CMA

64 2. Species diversity: The number of variety of species in a particular region. 3. Genetic diversity: It is defined as variation at the level of individual genes. Includes the differences in DNA composition among individuals within a given species. As it is known that biodiversity is not evenly distributed, it varies greatly across the globe as well as within regions and is richer in the tropics. The tropical forest ecosystems cover less than ten percent of earth’s surface and contain about ninety percent of the world’s species. Terrestrial biodiversity is thought to be up to 25 times greater than ocean biodiversity. The study of the spatial distribution of organisms, species and ecosystem is the science of biogeography. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005) identifies 24 ecosystem services that maintain the essential life support processes of the planet, including primary production and nutrient recycling, pollination, air and water purification, waste detoxification and decomposition, soil fertility regeneration, protection from natural disasters and disease (e.g., regulating climate, floods, and pests), and production and maintenance of biodiversity. Of the 24 ecosystems, 15 have become endangered over the last 50 years and five more are threatened with disruption. This array of services is generated by a complex interplay of natural cycles powered by solar energy and operating across a wide range of space and time scales. Daily Nature’s Services: Societal Dependence on Natural Ecosystems. Washington: Island Press (1997), identifies such ecosystem goods as sea-food, fodder, fuel wood, timber, and pharmaceutical products that are of great importance to human populations as well as an integral part of essential ecosystems that support other species. Ecosystems also provide the basis for such important aspects of human culture as spiritual needs, knowledge systems, and traditional use. Biodiversity is essential for the sustained provision of these support goods and services that are provided at all levels local, regional, and global each one making crucial contributions to human well being (UNEP, 2005). Recognizing the fundamental role of biodiversity in supporting human life, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), a legally binding landmark treaty, was opened for signature at the Rio Earth Summit and entered into force in 1993. The three main objectives of Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) are 1. The conservation of biodiversity 2. The sustainable use of its components 3. The fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. In 2002, it was acknowledged that there is a continual threat to biodiversity from human activities, reaffirming that biodiversity is the living foundation for sustainable development that the rate of loss is still accelerating, that threats must be addressed and that the Convention continues to be a key tool for sustainable development. At this time, Parties adopted a Strategic Plan whereby they committed to a more effective and coherent implementation of the Convention objectives so as to achieve a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss at all levels by 2010. There are five main threats to biodiversity, which are commonly recognized in the programs of work of the Convention: habitat change, invasive alien species, climate change, nutrient loading and pollution and over exploitation. These work synergistically together to amplify negative impacts on wild species. Habitat Change The natural landscape has been divided or fragmented for urban and suburban development and agricultural production disrupting interactions among organisms and destroying, reducing, or seriously altering essential habitats. Habitat fragmentation not only affects species, but also affects the processes that drive biodiversity. Fragmentation of habitat causes large populations to be broken into smaller populations that may be isolated from one another. Eventually, loss of habitat can affect the genetic variability and viability of populations that can lead to local extinctions. If a species experiences local extinction in many locations, this can eventually lead to global or permanent extinction. Maintaining habitat is important for annual animal migrations. For example, earlier the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) was found across several states of India, it is now on the brink of extinction and in absence of a habitat, its revival looks near impossible. Invasive alien species: Exotic species are organisms that have been introduced into an area outside their normal distribution. Human individuals or agencies have both intentionally or accidentally introduced alien species into ecosystems, sometimes with