INTRODUCTION

Diversity is the hallmark of nature. Things exist in different forms which creates diversity. Biodiversity, also referred to as biological diversity refers to the diversified form of plants and animals that exists on our planet. It also denotes every aspect of the ecosystem such as micro-organisms, coral reefs, rainforests, deserts, forests, etc.,

 

Nevertheless, Biodiversity is the significant and desirable variation in plants and animals’ existence on the surface of the earth. The variation exists due to genetics, species, and the ecosystem or the habitat. Biodiversity is an important aspect of the world because it enables the survival and sustainability of living things on earth.

 

A good balance in biodiversity supports the human race and humans on the other hand must ensure to save biodiversity. This essay is going to talk about the importance of biodiversity and the role of human beings in safeguarding the ecosystem.

 

IMPORTANCE OF BIODIVERSITY

Biological diversity is quite important because it helps maintain the ecological balance in a system. Different animals and plants depend on one another to fulfill all of their needs. For example, we human beings depend on various animals and plants for our clothes, shelter, and food. Other species also do the same and depend on a variety of other species to sustain them and provide them with the basics. Biodiversity and its beautiful richness ensure that the earth is fit enough for the survival of each and every one of the organisms living on the earth.

In addition, there are more than 300,000 species of flora that have been identified and there should be many more unidentified varieties. Similarly, there must be an infinite variety of other species on our Earth and these together form perfect natural protection for the human race. Biodiversity supports the human race in different ways.

A few of them are listed below:

1. Some of the species capture and store energy and releases it back into the atmosphere for human consumption.

 

2. Some biological species help in decomposing organic materials and thus act as a natural recycling agent.

3. Plants and trees help in reducing pollution and maintaining the purity of atmospheric air.

 

4. It is from the biological resources that humans receive food and shelter.

 

5. The astonishing beauty of biodiversity is the base for the tourism industry to flourish.

 

THE DECLINE IN BIODIVERSITY

The Earth’s biodiversity is undergoing a severe decline and this is a great threat to the human race. There are several factors that lead to the decline in biological species, the most significant one being the behavior of human beings:

 

1. Human beings destroy forests to build houses and offices. Through deforestation, humans are actually destroying the natural habitat of many plants and animals.

 

2. All new scientific inventions are causing harm to the environment. We cannot even find some species of birds today because of the increase in noise pollution.

 

3. Global warming is another reason for the decline in biodiversity. Some species require a specific climate to survive and when the climatic conditions change continuously these species either migrate or become extinct. The decline in the number of coral reefs is a perfect example.

 

STEPS TO BE TAKEN

All steps must be taken to protect biodiversity. Things may seem difficult in the initial stages but practicing them will lead to genuine results. Creating awareness of environmental issues and the negative impact of the loss of biodiversity will let people understand the inevitable need for biodiversity conservation.

 

There have been initiatives by governments all over the world to conserve the existing biodiversity on the earth. For example, there are dedicated national parks that earmark the area for wild animals and plants and reduce human intervention in their lives. There are various wildlife conservation programs in place to protect vulnerable and endangered species. For example, SHOOT THE WILD ANIMALS WITH A CAMERA NOT WITH A GUN is one such measure in place to reduce or get rid of poaching but to increase the population of wildlife in our country.

 

There are also many laws in place which make the hunting of endangered and vulnerable animals a punishable offense. At the international level, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) have also initiated many programs to preserve various species.

 

It is not possible for humans to live all alone on the Earth. Various other life forms are equally important and play their roles in the mutual survival of the various species on Earth. Each one of the species has its own set of contributions to the environment. Already many species have become extinct as they were not able to survive in the changing weather conditions. Hence, we have to ensure that our activities do not affect the other flora and fauna on the planet. Although there are several steps taken by the government to preserve the various life forms, we should also contribute individually towards this cause. If we do not act today, we may yet again witness the extinction of the vulnerable biodiversity which may further disturb the balance of nature.

 

Finally, it is our responsibility to protect the endangered species of plants and animals. If one wants to reach their destination, then it is imperative to take the first step. Without taking a step forward, things will never change on their own. To make a better tomorrow, we need to take steps for preserving our very own Biodiversity.