Biodiversity which refers to the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat is important to humans for ecological life support.
Biodiversity is the variability among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems.
It gives a functioning ecosystem that provides oxygen, clean air and water, pest control, waste and water treatment as well as supports larger number of plant species and greater variety of crops.
There are three main types of biodiversity which includes; species, genetic and ecological diversity.
Every ecosystem contains a unique collection of species, all interacting with each other.
Therefore, biodiversity also boosts ecosystem productivity where each species, no matter how small has important roles to play.
A healthy biodiversity provides a number of natural resources for everyone, which includes ecosystem services, biological resources and social benefits.
Biological diversity resources are the pillars upon which civilization is built. For instance fish provide twenty percent of animal protein to about three million people globally.
Furthermore, over eighty percent of human diet is provided by plants.
This is evident as report shows that over eighty percent of people living in rural areas in developing countries rely on traditional plant-based medicines for basic health care.
Though, there is growing recognition that biological diversity is a global asset of tremendous value to future generations, yet the number of species is being significantly reduced by certain human activities like degradation, fragmentation of habitats, pollution, exploitation and introduction of alien species.
Also, loss of diversity threatens all, including people’s health. It has been proven that biodiversity loss could expand diseases transmitted from animals to animals.
On the other hand, if biodiversity is intact, it offers excellent tools to fight against pandemic like those caused by corona virus.
Due to the importance of biodiversity and its preservation to human existence, the United Nations set aside every 22nd of May as the international day for biological diversity to increase understanding and awareness of diversity issues.
This year’s theme is we’re part of the solution which emphasises that the solution is in nature which serves as a reminder that biodiversity remains the solution to several sustainable challenges.
It behoves every individual to play his or her role in conserving biodiversity for a healthy society.
The government both at the federal and local levels should put in place functional legislation that protects natural habitats.
While creation of national parks as well as provision of modern equipment in the parks for effectiveness should be looked into.
Above all, use of alternative energy sources and nature or sustainable products will reduce effects of climate which is a way of conserving biodiversity.
Titilayo kupoliyi
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