SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS - BCV654D MODULE 4
MODULE - 4
1.1. Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth, including genes, species, and
ecosystems.
It includes three levels:
Genetic Diversity: Variety within species.
Species Diversity: Variety among species.
Ecosystem Diversity: Variety of habitats and ecological processes.
1.2. Importance of Biodiversity
Ecological Balance: Maintains ecosystem stability and resilience.
Economic Value: Provides food, medicine, and raw materials.
Cultural and Aesthetic Value: Promotes tourism and cultural heritage.
Climate Regulation: Forests and oceans act as carbon sinks.
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1.3. Threats to Biodiversity
Habitat Loss: Deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture.
Pollution: Air, water, and soil contamination.
Climate Change: Rising temperatures and extreme weather.
Overexploitation: Overfishing, poaching, and logging.
Invasive Species: Non-native species disrupting ecosystems.
1.4. Strategies for Saving Biodiversity
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A. Conservation Approaches
In-Situ Conservation:
Protecting species in their natural habitat.
National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.
Ex-Situ Conservation:
Protecting species outside their natural habitat.
Zoos, botanical gardens, and seed banks.
B. Policy and Legal Frameworks
International: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), CITES, Ramsar
Convention.
National: Wildlife Protection Act, Forest Conservation Act.
C. Community and Ecosystem-Based Approaches
Community-led conservation and sustainable resource management.
Restoration of degraded ecosystems.
1.5. Role of Technology in Biodiversity Conservation
Remote Sensing and GIS: Habitat mapping and monitoring.
DNA Barcoding: Identifying species.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Analyzing patterns and predicting threats.
Conservation Drones: Tracking wildlife and anti-poaching efforts.
1.6. Challenges in Biodiversity Conservation
Lack of funding and resources.
Conflicts between development and conservation.
Limited community involvement.
Inadequate enforcement of policies.
1.7. Success Stories in Biodiversity Conservation
Project Tiger (India): Increased tiger populations.
Yellowstone National Park (USA): Reintroduction of wolves.
Great Barrier Reef (Australia): Coral restoration initiatives.
1.8 Types of Biodiversity
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A. Genetic Diversity
Variation in genes within species.
Ensures adaptability to changing environments.
Example: Different varieties of rice and wheat.
B. Species Diversity
Variety of species within a habitat or ecosystem.
Example: Coral reefs host thousands of fish species.
C. Ecosystem Diversity
Variety of ecosystems like forests, grasslands, deserts, and wetlands.
Example: Amazon rainforest and Sahara desert.
1.9 Role of Biodiversity in Ecosystem Services
Provisioning Services: Food, water, and raw materials.
Regulating Services: Climate regulation, pollination, and disease control.
Cultural Services: Recreation, aesthetic value, and cultural heritage.
Supporting Services: Nutrient cycling, soil formation, and oxygen production.
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2.1 Biodiversity Under Threat:
Biodiversity is facing unprecedented threats due to human activities and
environmental changes.
The loss of biodiversity affects ecosystem resilience, ecosystem services, and
overall planetary health.
2.2. Major Threats to Biodiversity
A. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation
Caused by deforestation, urbanization, agriculture, and infrastructure
development.
Leads to loss of ecosystems and species displacement.
Example: Amazon rainforest deforestation.
B. Climate Change
Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events
disrupt ecosystems.
Species unable to adapt face extinction.
Example: Coral bleaching due to ocean warming.
C. Pollution
Air Pollution: Affects plant growth and animal health.
Water Pollution: Harms aquatic ecosystems.
Soil Pollution: Reduces soil fertility and affects plant growth.
Example: Plastic pollution in oceans affecting marine life.
D. Overexploitation
Unsustainable hunting, fishing, and logging deplete species populations.
Example: Overfishing leading to decline in fish stocks.
E. Invasive Species
Non-native species introduced to ecosystems can outcompete native species.
Example: Water hyacinth in freshwater bodies.
F. Disease Outbreaks
Pathogens spreading among wildlife populations can cause declines.
Example: Chytrid fungus affecting amphibians globally.
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2.3. Impact of Biodiversity Loss
Ecosystem Imbalance: Disruption of food chains and ecological processes.
Economic Loss: Reduced availability of natural resources.
Health Risks: Increased spread of zoonotic diseases.
Cultural Impact: Loss of traditional knowledge and practices.
2.4. Strategies to Mitigate Threats
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Habitat Protection: Establishing protected areas and wildlife corridors.
Climate Action: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Pollution Control: Enforcing environmental regulations.
Sustainable Resource Use: Promoting responsible consumption.
Invasive Species Management: Monitoring and controlling non-native species.
3.1 Oceans and Fisheries:
Oceans cover about 71% of the Earth's surface and play a crucial role in regulating
climate and supporting biodiversity. Fisheries provide food, employment, and
economic benefits to millions of people worldwide.
