Biodiversity Conservation in India
Biodiversity Conservation in India
Biodiversity Conservation in India
Assignment
On
“Different modes of conservation of biodiversity”
Submitted to Submitted By
Dr. Sanjeeva Nayaka Ragib Husain
Senior Principal Scientist Enrollment No. 10BB19J25009
PDSH, Division Ph.D. Scholar
CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow AcSIR, CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow
Biodiversity refers to the variety of all forms of life on earth, including the different plants,
animals, micro-organisms, the genes they contain and the ecosystem they form. According to the
convention biological diversity (CBD), Biodiversity can be defined as “the variability among
living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and
the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between
species and ecosystems”.
Introduction:-A wide variety of living organisms including plants, animals and micro-
organisms with which we share this planet earth makes the world a beautiful place to live in.
Living organisms exist almost everywhere from mountain peaks to the ocean depths; from
deserts to the rainforests. They vary in their habit and behavior, shapes, sizes and color. The
remarkable diversity of living organisms form an inseparable and significant parts of our planet
so biodiversity refers to the comprehensive umbrella term for the degree of natures variety or
variation within the natural system; both in number and frequency. The manifestation of
biodiversity is the biological resources (genes, species, organisms, ecosystems) and ecological
processes of which they are part. Biodiversity is therefore considered at 3 major levels (Species
diversity, Genetic diversity and Ecological /ecosystem diversity). Relative to the variety of
habitats, biotic communities and ecological processes in the biosphere, biodiversity play role in a
number of ways including promoting the aesthetic value of the natural environment. Biodiversity
is the most precious gift of nature mankind is blessed with. As all the organisms in an ecosystem
are interlinked and interdependent, the value of biodiversity in the life of all the organisms
including humans is enormous. The role of biodiversity in providing ecosystem services is
twofold. Firstly, biodiversity is directly used as a source for food, fibre, fuel and other
extractable resources. Secondly, biodiversity plays an important role in ecosystem processes
providing the regulating, cultural and supporting services. For example, vegetation cover protects
the soil from erosion by binding soil particles and minimizing the effects of water runoff.
Likewise, cultivation of crops is to a large extent dependent on the availability of pollinating
insects. Biodiversity has a fundamental value to humans because we are so dependent on it for
our cultural, economic, and environmental well-being. Elements of biodiversity can contribute to
cultural identity, and many ecosystem characteristics are frequently incorporated into cultural
traditions. Other facts of human well-being, such as health and economic and political security,
can influence the value of biodiversity. Many arguments to increase efforts to conserve diversity
often emphasize the value of the “un-mined riches” that has yet to be discovered. These include
potential sources of new foods, medicines, and energy which can further fuel economic activity,
as well as a healthier population. Biodiversity has proven to hold enormous value when adapted
for use in health, agricultural, or industrial applications. In the field of medicine alone,
approximately 50% of current prescription medicines are derived from or modelled on natural
substances. The health and diversity of ecosystems can have a significant effect on the overall
stability of nearby communities. Biodiversity also is important for maintaining the integrity of
the environment through; maintaining CO2/O2 balance, regulation of biochemical cycles,
absorption and breakdown of pollutants and waste materials through decomposition,
determination and regulation of the natural world climate, protective services, e.g. by acting as
wind breaks and acting as indicators of environmental changes. Despite the benefits from
biodiversity, today’s threats to species and ecosystems are the greatest recorded in recent history
and virtually all of them are caused by human mismanagement of biological resources often
stimulated by misguided economic policies, pollution and faulty institutions in-addition to
climate change. To ensure intra and intergenerational equity, it is important to conserve
biodiversity. Some of the existing measures of biodiversity conservation include; zoological
gardens, botanical gardens/arboretums, seed banks and national parks and game Reserves
however, the ever increasing human population is posing serious threats to bio-diversity so
biodiversity conservation is impossible without the participation of everyone who impacts the
ecosystem from loggers who harvest forest timber, to consumers who buy food at the
supermarket, to city governments who put restrictions on building in ecologically sensitive areas.
IMPORTANCE OF BIODIVERSITY
Aesthetic Value:
The beauty of our planet is because of biodiversity, which otherwise would have resembled other
barren planets dotted around the universe. Biological diversity adds to the quality of life and
provides some of the most beautiful aspects of our existence. Biodiversity is responsible for the
beauty of a landscape. People go far off places to enjoy the natural surroundings and wildlife.
This type of tourism is referred to as eco-tourism, which has now become a major source of
income in many countries. In many societies, the diversity of flora and fauna has become a part
of the traditions and culture of the region and has added to the aesthetic values of the place.
