Importance of-biodiversity

importance of biodiversity in the contest of nepal as well as world it is very important for future projection of bidiversity.

1. Importance of Biodiversity Presented by: Nabin Poudel Satyam Chaudhari CDES, TU

2. Introduction Typically a measure of variation at the genetic, species, and ecosystem level in the earth or in a particular habitat. A high level of which is usually considered to be important and desirable. Includes not only species we consider rare, threatened, or endangered but also every living thing from humans to very little organisms such as microbes, fungi, and invertebrates. Important for what it provides to humans, and for the value it has in its own right. 2

3. Arguments about Importance Arguments about importance of Biodiversity fall into two categories: 1. Intrinsic View Biodiversity is worth protecting regardless of its value or importance because it has some intrinsic values. It focuses on the conservation of all living beings even if they are ecologically equivalent species. 2. Anthropocentric view Biodiversity performs number of ecological services that have economic, aesthetic or recreational value that’s why it is important for humankind. 3

4. Arguments about Importance… A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and the beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise. - Aldo Leopold, A Sand Country Almanac The natural environment harbors chemicals, fibers, flesh, resins, enzymes, genes and whatnot that we can manipulate, extract, breed, purify and prime into products that will cure our diseases, feed our hungry and line our packets. - Nicolas Tackacs , the Idea of Biodiversity 4

5. Importance of Biodiversity 1. Intrinsic/ Ethical value Biodiversity has an intrinsic value because it is part of the natural world. It’s conservation is important for the maintenance of natural ecological processes. It helps in the balancing of many natural cycles such as nutrients and water cycling, soil formation and retention, resistance against invasive species, pollination of plants, regulation of climate, recovery from natural disasters. Ethical value is based on a respect for life. 5

6. Importance… 2. Anthropocentric values Biodiversity provides a range of goods, from agricultural crops to medicines and fibers, to which a direct value and cost can be assigned, provides us many things to fulfill our need including food, water, air and raw materials for clothes. Human beings are dependent on biodiversity for their health, well being and enjoyment. This value is associated with consumption and production. 6

7. Sustaining local food systems and agricultural biodiversity Source: Aids Foundation, South Africa Herbs being used as medicine Source: edu.glogster.com 7

8. Importance… 3. Aesthetic value This is expressed by humans seeking contact with nature. Natural and wild landscapes including many animals are aesthetically pleasing and provide opportunities to refresh. Biodiversity supports recreation and tourism. 8

9. Importance… 4. Economical/Market value There are different procedures to valuate the benefits generated by biodiversity in terms of market-based techniques. Usually market prices can be applied when direct benefits of biodiversity are involved: i.e. when consumer purchases the biodiversity-derived good. Example: People sell firewood, honey from the wild and they earn money . 9

10. Importance… 5. Political values Biodiversity is also politically and strategically important for us. It ensures the recognition of a zone or country in the world. Nepal is ranked 25th and 11th positions in biodiversity richness in the world and Asia, respectively. Nepal occupies about 0.1 per cent of the global area, but harbours 3.2 per cent and 1.1 per cent of the world's known flora and fauna, respectively. ( https://risingnepaldaily.com/ ) 10

11. Importance… 6. Scientific value The scientific value of biodiversity is relevant because it provides many opportunities for research work. There is a large portion of the biodiversity about which we still do not know, which may be unpredictable. Still, lack of scientific knowledge leaves an enormous gap between the current realized values of biodiversity and its potential future value. 12

12. Importance… 7. Cultural Value The cultural value of biological diversity conservation for present and future generations is an important reason for conserving it today. Worshipping typical plants like Peepal ( Ficus religiosa ) , Tulasi ( Ocimum tenuiflorum ) and different animals (Some snakes as Naag Dewata ) also highlights the importance of it. 13

13. -Dr. Alka Barakat 14

14. Biodiversity is our greatest priceless treasure. Lets Conserve it together. Thank You !!