Biodiversity Conservation

Introduction

Before we can talk about biodiversity and its conservation, it would be right to understand the concept of biodiversity and what it entails. Biodiversity refers to the various species of life forms on earth. Also, we can see that it includes their ecosystem, genes, and much more. Therefore, learning about biodiversity will teach how these species live, eat, interact, and more. So, the topic of conservation of biodiversity comes in when people engage in actions that lead to diversity loss. Biodiversity loss happens when actions occur that could lead to the death or extinction of some species. Illegal hunting of wildlife species and pollution are some actions that cause biodiversity loss. So, since the cause of biodiversity loss has been established, it would only be right to also talk about biodiversity conservation. Therefore, giving rise to the essence of this article.

We will highlight some ways to engage in biodiversity and its conservation below.

Ways to Conserve Biodiversity

Some ways to conserve biodiversity are:

• Governmental Regulations

Every region has its government and authorities in charge of ensuring that things are done properly. So, it would only be right if the governments of various areas put laws in place that guide against actions that will affect the ecosystem or anything biodiversity-related.

For example, the government of a region can enforce laws against deforestation or illegal wildlife hunting. Once these laws are enforced, people will know that they can be arrested if they go against such laws. Deforestation is a cause of biodiversity loss because it leads to the destruction of the forest, leading to the loss of home for the species that reside in the forest. Likewise, illegal wildlife hunting is also a cause of biodiversity loss. When people keep engaging in illegal wildlife hunts, it can lead to the extinction of some species.

It is easy to argue that although the laws are in place, some people may go against them. But, if the government ensures that these laws are strictly enforced, people will comply with them.

Once people see that someone has been arrested for flaunting the rules, they will not go against it. So, government laws classify biodiversity conservation.

• Research

The essence and importance of research in everything in life cannot be overemphasised. But unfortunately, people often engage in negative actions because they do not know about its effects. When it comes to biodiversity, many people do not know the in-depth details. Sadly, the number of experts and professionals involved in biodiversity is few compared to other study areas. So, it is only right that more people engage in biodiversity research. When you research biodiversity, you will begin to understand your environment better. And you also get to see how species interact with various aspects of life. Undoubtedly, there will be a great reduction in activities that lead to biodiversity loss when more people are involved in biodiversity research.

Conservation of biodiversity becomes hard when people are not convinced or do not have

adequate information. For example, some people usually ask for proof to support such claims when preaching against engaging in activities that lead to biodiversity loss.

Unfortunately, experts cannot always provide such proof as there isn’t enough research on biodiversity yet. So, researching will always be helpful.

• Enlightenment Programs

Again, people always advocate the need for education, and you can see it come in handy when it concerns biodiversity. Recall that we had earlier mentioned that there is insufficient research on biodiversity. However, we can also not deny that some information is useful. But, it will not be useful if the information is always hoarded. Therefore, there is always a need to conduct regular enlightenment programs on the dangers of biodiversity loss. Through such programs, you enlighten people that some of their actions can cause biodiversity loss. Unfortunately, we see that many people are ignorant about biodiversity loss. For example, some people can engage in illegal wildlife hunts, not knowing that it causes biodiversity loss. So, there is always a need to organise enlightenment programs.

Now, you can do this as an individual or organisation. Also, organising biodiversity enlightenment programs should be done by the government. Of course, we cannot eradicate biodiversity loss in one day as it is a gradual process. But, if everyone comes together and plays their role, there will be a change in society. Also, it is best to ensure that such programs happen regularly to keep refreshing minds on the dangers of biodiversity loss. Therefore organising enlightening programs features ways to conserve biodiversity.

• Sustainable Living

What is sustainable living, and how does it affect biodiversity? To a layperson, sustainable living might seem like a tough term that requires much energy to do. However, allow us to tell you that sustainable living means doing things that protect the environment. For example, an action like recycling is a way of living sustainably, and it helps conserve biodiversity. Surely, you must have heard about being eco-friendly as such actions help protect the environment. And, if you are protecting your environment, you are helping the ecosystem and its species.

Another example of sustainable living is by buying and wearing sustainable clothing. Yes, we know that it may come as shocking to some people, but there are sustainable clothes out there. These are clothes that are designed from eco-friendly materials. Therefore, these clothes do not harm the environment in any way. Instead, you are protecting the environment when you

wear them.

Also, engaging in aforestation is a way of living sustainably. For example, you decide to plant a tree every month. Such an action joins the different ways to conserve biodiversity as it reduces the effects of deforestation. So, the next time someone talks about sustainable living, you should not freak out. Instead, it should become a part of your lifestyle.

• Habitat Restoration

When you look around your region or area, we are sure that you can spot things that seem off about the environment. For example, if the water bodies in your region are contaminated, the right action is to try and restore them to their original state. And one way of doing such is to find the source of the contamination. Sadly, we see that some factories could be this source of pollution. So, the government has to enforce strict laws to ensure that the factory does not contaminate the water body anymore. Then, they could begin a drainage process to remove the contamination. Once this happens, you will see that many fishes will come back to such a water body. And, people can continue recreational activities like fishing and much more.

Another example that comes to play is aforestation. For example, suppose fire razed down a forest in your region. Everyone is supposed to come together to plant the trees back to restore the forest to its normal state. It helps to give the plants back their habitat. Also, people can engage in habitat restoration by returning some animals to their natural habitat. These actions are ways taken for the conservation of biological diversity.

Biodiversity Conservation Methods  

There are 2 methods of Biodiversity Conservation – In-Situ Conservation and Ex-Situ Conservation

Conclusion

The importance of biodiversity conservation cannot be overemphasised. So, ensure that you follow the various ways highlighted above. Else, many species will lose their ecosystem, disrupting life’s balance. Unfortunately, we see that some humans feel that they cannot be affected by these things. But, allow us to tell you that if biodiversity is not conserved, it will also adversely affect humans.