Biodiversity Conservation and Management

Abstract

The climate of the Earth is changing from years to year due to the human activities and naturally occurring processes. Biodiversity is the biological diversity which includes the variety of the all species present on earth. It includes plants, animals, micro-organisms and their genes, terrestrial, water ecosystems, and marine ecosystems in which they all are present. Biodiversity is considered at three different levels including species diversity, genetic diversity and ecosystem diversity. Biodiversity provides food from livestock, fish, crops, and forestry. It is of use to modern agriculture as a source of new crops, as a source of material for breeding improved varieties and as a source of new biodegradable pesticides. Biodiversity is a rich source of substances with therapeutic properties. Some of the existing measures of biodiversity conservation include; zoological gardens, botanical gardens/arboretums, seed banks, national parks and game reserves. Biodiversity is very important for our existence as well as valuable in its own right. Many of the important pharmaceuticals have originated as plant-based substances, which are of incalculable value to human health. This is because it provides the fundamental building blocks for many goods and services which provide a healthy environment to lead our life. Conservation and sustainable uses of biodiversity have been an integral part of Indian ethos. The varied eco-climatic conditions coupled with unique geological and cultural features have contributed to an astounding diversity of habitats, which harbor and sustain immense biological diversity at all levels. The challenge is for nations, government agencies, organizations and individuals to protect and enhance biological diversity, to ensure intra and intergenerational equity, it is important to conserve biodiversity.