Biodiversity is essential for the functioning of ecosystems and provides numerous ecosystem services, such as clean air and water, pollination, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes to ecosystems, and can encompass the evolutionary, ecological, and cultural processes that sustain life, including the diversity of species, genetic diversity within species, and diversity of ecosystems.
Biodiversity is essential for the functioning of ecosystems and provides numerous ecosystem services, such as clean air and water, pollination, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation.
It also contributes to human well-being by providing food, medicine, and other resources. However, biodiversity is currently under threat due to human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation, and climate change (Maclaurin and Sterelny, 2008).
The current statistics of biodiversity, according to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), reveal that there are over 5,700 species of angiosperms (400 of which are endemic), 668 species of birds (25 of which are endangered), and 198 species of freshwater fish (29 of which are endemic).
With respect to animals, there are over 5,000 species of invertebrates and 195 species of mammals (6 of which are endemic). The air and semi-arid regions cover about 80% of the total area of Pakistan. The portions of two hotspots, the Himalayas and the Mountains of Central Asia, are contained in the northern regions of Pakistan.
Many scientists believe that biodiversity, as it represents all forms of life on earth, provides, or supports the core benefits that humans derive from their environment. Biodiversity supports food security and sustained livelihoods through overall genetic diversity.
Preserving genetic diversity ensures the continued existence of a wide range of crops that may be able to withstand disease and potentially useful biochemicals such as those used in healthcare. It also means the availability of species for pollination and pest control.
Losses in genetic diversity will decrease organisms’ coping abilities and risk losing potentially beneficial biological information. Biodiversity has greatly contributed to modern medicine and advancements in human health research and treatment (Brosnan et al., 2006).
As an individual, there are several ways to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity. This includes adopting sustainable practises such as saying no to plastics, reusing and recycling daily use amenities, educating ourselves on decreasing our carbon footprint, and donating to organisations that are working for the welfare of biodiversity hotspots.
Furthermore, we can also involve our community and advocate for legislation that ensures the safeguarding of plants, animals, and habitats.
Biodiversity is essential for maintaining a healthy planet and ecosystem, but many species are being lost at an alarming rate due to habitat degradation, climate change, pollution, and other factors.
Its conservation is necessary for the survival of various species and the sustainability of our planet. Therefore, it is essential that we take steps to preserve and conserve biodiversity through sustainable practises and sound decision-making processes that prioritise the environment.