BIODIVERSITY

CONSERVATION
(Impact of climate
change on biodiversity
and ecosystems; Role
and relevance of
community participation
in biodiversity
conservation)

BRIJESH GEORGE
ROLL NO : 6
SEMESTER VI (3YR LLB REGULAR)
Introduction to Biodiversity Conservation
“Biodiversity is the variation among living organisms from different sources
including terrestrial, marine and desert ecosystems, and the ecological complexes
of which they are a part.”

Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life forms, including plants,
animals, microorganisms, and the ecosystems they form. It is the foundation of
ecosystem services that provide food, water, medicine, and climate regulation,
crucial for human survival. Biodiversity conservation is critical for maintaining
ecosystem balance and ensuring the resilience of our planet's ecological systems.
It includes the protection of species, their habitats, and the restoration of
damaged ecosystems. Biodiversity conservation is becoming more urgent as we
face unprecedented global challenges, particularly those stemming from climate
change.

The International Day for Biodiversity is celebrated every year on 22

May.
Biodiversity is not evenly distributed,
rather it varies greatly across the
globe as well as within regions and
seasons. Among other factors, the
diversity of all living things (biota)
depends on temperature,
precipitation, altitude, soils,
geography and the interactions
between other species. The study of
the spatial distribution of organisms,
species and ecosystems, is the
science of biogeography.
Types of Biodiversity

There are the following three

different types of biodiversity:

• Genetic Biodiversity
• Species Biodiversity
• Ecological Biodiversity
[Link] diversity
“Genetic diversity is defined as genetic
variability present within species.”
Genetic diversity is the product of
recombination of genetic material in the
process of inheritance. It changes with time
and space. Sexual reproduction is important
in maintaining genetic diversity as it gives
unique offspring by combining genes of
parents. Mutation of genes, genetic drift and
gene flow are also responsible for genetic
diversity.

Importance of Genetic Diversity

•Genetic diversity gives rise to different
physical attributes to the individual and
capacity to adapt to stress, diseases and
unfavourable environmental conditions.
•Genetic diversity is important for a healthy
population by maintaining different varieties
of genes that might be resistant to pests,
diseases or other conditions.
•Genetic diversity reduces the recurrence of
[Link] diversity
“Species diversity is defined as the number of
different species present in an ecosystem and
relative abundance of each of those species.”
Diversity is greatest when all the species
present are equally abundant in the area.
There are two constituents of species diversity:
•Species richness: Number of different species
present in an ecosystem. Tropical areas have
greater species richness as the environment is
conducive for a large number of species
•Species evenness: Relative abundance of
individuals of each of those species. If the
number of individuals within a species is fairly
constant across communities, it is said to have a
high evenness and if the number of individuals
varies from species to species, it is said to have
low evenness. High evenness leads to greater
specific diversity.

It is possible in an ecosystem to have high

species richness, but low species evenness. No
[Link] diversity

An ecosystem is a collection of living

and non-living organisms and their
interaction with each other. Ecological
biodiversity refers to the variations in
the plant and animal species living
together and connected by food chains
and food webs. It is the diversity
observed among the different
ecosystems in a region. Diversity in
different ecosystems like deserts,
rainforests, mangroves, etc., include
ecological diversity.
Importance of Biodiversity

Biodiversity and its maintenance are very important for sustaining life on earth. A
few of the reasons explaining the importance of biodiversity are:

1. Ecological Stability
Every species has a specific role in an ecosystem. They capture and store energy and
also produce and decompose organic matter. The ecosystem supports the services
without which humans cannot survive. A diverse ecosystem is more productive and
can withstand environmental stress.

2. Economic Importance
Biodiversity is a reservoir of resources for the manufacture of food, cosmetic
products and pharmaceuticals. Crops livestock, fishery, and forests are a rich sources
of food. Wild plants such as Cinchona and Foxglove plant are used for medicinal
purposes. Wood, fibres, perfumes, lubricants, rubber, resins, poison and cork are all
derived from different plant species. The national parks and sanctuaries are a source
of tourism. They are a source of beauty and joy for many people.

3. Ethical Importance
All species have a right to exist. Humans should not cause their voluntary extinction.
Biodiversity preserves different cultures and spiritual heritage. Therefore, it is very
important to conserve biodiversity.
Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity and
Ecosystems
Climate change refers to long-term
changes in local, global or regional
temperature and weather due to
human activities. For 1000s of
years, the relationship between
lifeforms and the weather have
been in a delicate balance
conducive for the existence of all
lifeforms on this Planet.

