MODULE 13 CONSERVATION EFFORTS ON BIODIVERSITY

LESSON PROPER

BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

“Biodiversity conservation refers to the protection, upliftment, and management

of biodiversity in order to derive sustainable benefits for present and future
generations.”

Biodiversity conservation is the protection and management of biodiversity to

obtain resources for sustainable development.

Biodiversity conservation has three main objectives:

1. To preserve the diversity of species.

2. Sustainable utilization of species and ecosystem.
3. To maintain life-supporting systems and essential ecological processes.
4.

Biodiversity underpins all ecosystems and their services:

• Biodiversity is the variety of all forms of life and it is essential to the existence and
proper functioning of all ecosystems.
• Biodiversity supports habitats for all species by providing many unique
environments in which species can exist; these include ecosystems of all types
and sizes, rare ecosystems, and corridors between habitats.
• Many scientists believe biodiversity, as it represents all forms of life on earth,
provides or supports the core benefits that humans derive from their environment.
• Biodiversity is fundamental for the provision of ecosystem services, which we
depend on for food, air, and water security, and multiple other natural benefits.
Stressors and drivers of change

• Many human activities can have a negative effect on biodiversity.

• The growing human population and the land development that comes with
population growth can be especially detrimental because land conversion and
subsequent loss of habitats can affect the stability or continued existence of
species.
• Habitat loss is a challenge for virtually all species, as humans convert natural
habitats to other land uses.
• Overexploitation from extractive uses, such as commercial fishing and game
hunting, can greatly reduce species numbers, sometimes to the brink of
extinction1.
• People can also harm biodiversity by putting stress on environments and species
through overuse. Outdoor recreation may be a positive, healthful activity for
humans, but high numbers of visitors to an area can damage plant life, stress local
animal populations, and introduce invasive species.
• Invasive species can outcompete or consume native species to the point of
extinction. Some invasive species that are found in the U.S., such as kudzu and
the Emerald Ash Borer Beetle, can completely alter ecosystems, affecting overall
biodiversity.
• All forms of pollution, from chemicals to nutrient loading, can also pose serious
threats to aquatic and terrestrial species.

BIODIVERSITY AND ITS CONSERVATION METHODS

Biodiversity refers to the variability of life on earth. It can be conserved in the following
ways:

• In-situ Conservation
• Ex-situ Conservation

1. In-situ Conservation

In-situ conservation of biodiversity is the conservation of species within their

natural habitat. In this method, the natural ecosystem is maintained and protected.

The in-situ conservation has several advantages. Following are the important
advantages of in-situ conservation:
 1. It is a cost-effective and convenient method of conserving biodiversity.
2. A large number of living organisms can be conserved simultaneously.
3. Since the organisms are in a natural ecosystem, they can evolve better and can
easily adjust to different environmental conditions.
Certain protected areas where in-situ conservation takes place include national
parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves.

a. National Parks

These are small reserves maintained by the government. Its boundaries are
well demarcated and human activities such as grazing, forestry, habitat and
cultivation are prohibited. For eg., Kanha National Park, and Bandipur National
Park.

b. Wildlife Sanctuaries

These are the regions where only wild animals are found. Human activities
such as timber harvesting, cultivation, collection of woods and other forest
products are allowed here as long as they do not interfere with the conservation
project. Also, tourists visit these places for recreation.

c. Biosphere Reserves

Biosphere reserves are multi-purpose protected areas where the wildlife,

traditional lifestyle of the inhabitants and domesticated plants and animals are
protected. Tourist and research activities are permitted here.

2. Ex-situ Conservation

Ex-situ conservation of biodiversity involves the breeding and maintenance of

endangered species in artificial ecosystems such as zoos, nurseries, botanical gardens,
gene banks, etc. There is less competition for food, water and space among the
organisms.

Ex-situ conservation has the following advantages:

1. The animals are provided with a longer time and breeding activity.
2. The species bred in captivity can be reintroduced in the wild.
3. Genetic techniques can be used for the preservation of endangered species.
Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation

Following are the important strategies for biodiversity conservation:

1. All the varieties of food, timber plants, livestock, microbes and agricultural animals
should be conserved.
2. All the economically important organisms should be identified and conserved.
3. Unique ecosystems should be preserved first.
4. The resources should be utilized efficiently.
5. Poaching and hunting of wild animals should be prevented.
6. The reserves and protected areas should be developed carefully.
7. The levels of pollutants should be reduced in the environment.
8. Deforestation should be strictly prohibited.
9. Environmental laws should be followed strictly.
10. The useful and endangered species of plants and animals should be conserved in
their nature as well as artificial habitats.
11. Public awareness should be created regarding biodiversity conservation and its
importance.

Why should you conserve Biodiversity?

It is believed that an area with higher species abundance has a more stable
environment compared to an area with lower species abundance. We can further claim
the necessity of biodiversity by considering our degree of dependency on the
environment. We depend directly on various species of plants for our various needs.
Similarly, we depend on various species of animals and microbes for different reasons.

Biodiversity is being lost due to the loss of habitat, over-exploitation of resources,

climatic changes, pollution, invasive exotic species, diseases, hunting, etc. Since it
provides us with several economic and ethical benefits and adds aesthetic value, it is very
important to conserve biodiversity.
The benefits of conserving biodiversity

1. Biodiversity supports food security and sustained livelihoods through overall

genetic diversity.

• Genes regulate all biological processes on the planet and increase the
ability of organisms to cope with environmental stressors.
• Preserving genetic diversity ensures the continuing existence of a wide-
range of crops that may be able to withstand disease, and potentially useful
biochemicals such as those used in healthcare. It also means availability of
species for pollination and pest control. Losses in genetic diversity will
decrease organisms' coping ability and risk losing potentially beneficial
biological information3.

2. Biodiversity has greatly contributed to modern medicine and advancements in

human health research and treatment.
 • Many modern pharmaceuticals are derived from plant species, including the
anti-tumor agent Taxol from the Pacific yew tree, the anti-malarial
artemisinin from sweet wormwood, and the cardiac drug digoxin from the
digitalis plant.
• Pharmaceuticals can also be derived from non-plant species, such as the
drug ziconotide, which has been highly effective in relieving nerve pain and
severe pain in cancer patients and is derived from the venom of predatory
cone snails4.
• Without the species that provide these drugs, it is possible that treatments
for ailments like malaria, tuberculosis, cancerous tumors, congestive heart
failure and multiple other illnesses may never have been discovered.
• As conversion of habitats and subsequent losses in diversity take place, the
potential for losing cures for some of the world's most troubling ailments
increases.

3. In addition to the many medicinal benefits from biodiversity, human health can be
positively affected simply by spending time in outdoor environments, which has
been linked to increases in life satisfaction and happiness, and decreases in blood
pressure, anxiety, and cardiovascular disease symptoms.
4. Conserving biodiversity and protecting a wide range of habitats maintains the
many benefits that this diversity provides for all species. Highly diverse
environments, such as Yellowstone National Park, are prime ecosystems that
support many species in addition to being aesthetically beautiful, educational, and
interesting recreation sites.
5. Biodiversity conservation efforts are essential in maintaining functioning
ecosystems, a steady food supply, and the multiple other benefits including
aesthetics, recreation, and spiritual purposes to Native American tribal nations.

References:

Admin. (2024, June 24). Biodiversity conservation - different methods and strategies.
BYJUS. https://byjus.com/biology/biodiversity-conservation/

EnviroAtlas Benefit Category: Biodiversity Conservation | US EPA. (2024, July 24). US

EPA. https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas/enviroatlas-benefit-category-biodiversity-
conservation