The term biodiversity refers to the variety of “genetically distinct populations and species of plants, animals, and microorganisms” (Ehrlich & Ehrlich, 1992, 219) with which humans share Earth and the ecological complexes in which they occur (U.S. Congress, 1987).
Biodiversity is essential to many aspects of human life. It provides us with a diverse range of resources, including food, fiber, fuel, and building materials. Biodiversity also plays a critical role in the development of new medicines, as many of the active ingredients in pharmaceuticals are derived from natural sources. Besides, it gives us the pleasure of admiring scenic landscapes, visiting botanical gardens, and observing different animal and plant species in their natural habitats. Biodiversity also enriches our recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, bird watching, scuba diving, and wildlife photography.
The numerous species and genetically distinct populations in ecosystems constitute a vast genetic library (Ehrlich & Ehrlich, 1992), from which almost all agricultural crops, such as corn, rice, and wheat, originated. Biotechnologies have enabled humans to use crop wild relatives to improve existing crops or breed new crops that can adapt to stresses such as climate change and the evolution of new pests or diseases. The loss of genetic diversity in wild relatives of agricultural crops could make such adaptations difficult or even impossible (Treweek et al., 2006).
Additionally, biodiversity provides numerous environmental benefits, such as:
Improved water quality: Vegetation and plant debris slow down surface runoff, and intercept contaminants (such as heavy metals and organic pollutants), as well as nutrients (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter), preventing them from entering rivers, lakes, and other aquatic ecosystems. Soil microorganisms play an essential role in organic matter decomposition and nutrient assimilation.
Acting as an effective buffer against the spreading of infectious diseases to humans, animals, and plants (Civitello et al., 2015).
Playing important roles in assisting flowering plants to reproduce through insect pollinators, including beetles, butterflies, bumble bees, honeybees, solitary bees, moths (Lepidopterans), and pollen wasps.
Beneficial native predators that contribute to pest control in agriculture, such as:
Ladybug– preys on aphids & mites
Lacewing– preys on scale, aphids & mites
Braconid-Wasp– preys on cabbageworm, gypsy moth, aphids and caterpillars
Besides the socio-economic and environmental values, biodiversity has its own intrinsic value, which is the value of biodiversity in and for itself. The intrinsic value is independent of the utilities that biodiversity provides to humans.
Michael Soulé put forth the notion of biodiversity’s intrinsic value in his article “What is Conservation Biology,” which was published in Bioscience in 1985. He remarked:
“Species have value in themselves, a value neither conferred nor revocable, but springing from a species’ long evolutionary heritage and potential.”
(Soulé, 1985)
Recognizing and respecting the intrinsic value of biodiversity is critical to achieving a sustainable future. As we continue to face unprecedented challenges such as climate change, habitat loss, and species extinction, it is more important than ever to protect and preserve the natural world. By valuing biodiversity, we can work towards a more holistic view of conservation, sustainable development, and sustainable peace, ensuring a healthy planet for generations to come.
References:
Civitello, DJ, et al. (2015). Biodiversity inhibits parasites: Broad evidence for the dilution effect. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 112, 8667–8671. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1506279112
Ehrlich, P. R., & Ehrlich, A. H. (1992). The value of biodiversity. AMBIO – A Journal of the Human Environment, 21(3), 219. http://www.jstor.org/stable/4313778
Soulé, M. E. (1985). What is conservation biology? Bioscience 35, 727-734. https://doi.org/10.2307/1310054
Treweek, J. R. , Brown, C. & Bubb, P. (2006). Assessing biodiversity impacts of trade: a review of challenges in the agriculture sector. Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, 24 (4), 299-309. https://doi.org/10.3152/147154606781765057
U.S. Congress. (1987). Technologies to maintain biological diversity. Philadelphia: Office of Technology Assessment.
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