BIODIVERSITY IN
INDIA
BY PRIYAL SANYAL
SYBCOM
ROLL NUMBER 74
WHAT IS BIODIVERSITY?
Biodiversity is the variety of living species on Earth- plants, animals and microorganisms and
the ecosystems they form. An ecosystem is the name given to all living species that live
together in a stable community, interacting with one another and their physical
environment. Biodiversity includes the diversity within species and between different
species within terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems. Ecosystems need a balanced
and diverse number of species to thrive.
WHY BIODIVERSITY IS IMPORTANT?
Biodiversity plays a critical role in sustaining human populations across the globe. We
depend on it for sustained food growth, for clean air and water and for medicine and
shelter. It is no surprise then that ecosystem degradation threatens our most basic
necessity- a healthy environment to live and thrive in. This is especially true of biodiversity
hotspots, which house some of the largest diversity of species in the world and provide
important life support services to the people who live in and around them.
In addition, biodiversity is embedded in human cultures and is fundamental for our
understanding of the world. Biodiversity enriches our lives it has economic, cultural,
recreational religious and aesthetic importance across the world
AN INCREASING THREAT
• Despite international efforts, global biodiversity is being lost at faster rates than ever
observed in geological history. There are many drivers of this unprecedented loss
including rapid urbanization, the spread of invasive species worsening pollution and
climate change. Addressing each of these threats is complicated. Sometimes new
solutions can result in unexpected consequences and trade offs. For example, how do we
preserve nature while also ensuring equitable and inclusive economic development? What
happens if saving one species means that we cannot use limited resources to save
another? Which species are the most critical to save?
LEADERS IN BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
1. Crafting interdisciplinary solutions
2. A diversity of approaches
3. Working in the field