3.2. Importance of Oceans and Fisheries
A. Ecological Importance
Biodiversity Hotspot: Oceans host millions of species, from plankton to whales.
Climate Regulation: Oceans absorb about 30% of CO₂ emissions and regulate
global temperatures.
Oxygen Production: Phytoplankton produce around 50% of the Earth's oxygen.
B. Economic Importance
Fisheries and aquaculture contribute over $270 billion annually to the global
economy.
Coastal tourism and marine industries provide significant employment
opportunities.
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C. Social and Cultural Importance
Oceans are central to the cultural identity of many coastal communities.
Fisheries support the livelihoods of over 600 million people worldwide.
3.3. Threats to Oceans and Fisheries
A. Overfishing
Excessive fishing reduces fish stocks, disrupts ecosystems, and affects livelihoods.
Example: Collapse of cod fisheries in the North Atlantic.
B. Climate Change
Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and sea-level rise threaten marine
life.
Example: Coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef.
C. Pollution
Plastic Pollution: Millions of tons of plastic enter oceans annually, harming
marine life.
Chemical Pollution: Industrial runoff and agricultural chemicals contaminate
water bodies.
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D. Habitat Destruction
Coastal development, bottom trawling, and dredging destroy critical marine
habitats.
Example: Loss of mangroves and seagrass beds.
E. Invasive Species
Non-native species introduced to marine ecosystems outcompete native species.
Example: Lionfish invasion in the Caribbean.
3.4 Sustainable Management of Oceans and Fisheries
A. Fisheries Management
Quotas and Catch Limits: Regulating fish harvest to prevent overfishing.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Designated zones for conserving marine
biodiversity.
B. Climate Action
Reducing carbon emissions to limit ocean warming and acidification.
Promoting climate-resilient fishing practices.
C. Pollution Control
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Implementing waste management systems to reduce plastic and chemical
pollution.
Encouraging clean energy practices in coastal industries.
D. Habitat Restoration
Protecting and restoring mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass beds.
Promoting ecosystem-based approaches to fisheries management.
3.5. Role of International Agreements
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS): Governs ocean
use and resource management.
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): Promotes sustainable use of marine
biodiversity.
FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries: Provides guidelines for
sustainable fishing practices.
4.1. Deforestation: International Dynamics
Deforestation refers to the large-scale clearing of forests, often for agriculture,
urbanization, and industrial purposes.
It is a global environmental issue with far-reaching ecological, economic, and
social consequences.
4.2. Global Status of Deforestation
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4.3. Causes of Deforestation
A. Agricultural Expansion
Conversion of forests into croplands and pastures.
Example: Soy plantations and cattle ranching in Brazil.
B. Logging and Timber Extraction
Legal and illegal logging for timber, paper, and fuelwood.
Example: Logging in Southeast Asian rainforests.
C. Infrastructure Development
Construction of roads, dams, and urban expansion.
Example: Road networks in the Amazon increasing forest fragmentation.
D. Mining Activities
Forest clearing for mineral extraction.
Example: Gold mining in the Amazon Basin.
E. Climate Change
Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns increase forest vulnerability.
4.4. International Dynamics of Deforestation
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A. Economic Drivers
Global demand for agricultural commodities (soy, palm oil, beef).
International trade drives deforestation in developing countries.
B. Political and Governance Issues
Weak enforcement of forest protection laws.
Corruption and lack of accountability.
C. Socioeconomic Factors
Poverty and lack of alternative livelihoods force dependence on forest resources.
Indigenous communities often face displacement due to deforestation.
D. Global Supply Chains
International corporations sourcing from deforested regions.
Example: Palm oil supply chains linked to deforestation in Indonesia.
4.5. Environmental and Social Impacts
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Biodiversity Loss: Habitat destruction threatens wildlife.
Climate Change: Increased carbon emissions from forest loss.
Water Cycle Disruption: Reduced rainfall and water retention.
Social Displacement: Indigenous communities lose homes and livelihoods.
4.6. International Efforts to Combat Deforestation
A. Policy Frameworks and Agreements
United Nations REDD+ Program: Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and
Forest Degradation.
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): Promotes sustainable forest management.
Bonn Challenge: Global effort to restore 350 million hectares of degraded land
by 2030.
B. Corporate Sustainability Initiatives
Zero-deforestation commitments by major corporations.
Sustainable sourcing policies for palm oil, soy, and timber.
C. Community-Led Conservation
Indigenous forest management practices.
Example: Community forest reserves in the Amazon.
4.7. Challenges in Addressing Deforestation
Weak law enforcement and corruption.
Conflict between development and conservation goals.
Limited financial and technical resources for sustainable practices.
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