WHAT IS BIODIVERSITY?
Biodiversity refers to all of the living creatures on the planet. It is the vast variety and variability of billions of species of plants, animals and humans present and living in any ecosystem or region on Earth. Biodiversity is vital for the survival of humanity. The presence of biodiversity forms ecosystems ranging from forests to coral reefs.
These ecosystems are the life source of the planet by providing crucial services such as oxygen, purifying water, cycling nutrients and regulating the climate. They also provide the most basic needs human beings need such as food, water, shelter and medicine.
There are possibly up to a hundred million species of plants and animals in the world which makes life on Earth truly diverse. The variety of life on earth at all levels from genes to entire ecosystems, encompassing all evolutionary, ecological and cultural processes that sustain life is biodiversity.
Therefore, biodiversity is important to maintaining a healthy and diverse planet. Maintaining a healthy biodiversity is also necessary in ensuring the survival of all species on Earth.
DANGERS TO BIODIVERSITY
HUMAN ACTIVITIES
The largest factor that has contributed to destruction and loss of biodiversity is urbanisation and human activities. Habitat loss of many species due to conversion of land for agriculture or human settlements for economic development has been a major contributing factor to loss of biodiversity.
This results in small patches of land left for the species which are not sufficient for survival into the future and may result in extinction. Additionally, other reasons for loss are air and water pollution increasing levels of overexploitation of natural resources that are essential for native species.
DEFORESTATION
Eighty percent of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity exists in forests. Forests provide habitat to millions of species, absorb huge amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), store rainwater and provide plants that can be used as medicine. Deforestation of tropical forests causes the most damage to biodiversity. It leads to shortage of supply in forest products and results in release of massive amounts of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere.
MARINE LIFE
We at AAKASH, visualise a greener and cleaner future where our environment is balanced and thriving. AAKASH develops and operates large-scale renewable and clean energy generation facilities based on Bamboo Biomass across the world. Our current sites are located in South Africa and Sri Lanka. AAKASH advocates the use of Bamboo Biomass to meet the energy requirements in a clean and renewable manner. AAKASH has identified that Bamboo can provide as much energy as the conventional source with lesser environmental impact and carbon footprint.
Aquatic biodiversity is being impacted negatively by human activities such as pollution and overexploitation of marine products in a non-sustainable way. Destruction of marine biodiversity will have huge social, economical and biological consequences. This will lead to extinction of marine life, lack of edible fish and degradation of marine habitats.
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
Conservation of the biological diversity of the world refers to protecting, developing and preserving the diversity of species, ecosystems, habitats, etc. Since biodiversity plays an integral role in providing the world with food, water, shelter, medicine, etc that is necessary to sustain life, it is of paramount importance to be conscious about the interactions between humans and nature. Its preservation is vital and leads to economic growth and helps reduce poverty. The planet is dependent on its diversity in organisms to keep it balanced and thriving.
Natural resources are responsible for food production. Conservation allows the protection of plants and microorganisms that develop food. Also it protects natural functions of the ecosystem such as recycling of nutrients, fertilization of soil, protection from soil erosion,etc.
Biodiversity conservation is necessary as nature is a means of livelihood for millions of people. The occupation of many people living in rural areas is mostly fishing and farming. Trading of seafood is one of the biggest sources of trade and provides income and sustenance to many.
Conserving ecosystems and natural habitats can be the biggest step in countering climate change. It reduces the amount of carbon emissions released in the atmosphere. It can help control disastrous natural calamities such as floods and storms.
STEPS TO HELP BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
Let us have a look at few methods that can be taken to ensure biodiversity conservation
- 1. Development of natural parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves are great ways to preserve natural habitats of different species without human activities such as hunting, grazing and forestry. This allows the wildlife to live and thrive without harm.
- 2. Breeding endangered species in artificial ecosystems helps preserve these species without danger of extinction. These animals or plants can later be released into the wild.
- Deforestation should be avoided strictly owing to our dependence on forests.
- 3. Avoid using fossil fuels and opt for alternative sources of energy that are more eco friendly
- 4. Consume products that are manufactured in the most sustainable way to reduce pressure on natural reserves.
AAKASH’S VISION TOWARDS BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
We at AAKASH, visualise a greener and cleaner future where our environment is balanced and thriving. AAKASH develops and operates large-scale renewable and clean energy generation facilities based on Bamboo Biomass across the world. Our current sites are located in South Africa and Sri Lanka. AAKASH advocates the use of Bamboo Biomass to meet the energy requirements in a clean and renewable manner. AAKASH has identified that Bamboo can provide as much energy as the conventional source with lesser environmental impact and carbon footprint.
