Biodiversity

The variety of life on Earth, its biological diversity is

commonly referred to as biodiversity. The number
of species of plants, animals, and microorganisms,
the enormous diversity of genes in these species,
the different ecosystems on the planet, such as
deserts, rainforests and coral reefs are all part of a
biologically diverse Earth. Appropriate
conservation and sustainable development
strategies attempt to recognize this as being
integral to any approach. Almost all cultures have
in some way or form recognized the importance
that nature, and its biological diversity has had
upon them and the need to maintain it. Yet, power,
greed and politics have affected the precarious
balance.
Biodiversity boosts ecosystem productivity where each
species, no matter how small, all have an important role
to play.
For example, a larger number of plant species means a
greater variety of crops; greater species diversity
ensures natural sustainability for all life forms; and
healthy ecosystems can better withstand and recover
from a variety of disasters.
And so, while we dominate this planet, we still need to
preserve the diversity in wildlife
At least 40 per cent of the world’s economy and 80 per
cent of the needs of the poor are derived from biological
resources. In addition, the richer the diversity of life, the
greater the opportunity for medical discoveries,
economic development, and adaptive responses to such
new challenges as climate change.
A healthy biodiversity provides a number of natural
services for everyone:
 Ecosystem services, such as
o Protection of water resources

o Soils formation and protection

o Nutrient storage and recycling

o Pollution breakdown and absorption

o Contribution to climate stability

o Maintenance of ecosystems

o Recovery from unpredictable events

 Biological resources, such as

o Food

o Medicinal resources and pharmaceutical drugs

o Wood products

o Ornamental plants

o Breeding stocks, population reservoirs

o Future resources

o Diversity in genes, species and ecosystems

  Social benefits, such as
o Research, education and monitoring

o Recreation and tourism

o Cultural values

That is quite a lot of services we get for free!

The cost of replacing these (if possible) would be
extremely expensive. It therefore makes economic and
development sense to move towards sustainability.
A report from Nature magazine also explains that
genetic diversity helps to prevent the chances of
extinction in the wild (and claims to have shown proof
of this).
To prevent the well-known and well documented
problems of genetic defects caused by in-breeding,
species need a variety of genes to ensure successful
survival. Without this, the chances of extinction
increases.
And as we start destroying, reducing and isolating
habitats, the chances for interaction from species with a
large gene pool decreases