Just over 2 weeks ago, the United Nations warned that 1 million species are on the verge of extinction. Nature is declining at an accelerated speed and our drive for more food and energy is what is pushing nature to the brink. In WWF’s Living Planet Report 2018 released in October last year, the Living Planet Index which is a measure of the world’s biological diversity recorded a decline of 60% in species population sizes between 1970 and 2014. This decline is especially noticeable in the tropics, with South and Central America reporting an 89% loss in overall species population. Tropical forests are becoming silent as more and more animals start becoming endangered or even extinct. Closer to home, the Sumatran rhino is already extinct in the wild; the leatherback turtle is missing from our shores and Malaysia’s status as a biodiversity hotspot is being increasingly threatened.  

            When we talk about biodiversity, too often it conjures up images of species extinction or endangerment and forest destruction. It is a fact that biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of flora and fauna on Earth but little do we realise that biodiversity is the foundation for health. These different species are the building blocks of life – they give us food, water and medicine; allows us to build shelters, purifies our air and water and regulates the temperature in our environment. Without a myriad species of life on Earth, humans would be as good as dead.

            Malaysia is blessed with more than 170 000 species of flora and fauna with many species still being discovered daily. Malaysia occupies only 0.2% of the world’s land mass, thus making it one of the richest countries in the world in terms of biodiversity per unit area. Besides species diversity, Malaysia also has many different ecosystems including terrestrial forests, wetland forests, coastal forests and marine ecosystems. About 50 years ago, Malaysia started experiencing loss of biodiversity due to the policy of rapid economic development, putting our species and ecosystems at risk.

            Biodiversity matters because it is an important component of food security, health, forestry and tourism. In the food sector, many types of plants and animals provide nutrition for us daily. However, some species are being threatened by changes in the climate. Rural communities in Malaysia still depend on traditional plants for healthcare needs. Besides that, timber from the forest of Malaysia has played and continues to play a major role in the development of the country. They are also vital in preventing natural disasters such as landslides and floods. Not only that, Malaysia’s jungles and seas have also been attracting tourists from around the world. From the jungles of Borneo to the colourful coral reefs of Pulau Redang, Malaysia has much to offer everyone in terms of biodiversity.

            These examples are just a tip of the iceberg as to the benefits of biodiversity to mankind. To ensure our future generations get to see certain creatures before they get wiped out forever, we have to start now before it is too late. At the government sector, laws and legislations should be tightened or new rules put in place to control the hunting of wildlife. One example is the National Forestry Act (1984) which is concerned with the conservation of forests. Besides that, more forests and marine ecosystems should be gazetted as wildlife sanctuaries, forest reserves and marine protected areas to protect frail ecosystems. Universities and research institutions should train professionals in conservation and ecosystem mapping besides educating the public about the importance of biodiversity in our forests and oceans.

            On a regional level, Malaysia is working with neighbouring countries to implement conservation areas and heritage parks. The Turtle Islands heritage protected area has been gazetted in May 1996 between the Philippines and Malaysia to protect green turtles, coral reefs and other marine life. Collaboration between the ASEAN countries have also resulted in ASEAN Heritage Parks including the Mount Kinabalu National Park in Sabah and Mulu National Park in Sarawak.

            As the world progresses to become more developed, we need to remember that every action comes with its consequences. Likewise, deforestation and overfishing would have scary consequences on the Earth’s biodiversity. After all, is there anything more important than the air, water and biodiversity? Are they not the very essence that keeps us alive on Earth?

References: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Malaysia

Picture Credits: Google Images