Last week, The Star started a two-part series on the general concept of biodiversity.
The first part looked at biodiversity at three levels – species, ecosystems and genetic.
In the second and final part, where biodiversity is and what it has done for me is explored.
The following is a combination of extracts from Biodiversity in life, an education manual by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
It was put together to help better explain the concept of biodiversity.
Where is biodiversity?
Biodiversity is all around us and we are very much part of it.
But what has it done for me?
For too long biodiversity has been viewed as peripheral to the perceived great issues of the 21st century like poverty, terrorism and security, global economics and climate change.
There are many reasons for this but in fact the environment is central to everything.
In terms a business person could relate to, the economy is a wholly owned subsidiary of the environment, not the other way around.
And biodiversity is the bedrock of environments, ecosystems and habitats.
Every day, biodiversity feed us, fuels us, clothes us, shelter us and heals us.
Without biodiversity there are no trees for logging, fish for commercial or subsistence fisheries, food plants for agriculture, pollinators for food crops, even wildlife from forests or coral reefs for tourism.
The benefits of biodiversity, often called ecosystem goods and services, may be classified as:
Provision – biodiversity provides all living organisms with food, water, fibres, fuel and medicine.
Regulation – biodiversity and its life-support systems regulate climate, water and spread of disease.
Cultural – people need connection to nature.
There are numerous spiritual, aesthetic, recrea-tional and learning benefits.
Supporting life systems like primary production, soil formation and nutrient cycles.
Without biodiversity, there are no livelihoods,
Biodiversity is directly related to human quality of life in the following areas:
Security – including personal safety, secure resources, access to resources and disasters.
Basic needs – including livelihoods, sufficient food, shelter and access to goods.
Health including strength and feeling well, access to clean air and water.
Good social relations – including social cohesion, respect and ability to help others.
Essentially, biodiversity gives us more freedom of choice.
The International Year of Biodiversity wishes to emphasise success stories relating to biodiversity conservation.
Biodiversity conservation is about monitoring, managing, money, mainstreaming, marketing and me.
It involves a journey from raw data of scientists to the policy documents of governments.
It includes community involvement at grassroots level to legislation and agreements at global, regional, national and local levels.
It is underpinned by the rigour of science but driven by human needs for sustainable livelihoods and quality of life as well as by economic, cultural and political factors.
People are central to its success or failure.
Personal action is as important as collective action.
Go to www.cbd.int/2010 for a copy of this publication.
>> Next Week: February 2 is World Wetlands Day. The Star will look at local wetlands and celebrations.
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