Evolution of Biodiversity and Strategy for its Conservation and Sustainable Utilization

Dr. P.PushpangadanDirectorNational Botanical Research InstituteLucknow (India)

Dr. G.R.D. College of Science, CoimbatoreDecember 30, 2004

The term 'biodiversity' is being taken in its holistic sense, to encompass all levels of biodiversity, ecological and evolutionary processes, including:

Natural ecosystems: e.g. forests, grasslands, wetlands, deserts, mountains, coastal and marine areas, including the historical changes taking place in such ecosystems.

Wild species and varieties: species of plants, animals, and micro-organisms existing in their natural state and the genetic variation within each of these species.

Biodiversity

Agricultural ecosystems: e.g. farmlands, pastures, capture fisheries, aquaculture, including historical changes in land-use patterns.

Domesticated species and varieties: species of crops livestock (including poultry), captive-bred fish, pets, and micro organisms in ex-situ collection and the genetic variation within each of these species.

In general we may say that Biodiversity exist at a various levels such as

species, genetic and habitat

Biodiversity

Biodiversity

According to Convention on Biological

Diversity (CBD), biodiversity is “the variability

among all living organisms from all sources,

including, interalia, terrestrial, marine and

other aquatic ecosystems and ecological

complexes of which they are part; this

includes diversity within species, between

species and of ecosystems”.

Biodiversity

Biological diversity is the central tenet of

nature, one of its key defining features.

Evolution has produced an amazing variety of

plants, animals and micro-organisms,

intricately interconnected, and worthy of

respect and conservation in their own right.

Biodiversity is also the basis for the

continuous evolution of species. This diversity

is also the backbone of human societies and

cultures, in terms of the ecological functions it

provides and the myriad survival and livelihood

it meets.

Major events in Geological record(the cosmic calendar)

Events Years ago

Big bang & formation of Universe 4800 Million

Origin of life and evolution of biological cells 3500 Million

Evolution of Blue green algae 3200 Million

Filamentous algae 2000 Million

Eukaryotic cells and photosynthetic cells 400 Million

Photosynthetic organisms – Thallophytes & fungi & land plants

320 Million

Bryophytes : Mosses & Liverworts 300 Million

Tracheophytes: Club mosses (Lycopodium, Selaginella)

280 Million

Major events in Geological record(the cosmic calendar Contd..)

Events Years agoGymnosperms : Cycadoides 280 Million

Ginkgos 250 Million

Conifers 250 Million

Angiosperms 100-125 Million

Ants 60 Million

Agriculture by Ants 50 Million

Homo habilis (Progenitor of humans) 2.5 Million

Homo sapiens (Humans) 1.5 Million

Agriculture by Humans 12000 Years

Genesis of the Global Concern on Biodiversity Conservation

• First discussed in 1972 U. N. Conference at Stockhlom

• U. N. General Assembly by a resolution on 15th December 1972 established UNEP. .

• First Governing Council met in 1973 identified Conservation of Nature, Wildlife and Genetic Resources as Priority areas.

• The World Commission on environment and Development (WCED) was constituted in 1983.

• WCED submitted its report ‘Our Common Future’ in 1987 called for Conservation of Biodiversity for Sustainable Development.

Genesis of the Global Concern on Biodiversity Conservation

• UNEP constituted an ad-hoc. Working Group of

Technological and Legal experts to prepare an

international legal instrument for conservation

and sustainable use of Biodiversity which

resulted in ‘CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL

DIVERSITY’ (CBD). –171 countries signed CBD in June1992

during the Earth summit at Rio de Janeiro. • CBD came -into force as an International Law On

29th Dec. 1993.

Genesis of the Global Concern on Biodiversity Conservation

• India ratified CBD on 18th February

1994 and came into force from 19th

May 1994.

• 188 countries are now parties to CBD

(as on December 2004)

EthicalEcologicalEconomicAestheticEvolutionary

Reasons for ConservingBiodiversity

Action Programme

Prepare -passport data of all important and endemic biodiversity passport data should cover morphological cytological chemical and molecular level (DNA/gene level) information so as to prevent bio/germplasm. Identification of problems and solutions in conservation, threatened status of species & ecosystems. Identification of problems and solutions in conservation.

IUCN, UNEP & WWF 1980 came out with the

first global strategy for Conservation.

This strategy defined conservation as :

"Management of human use of biodiversity so

that it may yield the greatest sustainable

benefit to present generation while maintaining

its potential to meet the needs and aspirations

of future generation "

This definition involves two complementary

components , ‘Conservation' and sustainability

Conservation of Biodiversity Strategies & Priorities

Primary Goal of World Conservation Strategy is: Maintenance of essential ecological processes and life support systems on which human survival and economic activities depend Preservation of species and genetic diversity Sustainable use of species and ecosystems which support millions of rural communities as well as major industries.

Thus a logical strategy for conservation of biodiversity should involve: Protection, preservation, maintenance, exploitation, conservation and sustainable utilization of Biodiversity

Conservation of Biodiversity Strategies & Priorities

Most widely accepted scientific methods of biodiversity conservation are: (i)In situ methods & (ii) Ex situ methods In situ conservation This is being done by effecting protection of Natural habitat(s) as such so as the species or stock of biological communities in their natural state is protected from human intervention e.g. Biosphere reserves, national Parks, wild life sanctuaries, sacred groves or other protected natural ecosystems or on farm agro diversity. The idea of establishing protected areas & network has been taken a central place in all policy decision process related to biodiversity conservation both at national and international levels

Conservation of Biodiversity Strategies & Priorities

R&D work on Plant Biodiversity Thrust Areas & Future Strategies

Complete survey, inventory, documentation and preparation of digital database along with virtual herbarium

Identification of rare, endangered and endemic plants Bioprospecting of biodiversity and selection. Domestication, genetic enhancement and development

protocol for cultivation of selected wild plant. Development of package of practices for post harvest

management and processing. Development of location specific value added product

development from locally available bioresources that convert the local biodiversity into economic wealth & thereby generating gainful mass rural employment and prosperity to the nation.

Strength of South East Asia in Biodiversity

Rich in all levels of biodiversity species, genes, habitat.

Rich in cultural diversity that generated rich fund of indigenous knowledge systems.

Humanity has tapped only a fraction of this nature's vast genetic library.

Over 80-85% genetic resources of South Asian countries are hitherto untapped.

Excellent opportunity for hunting novel genes, drugs, pharmaceuticals, new chemicals / raw materials for new industrial ventures.

Action ProgrammeImportant points that the biodiversity richthird world nations should undertake:

Complete inventory & documentation of all Biological resources including the microorganisms Check list/database of the floristic wealth of the nation along with the associated knowledge system Ground check to know the actual situation and identify the gaps: Study- genetic diversity, distribution pattern, association pattern and gradients Identify- rare, endemic and endangered status of spp. , if any.