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Evolution of Biodiversity and Strategy for its Conservation and Sustainable Utilization Dr. P.Pushpangadan Director National Botanical Research Institute Lucknow (India) Dr. G.R.D. College of Science, Coimbatore December 30, 2004 Biodiversity The term 'biodiversity' is being taken in its holistic sense, to encompass all levels of biodiversity, ecological and evolutionary processes, including: Natural ecosystems: e.g. forests, grasslands, wetlands, deserts, mountains, coastal and marine areas, including the historical changes taking place in such ecosystems. Wild species and varieties: species of plants, animals, and micro-organisms existing in their natural state and the genetic variation within each of these species. Biodiversity Agricultural ecosystems: e.g. farmlands, pastures, capture fisheries, aquaculture, including historical changes in land-use patterns. Domesticated species and varieties: species of crops livestock (including poultry), captive-bred fish, pets, and micro organisms in ex-situ collection and the genetic variation within each of these species. In general we may say that Biodiversity exist at a various levels such as species, genetic and habitat Biodiversity According to Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), biodiversity is “the variability among all living organisms from all sources, including, interalia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems”. Biodiversity Biological diversity is the central tenet of nature, one of its key defining features. Evolution has produced an amazing variety of plants, animals and micro-organisms, intricately interconnected, and worthy of respect and conservation in their own right. Biodiversity is also the basis for the continuous evolution of species. This diversity is also the backbone of human societies and cultures, in terms of the ecological functions it provides and the myriad survival and livelihood it meets. Major events in Geological record (the cosmic calendar) Events Years ago Big bang & formation of Universe 4800 Million Origin of life and evolution of biological cells 3500 Million Evolution of Blue green algae 3200 Million Filamentous algae 2000 Million Eukaryotic cells and photosynthetic cells 400 Million Photosynthetic organisms – Thallophytes & fungi & land plants 320 Million Bryophytes : Mosses & Liverworts 300 Million Tracheophytes: Club mosses (Lycopodium, Selaginella) 280 Million Major events in Geological record (the cosmic calendar Contd..) Events Years ago Gymnosperms : Cycadoides 280 Million Ginkgos 250 Million Conifers 250 Million Angiosperms 100-125 Million Ants 60 Million Agriculture by Ants 50 Million Homo habilis (Progenitor of humans) 2.5 Million Homo sapiens (Humans) 1.5 Million Agriculture by Humans 12000 Years Genesis of the Global Concern on Biodiversity Conservation • First discussed in 1972 U. N. Conference at Stockhlom • U. N. General Assembly by a resolution on 15th December 1972 established UNEP. . • First Governing Council met in 1973 identified Conservation of Nature, Wildlife and Genetic Resources as Priority areas. • The World Commission on environment and Development (WCED) was constituted in 1983. • WCED submitted its report ‘Our Common Future’ in 1987 called for Conservation of Biodiversity for Sustainable Development. Genesis of the Global Concern on Biodiversity Conservation • UNEP constituted an ad-hoc. Working Group of Technological and Legal experts to prepare an international legal instrument for conservation and sustainable use of Biodiversity which resulted in ‘CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY’ (CBD). –171 countries signed CBD in June1992 during the Earth summit at Rio de Janeiro. • CBD came -into force as an International Law On 29th Dec. 1993. Genesis of the Global Concern on Biodiversity Conservation • India ratified CBD on 18th February 1994 and came into force from 19th May 1994. • 188 countries are now parties to CBD (as on December 2004) Reasons for Conserving Biodiversity Ethical Ecological Economic Aesthetic Evolutionary Action Programme Prepare -passport data of all important and endemic biodiversity passport data should cover morphological cytological chemical and molecular level (DNA/gene level) information so as to prevent bio/germplasm. Identification of problems and solutions in conservation, threatened status of species & ecosystems. Identification of problems and solutions in conservation. Conservation of Biodiversity Strategies & Priorities IUCN, UNEP & WWF 1980 came out with the first global strategy for Conservation. This strategy defined conservation as : "Management of human use of biodiversity so that it may yield the greatest sustainable benefit to present generation while maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generation " This definition involves two complementary components , ‘Conservation' and sustainability Conservation of Biodiversity Strategies & Priorities Primary Goal of World Conservation Strategy is: Maintenance of essential ecological processes and life support systems on which human survival and economic activities depend Preservation of species and genetic diversity Sustainable use of species and ecosystems which support millions of rural communities as well as major industries. Thus a logical strategy for conservation of biodiversity should involve: Protection, preservation, maintenance, exploitation, conservation and sustainable utilization of Biodiversity Conservation of Biodiversity Strategies & Priorities Most widely accepted scientific methods of biodiversity conservation are: (i)In situ methods & (ii) Ex situ methods In situ conservation This is being done by effecting protection of Natural habitat(s) as such so as the species or stock of biological communities in their natural state is protected from human intervention e.g. Biosphere reserves, national Parks, wild life sanctuaries, sacred groves or other protected natural ecosystems or on farm agro diversity. The idea of establishing protected areas & network has been taken a central place in all policy decision process related to biodiversity conservation both at national and international levels R&D work on Plant Biodiversity Thrust Areas & Future Strategies Complete survey, inventory, documentation and preparation of digital database along with virtual herbarium Identification of rare, endangered and endemic plants Bioprospecting of biodiversity and selection. Domestication, genetic enhancement and development protocol for cultivation of selected wild plant. Development of package of practices for post harvest management and processing. Development of location specific value added product development from locally available bioresources that convert the local biodiversity into economic wealth & thereby generating gainful mass rural employment and prosperity to the nation. Strength of South East Asia in Biodiversity Rich in all levels of biodiversity species, genes, habitat. Rich in cultural diversity that generated rich fund of indigenous knowledge systems. Humanity has tapped only a fraction of this nature's vast genetic library. Over 80-85% genetic resources of South Asian countries are hitherto untapped. Excellent opportunity for hunting novel genes, drugs, pharmaceuticals, new chemicals / raw materials for new industrial ventures. Action Programme Important points that the biodiversity rich third world nations should undertake: Complete inventory & documentation of all Biological resources including the microorganisms Check list/database of the floristic wealth of the nation along with the associated knowledge system Ground check to know the actual situation and identify the gaps: Study- genetic diversity, distribution pattern, association pattern and gradients Identify- rare, endemic and endangered status of spp. , if any.