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Concerning threats to biodiversity of Nepal [Thematic Report for May] |
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by Bidhata Pathak | 01-06-2022 02:56
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As per an article by The Kathmandu Post published in 2019, some studies show that Nepal comes 25th in the world in terms of biodiversity wealth. With 30,164 known species—17,097 animals and 13,067 plant species, pressure has been growing on Nepal’s biodiversity. Due to its unique topography, Nepal has 18 different ecosystems, where a wide variety of flora and fauna is present. These resources have been sources of livelihood for a large population in the country, and a reliable source for the country’s gross domestic product as well. Nepal’s sixth National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity concluded that the forest ecosystem is at a high risk due to habitat loss and deforestation, human-wildlife conflict, invasion by alien species, and forest fire alongside other threats. “This report is a wake-up call for all of us but it is more critical for Nepal because our understanding of different dimensions of biodiversity and ecosystems is poor compared to developed nations.” said Uttam Babu Shrestha, one of the authors of the UN report to The Kathmandu Post. Similarly, as Basanti Bhatt wrote in an article published at OnlineKhabar this May, the average temperature of Nepal is increasing by 0.056°C/year. The increasing temperature is directly correlated to the rise of atmospheric carbon dioxide leading to the loss of biodiversity that eventually results in its extinction. CBD Fifth National Report stated that Nepal's biodiversity is threatened by multiple factors. Loss and degradation of natural habitats, such as forests, grasslands, and wetlands due to the expansion of settlements, agriculture and infrastructure; overexploitation; invasion by alien species; and pollution of water bodies remain the predominant threats. Nepal's government, the concerned stakeholders, and the people in general need to, now, get serious about these and other threats to the biodiversity of the nation before it's too late and take steps towards mitigating a possible disaster.
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3 Comments
Thank you for such a crucial piece of information, mentor Chelwoon!
Posted 25-06-2022 05:47
Hello Bidhata, this is your mentor Chelwoon.
It is a universally acknowledged fact that carbon emissions induce the temperature increases which are harmful to biodiversity. I recently watched a You-tube video about IPCC 6th report released last year. It is said that within five years, there is a 50% chance that the average global temperature will rise above 1.5 degrees Celsius. The change of climate is causing trouble for many species, and it will lead to the decline in biodiversity. We must find solutions and put them into action as soon as possible.
Thank you for the article!
Regards,
Chelwoon
Posted 10-06-2022 14:30
Hello Bidhata, this is your mentor Joon.
It is interesting to know that there are '18 different ecosystems'. How do you define 'different ecosystems'? Are there any marks of criteria to tell? It would be nice to know. Countries with diverse ecosystems and diversities should be proud, but at the same time, they are the ones that should be cautious much more. Such biodiversity is volatile and could easily be damaged by different external factors which includes global warming. Government should set up the plans for further protection and sustainability.
Well read your article, and let's keep up!
Best,
Joon
Posted 04-06-2022 18:34