4.2 Biodiversity and Its Conservation

Biodiversity and Its Conservation

Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the total number of living organisms, plants, bacteria, and genes on Earth, their coexistence, and the variability in their interrelations. According to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD, 1992), biodiversity encompasses the variability among living organisms from all sources (terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems) and the ecological complexities associated with them, including diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems. As per Nepal’s Environment Protection Act, 2076 BS, biodiversity includes ecosystem diversity, species diversity, and genetic diversity. Scientists estimate there are about 8.7 million species globally, with 6.5 million terrestrial and 2.2 million aquatic, of which only 2.1 million have been scientifically identified. Biodiversity varies by location, representing the microorganisms, genes, animals, plants, and ecosystems per unit area in a specific region.

Types of Biodiversity

1. Ecosystem Diversity: The system formed by the interrelation between living organisms and their environment is an ecosystem. Ecosystem diversity refers to the variation and differences among various ecosystems and their components. Nepal has 118 types of ecosystems.
2. Species Diversity: Organisms capable of interbreeding are considered the same species. Species diversity refers to the variation and differences among species, measured by the number of species. Globally, an estimated 8.7 million species exist.
3. Genetic Diversity: Genes are the units that transfer hereditary traits from parents to offspring. Genetic diversity refers to the variation in genes within a species or subspecies, such as Aryan, Caucasian, Negro, and Mongol in humans.

Importance of Biodiversity

Biodiversity is crucial for the sustainability and continuity of ecosystems and living organisms on Earth. It contributes to 40% of the global economy and fulfills approximately 80% of the needs of low-income populations.

a) Environmental Importance

• Maintaining the existence of living organisms.
• Preserving Earth’s aesthetic value.
• Operating ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles.
• Mitigating the impacts of climate change.
• Conserving endangered genes and species.
• Protecting land and watersheds.
• Maintaining natural beauty.
• Balancing ecosystems and environmental protection.
• Conserving genetic resources.

b) Economic Importance

• Supplying raw materials for industries.
• Promoting ecotourism for economic development.
• Facilitating carbon trading.
• Increasing income, production, and employment opportunities.

c) Other Importance

• Enhancing agricultural and livestock production.
• Providing herbs and medicinal substances.
• Improving animal genetic breeds.
• Supporting study, research, and exploration.

Status of Biodiversity in Nepal

Nepal is a biodiversity-rich country. Despite occupying only 0.03% of the world’s land area (93rd globally), it ranks 49th in biodiversity, hosting 1.3% of global biodiversity. In terms of flowering plants, Nepal is 27th globally and 10th in Asia.

a) Ecosystem Diversity

Nepal has 118 ecosystems, with 80 in protected areas. Geographically, these include 12 in the Terai, 14 in the Chure-Bhawar region, 53 in the mid-hills, 38 in the high mountains and Himalayas, and 1 in other areas.

b) Species Diversity

Nepal is home to over 23,000 species of animals and plants, including 11,861 animal species (1.1% of global species) and 11,971 plant species (3.2% of global species). This includes 6,973 flowering plants (3.2% of global total), 208 mammals (5.2% of global total), 867 birds (9.5% of global total), 123 reptiles (2% of global total), and 117 amphibians (2.5% of global total). Of these, 284 flowering plants and 14 reptiles are endemic to Nepal.

c) Genetic Diversity

Due to limited studies, precise data on genetic diversity in Nepal is unavailable.