After the industrial revolution

(1850) this balance is gradually
changing and the change has
become apparent from the middle
of the twentieth century. Now it has
become a major threat to the
wellbeing of humans and the
sustainability of biodiversity.
Drivers of climate change
1. Emission of green-house gases

Steady increase in the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) due to human activities has
been the primary driver for climate change. The principal greenhouse gases are carbon
dioxide (76%), methane (16%), and to a limited extent nitrous oxide (2%). Until recent
decades, the temperature of the atmosphere was maintained within a reasonable range as
some of the sunlight that hits the earth was reflected back into the space while the rest
becomes heat that keeps the earth and the atmosphere warm enough for the sustenance
of life forms. Accumulation of greenhouse gases combine with water vapour to form a
transparent layer in the atmosphere that traps infrared radiation (net heat energy)
emitted from the Earth’s surface and reradiates it back to Earth’s surface, thus
contributing to the increasing temperature (greenhouse effect).

2. Deforestation

Limited deforestation in early part of human civilization was the result of subsistence
farming; farmers used to cut down trees to grow crops for consumption of their families
and local population. In preindustrial period also, there was a balance between the
amount of CO2 emitted through various processes and the amount absorbed by the
plants. Forests are the main sinks of atmospheric CO2. After the industrial revolution, the
trend began to change; increasing proportion of deforestation is being driven by the
demands of urbanization, industrial activities and large-scale agriculture.
The impact of climate
changes
[Link] global temperatures leads to
habitat loss on land and sea

Rising global temperatures, also known as

‘global warming’, is one of the most
important aspects of climate change. It
refers to the increasing greenhouse gases,
like CO2 and methane, in the atmosphere,
which trap the sun’s heat. This trapped
heat is related—directly or indirectly—to
widespread habitat loss on both land and
in the sea.

Rising global temperatures alter the

distribution and behavior of species. Many
species are forced to migrate to cooler
areas or adapt to new environmental
conditions. Species that cannot migrate or
adapt may face extinction. For example,
polar bears are particularly vulnerable as
the Arctic ice melts, threatening their
2. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation:

Climate change accelerates the loss and

fragmentation of habitats. Increased
temperatures and altered precipitation
patterns affect forests, wetlands, and
coastal ecosystems. Coral reefs, which are
highly sensitive to temperature changes,
are experiencing mass bleaching events,
threatening marine biodiversity. This loss
of habitats directly impacts the species
that rely on them for survival.

3. Ocean Acidification:

The increased concentration of carbon

dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere is
absorbed by oceans, leading to ocean
acidification. This disrupts marine
ecosystems, particularly coral reefs,
shellfish, and plankton, which form the
base of marine food webs. The decline of
4. Changes in Ecosystem Services:

Ecosystem services, such as pollination, water

purification, and carbon sequestration, are threatened by
climate change. As species and ecosystems are altered,
the ability of ecosystems to provide these services
diminishes, which can negatively impact human well-
being. For instance, reduced pollinator populations
threaten food production systems.
Climate change also affects biodiversity by disturbing the
timing of natural cycles and events. Frequent changes in
weather patterns, such as early springs or warm winters,
can disrupt the natural rhythm of life. Animals often take
cues from their environment when making important
decisions, like when to migrate or when to reproduce. So
any big changes in weather patterns can mean biological
events fall out of sync and happen at different times. For
example, birds arriving at breeding grounds when the
food source is scarcer. This can threaten their survival as
well as their breeding efforts.
Climate breakdown can also lead to an unpredictable
outcome for the functioning of entire ecosystems. In
almost all cases, biodiversity declines despite a ‘degree
5. Increased Frequency of Extreme Weather
Events:

The frequency and intensity of extreme

weather events such as storms, floods, and
droughts have increased due to climate
change. These events can damage
ecosystems, disrupt species’ habitats, and
exacerbate the challenges faced by already
vulnerable species.

