| Introduction
‘Biological diversity’ means the variability among living organisms from all sources, including among other things, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part. This includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. Biodiversity can be expressed in different ways. Biological diversity is the resource upon which families, communities, nations and future generations depend. It is the link between all organisms on earth, binding each into an interdependant ecosystem, in which all species have their role. It is the web of life.
An analysis, undertaken as part of the UN report on the Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity for business to be released in summer, shows few of the world’s largest companies are currently communicating about biodiversity risks or opportunities with mainstream investors. This is despite the estimated US$2 - US$4.5 trillion annual economic cost of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. Existing loss of biodiversity and degradation of ecosystems has already had dramatic consequences for business. Reduced productivity, scarcity or increased cost of resources, disruption of operations, reputation and financing risks, litigation, changing consumer and purchaser requirements were just some of the risks identified by the report.
‘Corporates need to start thinking about ecosystems as an extension of their asset base, part of their plant and machinery, and appreciating the value they deliver. Ecosystem protection, or the impact of ecosystem loss, needs to be factored into investment appraisal and capital allocation decision-making.
More than one decade after the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the recognition of biodiversity loss has gained high political profile both at global, national and regional levels. The goal of halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010 is the subject of several key international agreements.
India’s Efforts
India is one of the 12 mega biodiversities countries of the world. It is rich in biological diversity and there are many biodiversity hot-spots in the country. There are several wetland ecosystems, which are particularly rich in flora and fauna. They are under serious threat from human activities. A report from the Ministry of Environment and Forests says that India has not done well to conserve its rich biodiversity, which is considered most diverse in the world. The National Biodiversity Action Plan says 41 percent of India’s forest cover is at different levels of degradation and the country is making limited use of its vast gene pool in agriculture and livestock, thereby creating a risk of food security.
The Biological Diversity Act 2002 was born out of India’s attempt to realise the objectives enshrined in the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) 1992, which recognizes the sovereign rights of states to use their own biological resources. It contains provisions for access and benefit sharing. A National Biodiversity Authority was established in Chennai. Regarding India’s Actions to Combat Biopiracy, India has been taking a number of proactive measures related to biodiversity.
The Ministry of Environment and Forests has chosen the theme of this year’s World Environment Day as ‘Biodiversity: Connecting with Nature' while celebratimg International Year of Biodiversity. Several awareness raising events are being planned all over the country throughout the year.
Speaking as chief guest on the occasion of World Environment Day, Dr Kalam Ex-President of India said, ”Environment and Biodiversity Conservation will indeed be a collective mission for the 21st century for all humanity, across cities, across states, across nations and across continents”.
However, the objective of halting the decline in biodiversity by 2010 will require unprecedented efforts in adapting our activities to the needs of natural systems. As individuals we can contribute to reducing biodiversity loss by:
- Minimizing carbon footprint,
- Being a green consumer,
- Eating green,
- Exploring biodiversity,
- Enhancing local biodiversity, and
- Doing it in nature’s way.
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