Pockets of hope, linking nature and humanity 

News: Recently, the International Day for Biological Diversity was observed on May 22 across the world. 

Significance of Biodiversity 

It is the living fabric of our planet. It underpins human well-being in the present and in the future. Its rapid decline threatens nature and people alike. 

What are the drivers of biodiversity loss? 

According to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES’s) Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services 2019, the main global drivers of biodiversity loss are climate change, invasive species, over-exploitation of natural resources, pollution and urbanisation. 

At present, the ecological carrying capacity of the planet earth has largely been exceeded.  

Threat to Biodiversity in South Asia 

Bhutan, India and Nepal combined have thousands of glaciers, surrounded by lakes and alpine ecosystems.  

Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka have coral reefs and mangrove forests ecosystems. These areas are exposed to extreme weather events (storms, floods, droughts), and sea-level rise. 

The Maldives is the lowest-lying country in the world, with a mere elevation of 1.5 metres above the high tide mark.  

What measures have been taken so far? 

In the last 50 years or so, various conservation areas have been established, and a number of international conventions have been signed and ratified for the protection of nature. 

The UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves 

It was created in 1971.  The biosphere reserves sites are ecosystems which can be on land, at the coast, or in the oceans. The Governments alone decide which areas to nominate for UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. All reserves remain under the sovereignty of their national government. 

In South Asia, over 30 Biosphere reserves have been established till 2020. In India, around 12 biosphere reserves have been created. For example, the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve was established in 2018. Recently, the Maldives created three biosphere reserves as pilot sites for the conservation and restoration of coastal ecosystems and to enhance the population’s knowledge on climate change adaptation. 

Importance of Biosphere Reserves 

Biosphere reserves are places where humans live in harmony with nature. They include an effective combination of sustainable development and nature conservation.  

These sites are managed based on an agreed plan, reinforced by routine checks to ensure credibility. 

UNESCO Biosphere Reserves works upon science-based management plans. These include local solutions for sustainable human living and nature conservation. 

What are the challenges in South Asia? 

Some of the countries in South Asia like Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal do not yet have any or enough biosphere reserves. These countries have a lack of know-how and financial resources. 

Way Forward 

It is the human being’s responsibility and clearly in our interest to respect the environment. 

The richer nations and the private sector should provide the know-how and financial resources for establishing biosphere reserves in the South Asian countries as mentioned above 

It would be important to increase the number of biosphere reserves in India, the Maldives and Sri Lanka. 

More and larger sites should be established covering the terrestrial surface, including coastal areas with their offshore islands.  

Source: The post is based on an article “Pockets of hope, linking nature and humanity” published in the “The Hindu” on 20th May 2022.