Climate change is causing extreme weather

like storms, floods and wildfires to happen
more often and be more severe. Such tragic
events not only affect humans, but they also
destroy habitats and kill wildlife. As an
example, the 2019-20 Australian bushfires
burned almost 19 million hectares of land. It
also affected nearly three billion animals,
including koalas, wombats, kangaroos and
wallabies. Besides, they can have long-term
effects on the remaining survivors and even
6. Climate change creates pathways for the
introduction and spread of invasive species

The geographic ranges of many animal and plant

species have been shifting from low to high
latitudes in response to climate change. This can
create new pathways for invasive species that are
not native to a particular area. And often, they are
introduced by human activity.

When the climate changes, invasive species can

move into new habitats and compete with native
species for food, shelter and space. They can also
introduce new diseases. Invasive species are
animals or plants from another region of the world
that don't belong in their new environment. They
can be introduced to an area by ship ballast water,
accidental release, and most often, by people.

For example, red squirrels used to be a common

sight in the UK—the only native squirrel species.
But their population has been declining for many
years since the introduction of grey squirrels from
7. Sea level rise

Global warming is causing mean sea level to

rise in two ways. On one hand, the melting of
the glaciers, the polar ice cap and the Atlantic
ice shelf are adding water to the ocean and on
the other hand the volume of the ocean is
expanding as the water warms.

8. Desertification

Desertification can be described as “the

elimination or reduction of a land's biological
capacity that can result in conditions that
resemble deserts”. The direct causes of
desertification can be broadly divided between
those relating to how the land is – or isn’t –
managed and those relating to the climate.
The former includes factors such as
deforestation, overgrazing of livestock, over-
cultivation of crops and inappropriate
irrigation; the latter includes natural
How can we protect biodiversity from climate change?
To protect biodiversity from climate change, we need to focus on big solutions.
We need large-scale, system-wide changes, which can include:

• Reducing greenhouse gases. This can be done by using energy more efficiently,
changing how we use energy, and using more renewable sources like solar and
wind.
• Implementing conservation policies that consider the impact of climate change
on wildlife. This includes restoring damaged ecosystems, protecting more wild
spaces, and promoting environmental justice.
• Creating more wildlife corridors and protected green spaces. This allows
species to move freely between habitats.
• Funding research and monitoring of wildlife. This is critical for endangered
species and ones at risk from climate change. Doing so can help us understand
and plan better ways to protect biodiversity.

Biodiversity and its Conservation Methods

Biodiversity can be conserved in the following ways:

• In-situ Conservation (Article 8 of the Convention on Biodiversity)

• Ex-situ Conservation (Article 9 of the Convention on Biodiversity)
[Link]-situ Conservation

In-situ conservation of biodiversity is the conservation of species within their natural

habitat. In this method, the natural ecosystem is maintained and protected.
The in-situ conservation has several advantages. Following are the important
advantages of in-situ conservation:
a. It is a cost-effective and convenient method of conserving biodiversity.
b. A large number of living organisms can be conserved simultaneously.
c. Since the organisms are in a natural ecosystem, they can evolve better and can
easily adjust to different environmental conditions.
d. Certain protected areas where in-situ conservation takes place include national
parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves.

2. Ex-situ Conservation

Ex-situ conservation of biodiversity involves the breeding and maintenance of

endangered species in artificial ecosystems such as zoos, nurseries, botanical
gardens, gene banks, etc. There is less competition for food, water and space among
the organisms.
Ex-situ conservation has the following advantages:
a. The animals are provided with a longer time and breeding activity.
b. The species bred in captivity can be reintroduced in the wild.
c. Genetic techniques can be used for the preservation of endangered species.
Role and Relevance of Community Participation in Biodiversity
Conservation

Community participation plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, as

local communities are often the first stewards of the environment. Engaging
local people in conservation efforts can lead to more sustainable and
effective outcomes. Here are several ways in which community participation
is vital:

• Traditional Knowledge and Practices:

Indigenous and local communities possess a wealth of traditional knowledge

that can aid in biodiversity conservation. Their practices have been
developed over centuries and often include sustainable resource
management techniques that can contribute to the preservation of
ecosystems. Integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern
science can lead to more holistic conservation strategies.

• Empowerment and Ownership:

• Community-Based Conservation:

Community-based conservation initiatives, such as community-managed protected areas,

have shown great success in many regions. These initiatives enable local people to have
a direct say in the management of their natural resources, which can result in more
sustainable and context-specific conservation practices. An example is the community-
led conservation efforts in the Amazon rainforest, where local indigenous groups work to
protect biodiversity while benefiting from sustainable livelihoods.

