Why is it essential to conserve biodiversity
Answers
Explanation:
Biodiversity conservation, the practice of protecting and preserving the wealth and variety of species, habitats, ecosystems, and genetic diversity on the planet, is important for our health, wealth, food, fuel, and services we depend on. It plays an integral role in supporting many sectors of development.
Food security depends upon natural resources that form the basis of food production. Biodiversity conservation protects plant, animal, microbial and genetic resources for food production, agriculture, and ecosystem functions such as fertilizing the soil, recycling nutrients, regulating pests and disease, controlling erosion, and pollinating crops and trees. At the same time, unsustainable agricultural production and use of wild species for food or fuel can reduce biodiversity.
Biodiversity conservation is vital for economic growth and poverty reduction. A majority of the world’s poor live in rural areas and depend upon forests, water, wetlands, fields and pastures for their livelihoods. Some 1.6 billion people in the world rely on forests and non-timber products for income and subsistence. In the developing world alone, 2.6 billion people depend on fisheries for protein and livelihoods. Seafood is also the most highly traded food commodity internationally. In 2008, fish and shellfish exports from developing countries exceeded the value of coffee, rubber, cocoa, tea, tobacco, meat, and rice combined.
Biodiversity conservation can help address the effects of climate change. Conserving habitats can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. Conserving mangroves and other coastal ecosystems can lessen disastrous impacts of climate change such as flooding and storm surges. Projects that reduce the vulnerability of species and ecosystems to climate change impacts can safeguard essential ecosystem services such as air and water purification, pollination and food production, and carbon sequestration.
Scarce or contested natural resources are often at the root of conflict. Mismanaging natural resources and harming biodiversity can increase poverty and instability. Helping communities and individuals secure rights to use natural resources, and involving local communities in responsibly managing them, can prevent or minimize conflict and provide opportunities for economic growth.
Answer:
Biodiversity is also important in the following ways :
( i ) Helps to regulate climate , rainfall and wind .
( ii ) Purifies air and water .
( iii ) Helps in cycling of nutrients .
( iv ) Helps to preserve soil fertility .
( v ) Forms food chains and Foodwebs , thereby maintaining a balance in the availability of food to all life forms .
Explanation: