Biodiversity conservation: what it is, practices and importance

Biodiversity , also known as biological diversity , is the variability of living organisms of all classes, including diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems . Biodiversity has a high intrinsic value, as well as being a fundamental need for human life, thanks to the fact that it acts as an essential source of resources and offers a wide variety of services. However, its conservation and maintenance to combat climate change has become one of the greatest environmental challenges for human beings.

Now, how can biodiversity be conserved and protected? For this, it is necessary to have an integrative approach since various fields are involved, including biological, scientific, social, cultural, economic and recreational, among others.

Find out more about What is biodiversity and The importance of biodiversity to better understand the issue of its conservation with these other articles.

Strategies and policies for the conservation of biodiversity are increasingly being defined and are under constant review to ensure compliance and implementation, as well as to establish possible improvements and modifications.

Most of the guidelines for the protection of biological diversity are based on international laws and agreements that protect threatened and endangered ecosystems or species . There are conservation catalogs, which classify species according to their threatened status, conservation status or population trend. Examples are the red books or the list of threatened species .

At the international level, for example, in 1992, the Earth Summit was held in Rio de Janeiro, where the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was established. This agreement enters into force after one year, and its objectives are three:

• Conservation of biological diversity.
• Sustainable use of the components of biodiversity.
• Equitable and fair distribution of the benefits derived from the use of genetic resources.

Here you can know it better: What is the Earth Summit, agreements and objectives .

Also of great importance is the Red Natura 2000 program , which has identified more than 27,000 sites with high ecological value throughout Europe. This program ensures the conservation of nature, based on a philosophy of compatibility with social and economic development.

In this other link you can learn more about what is the Natura 2000 Network and its protected areas .

There are many reasons to conserve biodiversity and, in recent years, concern for its conservation has grown notably since, at present, the rate at which species are becoming extinct around the planet is the fastest it has ever been . In fact, according to a report by the World Conservation Union (IUCN), published in 2000, 12% of plants, 11% of birds and 25% of mammals have been extinct in the last few years or, well, they are in extreme danger.

But specifically, what is the importance of conserving biodiversity?

• Both biodiversity and ecosystems provide humanity with essential services and resources; among them we find oxygen, a variety of foods, clothing and even health.
• Also, it has a key role in terms of socio-economic development.
• The conservation of biodiversity allows us to develop a path that allows us to move towards a more sustainable plan and where the negative impact of the human species on ecosystems is minimized. In addition, this green economy path recognizes the value and importance for the well-being and development of ecosystems.

In conclusion, biodiversity plays a fundamental role in the development of human life and the planet. Therefore, the conservation of vitally important biodiversity, as well as its protection and the sustainable use of the resources and services it provides us. It is necessary to establish sustainable development together with a green economy model, reducing the impact of human beings on ecosystems and giving relevance to the value of biodiversity.

Caring for biological diversity is an urgent need. At this level, it is extremely necessary to end the multitude of problems that the degradation of the planet entails, including pollution, intensive exploitation of resources, peak urbanization, etc. Therefore, how important is environmental education for the conservation of biodiversity? Environmental education exercises a necessary teaching to lay the foundations, since education is not limited to providing information, but rather gives the capacity for efficient and responsible use. This first step is necessary to move from non-sensitized people to informed and sensitized people.

Apart from raising awareness of the problem to lay the foundations, other actions that we can carry out to care for and conserve biodiversity are:

• Use the resources that nature offers in a sustainable way.
• Avoid any illegal activity involving a species.
• Reduce excessive consumption and recycle.
• Do not cause any impact when visiting natural areas.
• Opt for products that have a reduced impact on the environment.

Reflecting and being aware of the importance of biodiversity and the dangers to which it is exposed is a particularly vital tool to take a first step towards a decisive solution. Learn more about these issues with these other AgroCorrn articles about Why it is important to take care of the environment , How to take care of nature and How to take care of natural resources . Also, below you can watch a video about biodiversity to continue learning about it.

If you want to read more articles similar to Biodiversity Conservation: what it is, practices and importance , we recommend that you enter our Biodiversity category .