Protecting the species
- Preservation of species diversity
This will ensure the sustainable management of the species and to prevent the ecological imbalance.
Ways for biodiversity conservation
Given below is a list of some general steps that can be taken towards the conservation of the biodiversity and maintenance of the ecological balance:
Government Legislation
Government is the regulatory body that controls the activities that are a threat to biodiversity. Thus, the government should understand its responsibility and distribute its power with the other authorities to adopt measures to conserve biodiversity. The government can enforce laws and regulations to regulate the activities that don’t cause any harm to the environment.
The government is creating nature preserves, i.e., national parks to protect the regions and the organisms living there. This effort is economically beneficial because it attracts the tourists.
Reducing the amount of Invasive Species
Invasive species are sometimes introduced to an area on purpose or accident. To limit the number of invasive species must be thoroughly checked before it is offloaded in a new country. Additionally, people should not bring new species of animals or plants to an area without consulting ecologists.
Habitat Restoration
The human lifestyle and their expansion activities have affected the area available for other living organisms. Thus, returning or retransformation of an area into its natural state is the only way to improve. This is a great way to help in reducing the further threat. Government authorities or the local NGOs along with the assistance to the citizens undertoo these projects.
Sustainability and Sustainable Development
Society should adopt the habit of consuming naturally made eco-friendly products. This is beneficial for biodiversity as well as ensuring good health to humans. Thus, we should promote the consumption of the eco-friendly products, for the support of production at a large scale.
Development and expansion are necessary. However, we should follow a sustainable development strategy.
Conclusion
The need for Biodiversity Conservation is necessary and it can be done only through the collective efforts of every member of the society. It is not the sole responsibility of the government or governmental authorities and demands complete support and cooperation of the citizens of the nation.