Biodiversity conservation

Assignment-1
Biodiversity and Sustainable development

Submitted to- Dr. Kassahun

(Env sci- Dept head)

Prepared by- Kaleb assefa

Essd/408/18

H.U.C

May 2020
 Defining Biodiversity.
 First let’s define biodiversity. Biodiversity is the abbreviated word for ―biological
diversity (bio-life or living organisms, diversity-variety). Thus biodiversity is the total
variety of life on our planet, the total number of races, varieties and species. The sum of
total of various types of microbes, plants and animals (producers, consumers and
decomposers) in a system. Biodiversity can also be defined as the variability among
living organisms from all sources including, terrestrial, marine and other
aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this
includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. It explicitly
recognizes that every biota can be characterized by its taxonomic, ecological,
and genetic diversity and that the way these dimensions of diversity vary over space and
time is a key feature of biodiversity. Thus only a multidimensional assessment of
biodiversity can provide insights into the relationship between changes in biodiversity
and changes in ecosystem functioning and ecosystem services.

 Significance of biodiversity for continuity of life.

 Its significance for continuity of life can be seen on 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. Biodiversity and its maintenance are very important for sustaining
life on earth.

 Biodiversity is also a measurement of how many different types of organisms are found
in an ecosystem. The higher the biodiversity means that the ecosystem can sustain
(maintain) many different types of producers, consumers, and decomposers. This
generally means that the area is healthy for continuity. For example tropic rain forests
have many different types of trees, ferns, flowers, birds, insects, and mammals, so it is
one of the most productive and healthiest ecosystems.
However if there is only a few different species in the area, the biodiversity is low, and
the ecosystem is not considered healthy for continuity of life.
 The principal components of sustainable development

The sustainable development of society refers to three major components of human existence:
economical, environmental (ecological) and human.
1. Economic sustainability
2. Environmental(ecological) sustainability
3. Social and cultural sustainability

1. Environmental (ecological) Sustainability

In a truly sustainable environment, an ecosystem would maintain populations, biodiversity, and
overall functionality over an extended period of time. Ideally, decisions that are made should
promote equilibrium within our natural systems and seek to encourage positive growth.
Unnecessary disturbances to the environment should be avoided whenever possible. If there is a
disturbance, it should be mitigated to the maximum practicable extent. When decisions are
made, one part of the discussion should always be the environmental impacts of the proposed
outcome or result.

There are several items that are directly related to environmental sustainability. One of the
concepts that is of the utmost importance is the proper management of our natural resources.
In some cases we can even promote habitat restoration and preservation as means to negotiate
a successful solution to a problem.

2. Economic Sustainability
Similar to environmental sustainability, economic sustainability involves creating economic
value out of whatever project or decision you are undertaking. Economic sustainability means
that decisions are made in the most equitable and fiscally sound way possible while considering
the other aspects of sustainability. In most cases, projects and decisions must be made with the
long term benefits in mind (rather than just the short term benefits). Keep in mind that when
only the economic aspects of something are considered, it may not necessarily promote true
sustainability.

There are several key ideas that make up economic sustainability. For example, governments
should look to promoting "smart growth" through no-nonsense land use planning and subsidies
or tax breaks for green development. Strong financial support for universities, education
programs, and research & development is an important part of economic sustainability as well.

3. Social Sustainability
Social sustainability is based on the concept that a decision or project promotes the betterment
of society. In general, future generations should have the same or greater quality of life benefits
as the current generation does. This concept also encompasses many things such as human
rights, environmental law, and public involvement & participation. Failing to put emphasis on
the social part of decision or action can result in the slow collapse of the spheres of
sustainability (and society as well).
 Biodiversity contribution to sustainable development
 The biodiversity of an ecosystem contributes to the sustainability of that ecosystem.
 Higher/more biodiversity = more sustainable.
 Lower/less biodiversity = less sustainable.

 High biodiversity in an ecosystem means that there is a great variety of genes and
species in that ecosystem. By having a lot of biodiversity. The biodiversity of an
ecosystem contributes to the sustainability of that ecosystem. The higher the
biodiversity of an ecosystem, the more sustainable it is. Conversely, lower biodiversity
equals less sustainability.
 Everything we eat is directly or indirectly derived from either wild or domesticated
biodiversity. The bulk of what we build with, make medicines from and use as industrial
raw materials comes from biological resources. Many forms of tourism revolve around
nature. Biodiversity represents enormous economic value, and at least 40% of the world
economy and 80% of the needs of the worlds poorest depend on biological resources.
So without biodiversity conservation there cannot be a sustainable development