Biodiversity and other sources supply raw materials to many important industries. They have aesthetic value and appeal for ecotourism, which supports the growth of the national economy. They are also potential sources of pharmaceuticals, other chemicals, agricultural materials, etc.
Pharmaceutical products of biodiversity origin offer important medicines to our healthcare systems and provide a background for many social services. Besides these, biodiversity offers various ecosystem services as each of the numerous species of animals and plants depends on some other animals or plants for survival, breeding, and development.
Whenever a species is depleted, it becomes tough for the dependent species to survive without the existence of its complementary species. Cases like this and several others put the natural environment under immense pressure, destabilising the ecosystem and creating a complete imbalance.
Now, the world has realised that a significant biodiversity loss could seriously undermine our long-term economic, intellectual, physical and emotional well-being. Why haven’t we become more aware of biodiversity and its importance now? The answer may be partly due to our loss of intimacy with other living things. In many cases, we’ve lost contact with the natural foundations on which our lives are built. Our ignorance of nature and its workings may be catching up with us.
The challenge now is to learn as much as possible to gain a new perspective on our place in the natural world, better protect living things, and create a more sustainable and responsible society. The diversity of life on earth shapes and nourishes every facet of our existence, but the connections between species are seldom obvious.
Due to various factors, biodiversity is rapidly declining. An informed and motivated citizenry that understands biodiversity and its importance needs to be developed to ensure the planet’s long-term health. Citizens with the skills and confidence to rise to the challenge of protecting biodiversity and feel empowered to do so are needed. Education is one of the best tools for achieving this goal.
