BIODIVERSITY IS THE TAPESTRY OF LIFE

If one observes the biosphere closely, one might begin to think that humans are the most vexatious and fatuous of all species. The majority of birds may take pride in their stunning feathers, their contributions to seed dispersal and soil improvement, and the fact that they never dirty their nests. They are joyous creatures who sing joyfully as they fly through mountains, dales, valleys, and oceans while feeding their young and caring for themselves with everything they can find. The smallest mammals are the Etruscan shrew and the bumblebee bat, which weigh around two grams each, and the largest mammals are the blue whales, which can weigh up to 190 tonnes at times. They all play essential roles in the cycle of life and coexist harmoniously with other species.

With nearly a million species we have been able to identify so far, insects are the most numerous multicellular organisms on Earth.

The complex web of life on Earth includes the plant kingdom. The world's biodiversity, which provides for its natural features, flora, and wildlife, is exquisite, extensive, intricate, and life-affirming. It serves as a reminder that all living things are interconnected in various ways.

The locations with a disproportionately high number of species are known as biodiversity hotspots, but human activity has put these ecosystems at grave risk. India is home to four of the 36 hotspots the international community has identified. In the northeast of India, the Indo-Burma hotspot and the Himalayan hotspot collide. Due to the blending of animals and plants from many places, the northeast of India, particularly the state of Manipur, is rich in biodiversity (peninsular India, the Himalayas, and the Indo-Chinese region). May 22 is observed as the International Day for Biological Diversity. Many issues, such as those pertaining to food and water security, climate change, human health, and the need for sustainable livelihoods, can be addressed by preserving biodiversity. According to the most recent Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, an estimated one million plant and animal species are at risk of going extinct due to the alarmingly fast pace of biodiversity loss. In India, 17% of the nation's land area was set aside to protect terrestrial, riverine, coastal, and marine ecologies.

When local communities are marginalized or denied access because they are viewed as a threat, the development of protected zones has historically been viewed as "fortress conservation." The lack of support for conservation efforts, which decreases human well-being and hinders their success, is one of the frequent results of the strategy.

Even though healthy ecosystems are essential for human survival, it is possible for biodiversity to recover and flourish without people because humans bring no value and cause issues. "We are Part of the Solution for Nature" is the topic of Biodiversity Day in 2021. Perhaps instead of looking for "solutions," pondering ways to cease endangering the environment should be prioritized.

Author: Tanisha Singhal

Editor: Aviral Srivastava