Ecosystem Services:
These services also support human needs and activities such as intensely managed production
ecosystems.
The production of oxygen by land based plants and marine algae. The maintenance of
fresh water quality by vegetation slowing run off, trapping sediment and removing
nutrients and by soil organisms breaking down pollutants.
The production and maintenance of fertile soil as a result of many interacting processes.
The provision of foods such as fish, pastures for cattle and sheep, timber, fire wood and
harvested wildlife such as kangaroos and native cut flowers.
The provision of native species and genes used in industry research and development, for
instance, in traditional breeding and biotechnology applications in agriculture, forestry,
horticulture, mariculture, pharmacy, chemicals production and bioremediation.
Pollination of agricultural crops, forest trees and native flowering plants by native insects,
birds and other creatures.
Flood mitigation by vegetation slowing run off and trapping sediment; Breakdown of
pollutants by micro-organisms in soil and aquatic ecosystems and sequestration of heavy
metals in marine and fresh water sediments.
Greenhouse gas reduction by, for instance, sequestering atmospheric carbon in wood and
marine calcium carbonate deposits.
Maintenance of habitats that are attractive to humans for recreation, tourism and cultural
activities and that has spiritual importance.
This is related to natural products that are used directly for food, fodder, timber, fuel wood etc.
Humans use at least 40,000 species of plants and animals on a daily basis. Many people around
the world still depend on wild species for most of their needs like food, shelter and clothing. The
tribal people are completely dependent on the forests for their daily needs.
This is assigned to products that are commercially harvested and marketed. Almost all the
present date agricultural crops have originated from wild varieties. The biotechnologists
continuously use the wild species of plants for developing new, better yielding and disease
resistant varieties. Biodiversity represents the original stock from which new varieties are being
developed.
Social Value:
The social value of biodiversity includes aesthetic, recreational, cultural and spiritual values. To
this can be added health benefits resulting from recreational and other activities. While
traditional societies which had a small population and required less resources had preserved their
biodiversity as a life supporting resource, modern man has rapidly depleted it even to the extent
of leading to the irrecoverable loss due to extinction of several species. Thus apart from the local
use or sale of products of biodiversity there is the social aspect in which more and more
resources are used by affluent societies. The biodiversity has to a great extent been preserved by
traditional societies that valued it as a resource and appreciated that its depletion would be a
great loss to their society.
Ecological values:
Biodiversity maintains the integrity of the environment through:
Determination and regulation of the natural world climate whether local, regional
or micro through influencing temperature, precipitation and air turbulence.
LOSSES IN BIODIVERSITY
Today’s threats to species and ecosystems are the greatest recorded in recent history and virtually
all of them are caused by human mismanagement of biological resources often stimulated by
misguided economic policies and faulty institutions.
Pollution
Chemical or thermal pollution is a threat to biodiversity. Species in habitats are increasingly
being harmed by industrial activities and pollution from excessive use of agro-chemicals such as
DDT, oil spills, acid precipitation etc.
Climatic changes
This is of great concern especially when global CO2 increases in the atmosphere resulting to
global warming. Most species originate within a very narrow physiological limit; hence nature
has a range of tolerance maintained for ecosystem stability. Changes may be gradual or abrupt
such that if the limit is exceeded the upper or lower species suffers extinction.
Population
As the human population is increasing, there exists insatiable demand for raw materials which is
bound to cause changes in biodiversity. It is therefore vital to control human population which
will result in biodiversity conservation.
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
Conservation (sustainable use) is a process of managing the environment in a manner that does
not damage, exhaust or extinguish Biodiversity and enhancement of the components of
biological diversity, where:
Sustainable development:-This refers to development that meets the needs of the current
generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Protected areas
1. Botanical garden
National park Sanctuary Biosphere
reserve 2. Zoological park
3. Aquaria
4. Arboreta
Terrestrial Marine
Wildlife Sanctuaries: Wildlife Sanctuaries are protected areas where killing, hunting,
shooting or capturing of wild-life is prohibited except under the control of highest authority.
Private Ownership rights are permissible and forestry operations are also permitted to an extent
that does not affect the wildlife adversely. These wildlife sanctuaries are mostly created by state
forest department. India has over 441 Wildlife Sanctuaries.