• Education and Awareness:

Community participation helps to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity

and the threats it faces. Education programs that involve local communities in
conservation efforts help to foster a culture of conservation. Schools, community
workshops, and media campaigns can promote sustainable practices and change
attitudes toward biodiversity.

• Policy Influence:

Local communities can influence national and international conservation policies through
active participation in governance and advocacy. By joining forces with NGOs,
governments, and international organizations, communities can advocate for policies
that support biodiversity conservation at larger scales.
Case Studies of Successful Community Involvement in
Biodiversity Conservation
1. The Maasai Mara Conservancies
(Kenya)

The Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies

Association (MMWCA) is a Kenyan
commitment, to conserve the greater
Maasai Mara ecosystem, through a
network of protected areas
(conservancies and conservation areas).
By conserving the greater Maasai Mara
ecosystem through this network of
community protected areas, they ensure
the prosperity of biodiversity and
wildlife, the regional Maasai population,
recreation, tourism, and the nation of
Kenya for generations to come. The
Maasai Mara is home to one of the most
diverse ecosystems in Africa. Local
Maasai communities have formed
2. The Kunu Indigenous Community (Peru):

Extractive activities, such as oil spills and oil

palm cultivation, and climate change, such as
drought and forest fires, are the main threats
to native communities and the huge variety of
ecosystems and a great wealth of natural
resources in Peru.
Currently, 21% of Peru’s territory consists of
mining concessions, which are superimposed
upon 47.8% of the territory of peasant
communities. Similarly, 75% of the Peruvian
Amazon is covered by oil and gas concessions.
This overlapping of rights to communal
territories, the enormous pressure being
exerted by the extractive industries, the lack of
territorial cohesion and absence of effective
prior consultation are all exacerbating
territorial and socio-environmental conflicts in
Peru.

The Kunu indigenous community in the

Peruvian Amazon has been instrumental in the
protection of their traditional forest lands,
Relevant Articles and Conventions Addressing Climate Change
and Biodiversity Conservation
Several international agreements and conventions aim to address the intersection
of climate change and biodiversity conservation:

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC):

The UNFCCC, adopted in 1992, is the primary international treaty aimed at

combating climate change. It acknowledges the importance of biodiversity
conservation in climate action and calls for the protection of ecosystems as part of
broader environmental goals.

The Paris Agreement (2015):

The Paris Agreement, adopted under the UNFCCC, aims to limit global warming to
well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with a goal of limiting it to 1.5°C. This
agreement recognizes that climate change impacts biodiversity and ecosystems
and calls for efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance adaptation
efforts to protect vulnerable species and ecosystems.
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):

The CBD, adopted in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, is an

international legally binding treaty aimed at preserving biodiversity, promoting
sustainable use of natural resources, and ensuring the fair and equitable sharing
of the benefits of biodiversity. The CBD provides a framework for integrating
biodiversity conservation into global climate action.

The Nagoya Protocol (2010):

The Nagoya Protocol is a supplementary agreement to the CBD that focuses on

access to genetic resources and the fair sharing of benefits derived from their
use. The protocol recognizes the importance of maintaining biodiversity for
climate change resilience and adaptation.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC):

The IPCC provides scientific assessments on the state of climate change and its
impacts on ecosystems. The IPCC's reports emphasize the need for biodiversity
conservation as part of broader climate change mitigation and adaptation
strategies.
Conclusion

Biodiversity conservation is essential for maintaining the health

and stability of ecosystems that provide essential services to
humanity. The impacts of climate change on biodiversity are
profound and multifaceted, including shifts in species distribution,
habitat loss, and the degradation of ecosystem services. Climate
change exacerbates existing pressures on biodiversity, making
conservation efforts more urgent than ever.

Community participation in biodiversity conservation plays a key

role in ensuring the success of conservation initiatives. Local
knowledge, sustainable practices, and active engagement in
decision-making processes can enhance the effectiveness of
biodiversity conservation efforts. It is critical that governments,
NGOs, and international organizations continue to prioritize the
involvement of local communities, integrate traditional ecological
knowledge with scientific approaches, and strengthen global
agreements like the CBD and the Paris Agreement to address the