Biodiversity
- The term "biodiversity" refers to the abundance and diversity of life on earth.
- On our planet, it is both the most intricate and significant feature.
- Life could not exist in the absence of biodiversity
- In 1985, the word "biodiversity" was first used.
- Both natural and artificial ecosystems depend on it. The biosphere, a diverse aspect of nature, is covered.
- It speaks of the differences between different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms.
- The variety of organisms present in an ecosystem and their relative abundances is referred to as biodiversity.
- The way that organisms are arranged at various levels is also reflected in it.
Ecological and economic significance can be found in biodiversity. We can get food from it, a place to live, fuel for our cars, clothes, and many other things. Tourism also generates financial gains. Therefore, in order to live sustainably, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of biodiversity.
Types of Biodiversity
There are three distinct categories of biodiversity:
- Genetic Biodiversity
- Species Biodiversity
- Ecological Biodiversity
Biodiversity in India
With a wealth of biodiversity and related traditional knowledge, India is one of the world's recognized mega-diverse nations. Despite having only 2.4% of the world's land, India is home to nearly 7% of all known species and almost 18% of all people.
- India comes in at number five for reptiles, ninth for birds, and seventh for mammals in terms of species richness. With 69 species of birds, 156 species of reptiles, and 110 species of amphibians, India ranks tenth, fifth, and seventh, respectively, in the endemism of vertebrate groups.
- India's share of crops is 44% compared to the world average of 11% to space.
- India is home to two of the world's 34 biodiversity hotspots, including the Eastern Himalayas, the Western Ghats, and Sri Lanka.
- In India, various ecosystems and habitats, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, coastal and marine ecosystems, and deserts, have developed due to the country's diverse edaphic, climatic, and topographic conditions.
In India, ten bio-geographic zones can be easily distinguished. Here are some of them:
- Trans-Himalayas: A continuation of the Tibetan plateau, Ladakh (J&K) and Lahaul-Spiti (H.P) contain a high-altitude cold desert and makeup 5.7% of the nation's landmass.
- Himalayas: 7.2% of the landmass of India is made up of the entire mountain range that runs from the northwest to the northeast and includes a variety of biotic provinces and biomes.
- Desert: The severely dry region west of the Aravalli mountain range, including the Rajasthani sand desert and the saltwater desert of Gujarat. 6.9% of the total area of the nation.
- Semi-arid: The Aravalli hill range region lies between the desert and the Deccan plateau. It comprises 15.6% of the total area of the nation.
- Western ghats: A diverse range of biotic provinces and biomes can be found in the hill ranges and plains south of the Tapti river that run along the western coastline—5.8% of the nation's land area.
- Deccan peninsula: The major zone, with mostly deciduous vegetation, covers a major portion of the southern and south-central plateau—4.3% of the nation's total area.
- Gangetic plain: These rather uniform plains are defined by the Ganges river system—11% of the nation's total land area.
- India's northeast has both plains and non-Himalayan hill ranges and a diverse spectrum of plant life.
- Islands: The Gulf of Bengal's Andaman and Nicobar Islands include various biomes. 0.03% of the nation's total land area.
- Coasts: There is a sizable coastline scattered to the west and the east, with notable distinctions between the two; the Lakshadeep islands are included in this, despite having a minor percentage of the total area.
India's wealth in fauna is also very diverse. About 91000 different animal species can be found here.
Many programmes on biodiversity conservation are being implemented to preserve nature, yet diversity is disappearing rapidly.
Overview of the Biological Diversity Act 2002
In order to prevent the overuse or eventual destruction of biological diversity, the Act's primary goal is to ensure the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and equitable use of its resources.
This law is necessary to safeguard India's biological heritage because it is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world.
The Biological Diversity Act's key characteristics are listed below.
- Access to the nation's biological resources is subject to restrictions.
- maintaining and preserving biological diversity
- Protecting the knowledge of local communities regarding biodiversity
- Sharing of benefits in a safe manner with the community members who serve as biological resource protectors and sources of knowledge and information about the use of biological resources
- the preservation and recovery of endangered species
- Establishment of specialized committees to involve state government institutions in the overall implementation of the Biological Diversity Act.
Every offence under this Act is both cognizable and non-bailable.
- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) must be contacted regarding any complaints regarding the decision on benefit sharing or order made by the National Biodiversity Authority or a State Biodiversity Board under this Act.
The Biological Diversity Act's exemptions
- The Act does not cover Indian biological resources typically traded as commodities.
- This exception only applies in cases where biological resources are solely used as commodities.
- The Act also forbids the use of indigenous biological resources and associated knowledge when done in accordance with central government approval for joint research projects involving Indian and foreign institutions.
- Traditional healers like vaids and hakims and cultivators and breeds like farmers, livestock keepers, and beekeepers are also exempt from this rule.
The National Biodiversity Authority, State Biodiversity Board, and Biodiversity Management Committee will be established, allowing for the proper management of biological resources and aid in the conservation of flora and fauna.
- The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards (SBB), and local Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC) make up the three-tier structure that the Act envisions for governing access to biological resources.
How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act 2002 helpful in conserving flora and fauna? (UPSC; Mains- 2018)