Keoladeo Ghana Bird Rajasthan (Bharatpur) Siberian crane, famous for birds
sanctuary
Manas WLS Assam Panther, Tiger& rhinoceros
National Parks:-A National Park is an area dedicated for the conservation of wildlife along
with its environment. It is also meant for enjoyment through tourism but with without impairing
the environment. Each National Park usually aims at conservation specifically of some
particular species of wildlife along with others. In India ca. 166 national parks have been
authorized as Corbett National Park, Rajaji National Park etc. This requires surveys to collect
data on key species. Property may have to be expropriated. A legal framework may need to be
set up to control human activities in the area and in its immediate surroundings. Policing the
area may also be necessary.
Nandadevi Uttrakhand
Simlipal Odisha
Manas Assam
Nokrek Meghalaya
Sacred groves:-Sacred groves comprise of patches of forests or natural vegetation from a few
trees to forests of several acres – that are usually dedicated to local folk deities.
These spaces are protected by local communities because of their religious beliefs and traditional
rituals that run through several generations. In India over 14, 000 sacred groves are documented
Experts estimate is in the range of 100,000 – 150,000
Himachal Pradesh ………..5000
Karnataka ……….1424
Kerala ……….2000
Seed Banks
Cryopreservation
Botanical Gardens
Arboretum
Zoological Gardens
Aquarium
Sacred plants:-It is mentioned that the worship of the tree is indeed an ancient Indian
practice. Tree worship continues to be an element from the Ancient Aryans to modern Indian
traditions. There are many trees which are considered Sacred. Some of the Sacred Trees are as
follows:
Ashoka Tree: It is one of the most sacred and legendary trees of India, this tree is revered
by the Hindus, Buddhists and Jains.
Peepal: It represents the Trimurti-the roots being Brahma, the trunk Vishnu and the leaves
Shiva.
Banyan: Like the Peepal Tree, it also symbolizes the Trimurti-Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva
and Lord Brahma.
Bael Tree: In India, Bael tree is considered to be very sacred because it is associated with
Lord Shiva.
Bamboo: The common names of Lord Krishna-Venugopal, Bansilal, Murali and
Muralidhar reflect his association with Bansuri or Venu, his constant companion which is
made up of Bamboo.
Bhang Tree: It is considered an auspicious tree as it brings wealth and prosperity.
Coconut: It is given a special place in most Hindu households and great care is taken to
nurture the tree and is used for all religious purposes.
Mango: It is another sacred tree of the Hindus.
Neem: It is a manifestation of "Goddess Durga" or "Maa Kali".
Sandalwood: Sandalwood is commonly used for incense and religious ceremonies.
Banana: It is a very sacred tree and all parts of the tree are used for some purpose.
Lotus: In Hinduism many of the deities are pictured sitting upon a lotus or holding a lotus
flower.
Tulsi: Tulsi is always associated with purity and a highly revered and used for all religious
purposes among the Hindus.
Home Gardens:-Home gardens consist some of the endangered species of wild plants, trees
and plants. It can be seen in there easily. The main aim of preserving a Home Garden is to
preserve ritualistic beliefs and cultural identity of joint families. The preservation of home
gardens is strictly connected to family purposes. At the same time, home gardens are helpful to
raise the water table of nearby ponds and wells. Unknowingly, some families who preserve their
home gardens preserve nature and ecological balance.
Seed banks:-Seed bank stores seeds as a source for planting in case seed reserves elsewhere
are destroyed. It is a type of gene bank. The seeds stored may be food crops, or those of rare
species to protect biodiversity.Seeds can be maintained for decades or even centuries if the
conditions are controlled < 5% humidity and – 20°C. Seeds need to be regularly germinated to
renew stock or the seeds will eventually lose their viability. Seeds kept in seed banks do not
evolve with changes in the environment.
Some Important Seed Banks:-The following are among the important international seed
banking facilities:
The National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBGPR), New Delhi, India: It has over
3.43 lakh samples of 2.47 lakh varieties of 1, 256 species, which include about 28,000 accessions of wild
relatives of various crops.
References
1. Spellerberg, I.F., and Hardes, S.R., 1992: Biological conservation. Cambridge University
Press, 123 pp.
2. Swanson, T.M. (ed.), 1995: The economics and ecology of biodiversity decline – The
forces driving global change. Cambridge University Press, 176 pp.
3. Tolba et al., 1992: The world environment 1972 – 1992: two decades of challenge.
Chapman and
4. Hall on behalf of the United Nations Environment Programme, 884 pp.
5. Wetangula, G., and Ajayi, J., 2002: Power development and nature conservation – two
scenarios.University of Iceland, Iceland and Olkaria Geothermal Power Project,
Naivasha, Kenya.
6. http:// www.yourarticlelibrary.com/biodiversity/8-main-values-of-biodiversity