Nepal ranks 49th globally, 11th in Asia, and 2nd in South Asia in biodiversity. Its geography is divided into Terai, hills, and Himalayas, including inner Terai, Bhawar, Chure, mid-hills, Mahabharat, main Himalayas, trans-Himalayas, valleys, passes, lakes, rivers, ponds, and forests. Nepal has five types of soil, five types of forests based on topography, and five types of climate. Forests cover 46.08% of the land, protected areas 23.39%, and wetlands 5%. Factors like the absence of deserts, low industrialization, scenic natural environments, elevation ranging from 58 to 8,848 meters, and abundant water resources contribute to Nepal’s biodiversity richness. Nepal hosts diverse flowering plants, mammals, birds, herbs, insects, fish, edible plants, and endemic species. Many species are listed under CITES for conservation. Nepal has 12 national parks, 13 buffer zones, 6 conservation areas, 10 Ramsar-listed wetlands, 1 hunting reserve, and 1 wildlife reserve, hosting millions of species. As an agriculture-based country, Nepal is rich in agricultural biodiversity.

Causes of Biodiversity Loss

• Population growth and poverty.
• Habitat destruction and fragmentation of wildlife.
• Overdependence and overexploitation of natural resources.
• Poaching and illegal trade of biological resources.
• Use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
• Environmental pollution.
• Greenhouse gas emissions.
• Climate change.
• Low public awareness.
• Increasing industrialization, mechanization, and unplanned urbanization.
• Habitat loss due to human and natural causes.
• Extinction of species due to infectious diseases.
• Uncontrolled growth of invasive species (e.g., parthenium, fall armyworm, locusts).
• Wildfires and increasing forest encroachment.
• High levels of environmental pollution (water, noise, air).
• Land expansion due to population growth.
• Destruction of species due to wars, nuclear explosions, and arms races (e.g., Hiroshima, Nagasaki).
• Ozone layer depletion allowing harmful ultraviolet rays to reach Earth.
• Imbalance between population, development, and environment.
• Lack of adoption of environmentally friendly development concepts.
• Increasing illegal trafficking of wildlife and plant products.
• Overdependence on forest resources due to poverty and unemployment.
• Increasing natural disasters like floods and landslides.
• Ineffective implementation of treaties and agreements.
• Ineffective enforcement of policies and regulations.
• Weak institutional capacity.
• Neglecting environmental aspects in the construction of large development projects.

Evidence of Biodiversity Loss

Biodiversity loss is a serious global concern, driven by both natural (disasters, climate change) and human-induced causes (deforestation, pollution, encroachment). Key findings and evidence include:

• IPBES Global Assessment Report (2019): About 1 million species are at risk of extinction due to land-use changes (deforestation, agricultural expansion, fragmentation), direct exploitation (hunting), climate change, pollution, and invasive species. The current extinction rate is 100–1,000 times higher than the natural rate, signaling the start of the "Sixth Mass Extinction."
• WWF Living Planet Report (2022): Global vertebrate populations declined by an average of 69% from 1970 to 2018, with a 94% decline in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• UNEP (2021): 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans annually, harming marine biodiversity.
• IUCN Red List: Over 40,000 species are listed as at risk of extinction.
• CBD Global Biodiversity Outlook 5 (2020): Only 1 of the 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets (2010–2020) was fully achieved, with biodiversity declining in most parts of the world.
• FAO (2020): Approximately 10 million hectares of forest are lost annually, destroying key biodiversity habitats.
• Over 50% of coral reefs have been destroyed due to rising temperatures, acidification, and plastic pollution, threatening marine biodiversity.
• In Nepal, over 220 species are critically endangered, including tigers, rhinos, vultures, musk deer, and pheasants, due to encroachment, illegal hunting, climate change, and forest pressure.

Measures for Biodiversity Conservation

• Population management.
• Forest development, afforestation, and conservation of forest resources.
• Controlling poaching.
• Using organic pesticides instead of chemical ones.
• Reducing environmental pollution.
• Cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
• Adopting climate change mitigation measures.
• Enhancing public awareness.

Methods of Biodiversity Conservation

1. In-Situ Conservation: Conservation of natural resources and species in their natural habitats. This includes protecting immovable species, landscapes, and natural environments through the establishment of national parks, wildlife reserves, hunting reserves, and conservation areas.
2. Ex-Situ Conservation: Conservation of rare and endangered species in artificial environments, such as zoos and botanical gardens.