Biodiversity

Biodiversity:- It is the variety and variability of life on Earth. Biodiversity is a measure of variation at the genetic, species and ecosystem level.

> Scientists have estimated that there are around 8.7 million species of plants and animals in existence. 

> However, only around 1.2 million species have been identified and described so far, most of which are insects. This means that millions of other organisms remain a complete mystery.

Types of Biodiversity:- 

i. Genetic Biodiversity

ii. Species Biodiversity

iii. Ecological Biodiversity

i. Genetic Biodiversity:- It refers to the variety of different types of species found in a particular area. It is the biodiversity at the most basic level. It includes all the species ranging from plants to different microorganisms. No two individuals of the same species are exactly similar. For example, humans show a lot of diversity among themselves. 

ii. Species Biodiversity:- It refers to the variations among the genetic resources of the organisms. Every individual of a particular species differs from each other in their genetic constitution. That is why every human looks different from each other. Similarly, there are different varieties in the same species of rice, wheat, maize, barley, etc.

iii. Ecological Biodiversity:- An ecosystem is a collection of living and non-living organisms and their interaction with each other. Ecological biodiversity refers to the variations in the plant and animal species living together and connected by food chains and food webs. It is the diversity observed among the different ecosystems in a region. Diversity in different ecosystems like deserts, rainforests, mangroves, etc., include ecological diversity.

Importance of Biodiversity:- Biodiversity and its maintenance are very important for sustaining life on earth. 

i. Ecological Stability:- Every species has a specific role in an ecosystem. They capture and store energy and also produce and decompose organic matter. The ecosystem supports the services without which humans cannot survive. A diverse ecosystem is more productive and can withstand environmental stress.

ii. Economic Importance:- 

> Biodiversity is a reservoir of resources for the manufacture of food, cosmetic products and pharmaceuticals.

> Crops livestock, fishery, and forests are a rich sources of food.

> Wild plants such as Cinchona and Foxglove plant are used for medicinal purposes.

> Wood, fibres, perfumes, lubricants, rubber, resins, poison and cork are all derived from different plant species.

> The national parks and sanctuaries are a source of tourism. They are a source of beauty and joy for many people.

iii. Ethical Importance:- All species have a right to exist. Humans should not cause their voluntary extinction. Biodiversity preserves different cultures and spiritual heritage. Therefore, it is very important to conserve biodiversity.

Biodiversity in India:- 

> India is one of the most diverse nations in the world. It ranks 9th in terms of plant species richness. 

> Two of the world’s 25 biodiversity hotspots are found in India. 

> India is the origin of important crop species such as pigeon pea, eggplant, cucumber, cotton and sesame. 

> India is also a centre of various domesticated species such as millets, cereals, legumes, vegetables, medicinal and aromatic crops, etc.

> India is equally diverse in its faunal wealth. There are about 91000 animal species found here.

Biodiversity conservation:- Diversity is depleting at a drastic rate and various programmes on biodiversity conservation are being launched to conserve nature.

a. Wildlife protection act 1972

b. Forest Conservation Act 1980

c. Biological Diversity Act 2002

a. Wildlife protection act 1972:- 

> It refers to a sweeping package of legislation enacted in 1972 by the Government of India. Prior to 1972, India only had four designated national parks. Among other reforms, the Act established schedules of protected plant and animal species; hunting or otherwise harvesting these species was largely outlawed. 

>The Act provides for the protection of Wild animals, birds, and plants.

> Hunting is prescribed in section 9, this includes the intent to hunt and this section describes the offense hunting/intent to hunt in protected areas too.

> Penalties are prescribed in section 51 and please note that enforcement can be done by all enforcement agencies who have the mandate and this includes Forest Dept, Police, CBI, Customs, etc. Charge sheets can be filed directly by the Forest Department, while the other enforcement agencies often due to the lack of technical expertise hand over the case to the Forest Dept.

> Two conservation is adopted:-

i. Specific endangered species are protected regardless of location.

ii. All species are protected in a designated area called national parks and sanctuaries.

b. Forest Conservation Act 1980:- 

Objectives:- The aim of the Forest is to preserve the forest ecosystem of India by fulfilling the following objectives:

i. Protect the forest along with its flora, fauna and other diverse ecological components while preserving the integrity and territory of the forests.

ii. Arrest the loss of forest biodiversity.

iii. Prevent forest lands being converted into agricultural, grazing or for any other commercial purposes and intentions.

Features:- The Forest Conservation Act of 1980 come with the following features:

i. The Act restricts the state government and other authorities to take decisions first without permission from the central government.

ii. The Forest Conservation Act gives complete authority to the Central government to carry out the objectives of the act.

iii. The Act levies penalties in case of violations of the provisions of FCA.

iv. The Forest Conservation Act will have an advisory committee which will help the Central government with regard to forest conservation.

c. Biological Diversity Act 2002:-

Features:- The salient features of the Biological Diversity Act are as follows.

i. Regulation of access to biological resources of the country.

ii. Conservation and sustainability of biological diversity.

iii. Protecting the knowledge of local communities regarding biodiversity.

iv. Secure sharing of benefits with local people as conservers of biological resources and holders of knowledge and information relating to the use of biological resources.

v. Protection and rehabilitation of threatened species.

vi. Involvement of institutions of state governments in the broad scheme of the implementations of the vii. Biological Diversity Act through the establishment of dedicated committees.

Note:- Any offense under this Act is non-bailable and cognizable.