Biodiversity for sustainable development

Ranjan K Baruah *

Sustainable development is the need of the hour as most of our development models are not sustainable. There is a close connection of biodiversity and sustainability. We are aware of the importance of bio diversity. Without bio diversity any life on earth may not be possible.

Biological diversity - or biodiversity - is the term given to the variety of life on Earth and the natural patterns it forms. The biodiversity we see today is the fruit of billions of years of evolution and shaped by natural processes. This diversity is often understood in terms of the wide variety of plants, animals and microorganisms.

So far, about 1.75 million species have been identified, mostly small creatures such as insects. Scientists reckon that there are actually about 13 million species, though estimates range from three to 100 million.

There are different eco systems when it comes to biodiversity. Ecosystems occur in deserts, forests, wetlands, mountains, lakes, rivers, agricultural landscapes, etc. We human beings are also part of such eco systems.

Biodiversity provides a large number of goods and services that sustain our lives. More than 3 billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity, while over 1.6 billion people rely on forests and non-timber forest products for their livelihoods. Habitat degradation and the loss of biodiversity are threatening the livelihoods of more than 1 billion people living in dry and sub-humid lands. 70% of the world's poor live in rural areas and depend directly on biodiversity for their survival and wellbeing.

There are various initiatives started around the world to give more focus on the importance of biodiversity as biological resources are the pillars upon which we build civilizations. The loss of biodiversity threatens our food supplies, opportunities for recreation and tourism, and sources of wood, medicines and energy. It also interferes with essential ecological functions. Our personal health, and the health of our economy and human society, depends on the continuous supply of various ecological services that would be extremely costly or impossible to replace.

In this regard one initiative is celebrating a day for the biodiversity. The United Nations General Assembly, by its resolution 55/201 of 20 December 2000, proclaimed 22 May as The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB), to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. The date designated for the day was chosen to commemorate the adoption of the text of the Convention on 22 May 1992 by the Nairobi Final Act of the Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The theme for 2015 is 'Biodiversity for Sustainable Development'. This year's theme reflects the importance of efforts made at all levels to establish a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the United Nations Post-2015 Development Agenda for the period of 2015-2030 and the relevance of biodiversity for the achievement of sustainable development. IDB hasn't always been celebrated in May.

Back in 1993, the United Nations General Assembly designated 29 December as the IDB. Seven years later in 2000, the date was moved to 22 May, partly because of the number of holidays that coincide in late December and early January!

Themes of previous years:

2008-Biodiversity and agriculture.

2009-invasive alien species.

2010-Biodiversity, development and poverty alleviation

2011-Forest

2012-Marine Biodiversity

2013-Water and Biodiversity

2014-Islands Biodiversity

Some of the other initiatives apart from IBD are as follows:

Convention on Biodiversity: The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international legally-binding treaty with three main goals: conservation of biodiversity; sustainable use of biodiversity; fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. Its overall objective is to encourage actions which will lead to a sustainable future. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was opened for signature at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 5 June 1992 and entered into force on 29 December 1993. To date, there are 193 Parties.

The Biological Diversity Act 2002: The Act covers conservation, use of biological resources and associated knowledge occurring in India for commercial or research purposes or for the purposes of bio-survey and bio-utilisation. It provides a framework for access to biological resources and sharing the benefits arising out of such access and use.

The Act also includes in its ambit the transfer of research results and application for intellectual property rights (IPRs) relating to Indian biological resources. The Act covers foreigners, non-resident Indians, body corporate, association or organization that is either not incorporated in India or incorporated in India with non-Indian participation in its share capital or management.

These individuals or entities require the approval of the National Biodiversity Authority when they use biological resources and associated knowledge occurring in India for commercial or research purposes or for the purposes of bio-survey or bio-utilisation.

National Biodiversity Authority: The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) was established in 2003 to implement India's Biological Diversity Act (2002). The NBA is a Statutory, Autonomous Body and it performs facilitative, regulatory and advisory function for the Government of India on issues of conservation, sustainable use of biological resources and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of biological resources.

Each and every one of us must take action for the protection of biodiversity. Loss of biodiversity is also loss of culture and traditional knowledge. Climate change is an issue around the world and it is a concern for many. Proper conservation of biodiversity shall also help in combating climate change.

Together we can make a difference by extending our support towards conservation of biodiversity. Let us take small action, action for biodiversity and action for our planet. Our sustainable action shall lead us towards sustainable future which shall bring sustainable development for all us.