Genetic, Species and Ecological Biodiversity - Essay Example

Biodiversity Biodiversity is a term that is used to refer to multiple levels of biological organization (Alkemade, Shrestha, and Trisurat 13). These include genetic, species and ecological diversity. The protection of biodiversity is a means of conservation. The biological wealth has been threatened by the need for development leading to the interference with the ecosystem. The process of conservation takes the form of in situ and ex situ. The ex situ approach is the one in which the threatened species are conserved by being removed from their natural habitat. In situ approach entails saving the entire ecosystem to ensure all levels of biodiversity are protected (Andre?e 29). Special settings are established where special care is given. Biodiversity goes beyond political boundaries (Pearson 17). Therefore, nations are expected to cooperate in the biodiversity conservation. The operationalization of biodiversity by definition refers to the need to have the diversity of biodiversities (Pearson 17). Biodiversity is a humongous concept whose success is dependent on a pluralistic approach. Governments are turning to the use of technology to enhance agricultural productivity. Food production demands a conclusive commitment to biodiversity through addressing climatic change, genetically modified interventions and their impact and the role of bio-fuel in dealing with sustainability. Effective governance and research is expected to ensure soil and competencies of a farmer are properly utilized in the process. Biodiversity is vital for human survival and offers both direct and indirect benefits (Alkemade, Shrestha, and Trisurat 13). Biodiversity is threatened by different aspects which include human activities and extreme weather patterns. The multiplicity of biodiversities calls for a pluralistic understanding in the delivery of solutions (Pearson 17). This includes ecotourism and marketing environment friendly products. Promoting biodiversity as a means of conservation demands proper balance of incentives which in most cases are subject to trade offs. This includes encouraging the land owners to maintain biodiversity values. Dealing with habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation must involve policies that govern private and public land (Andre?e 29). The diversity of biodiversities can be illustrated through the multiple endangered species in the aquatic habitat, land and even air. This demands cooperation among multiple stakeholders in conserving biodiversity and ensuring that effectiveness (Alkemade, Shrestha, and Trisurat 13). Conserving biodiversity calls for international commitment in terms of taxation, controlling poaching and sale of illegal animal products (Pearson 17). This can only happen through protection of some areas, regular environmental assessments and stakeholder participation. Biodiversity is related to global food production. The concept of food production is related to the weather patterns, global warming and its effect on ecosystem and biodiversity. Some of the inherent difficulties of dealing with biodiversity include the role played by international stakeholders in enhancing developmental prosperity. Biodiversity is eliminated when food production is low. Some of the solutions involve dealing with climatic changes which are affecting food production (Pearson 17). In order to ensure is adequate food production, there is an urgent need to have increased stewardship on the current natural resources. In includes protecting wetlands and cropping intensity (Alkemade, Shrestha, and Trisurat 13). The potential for food production is expected to growing in the developing countries that invest in political stability and economic growth. This includes agricultural research that shall lead to a better understanding of biodiversity ad productivity. Intense agricultural research is being cited as a major cause for consideration of genetically engineered organisms (Pearson 17). This can be referred to the artificial transfer of genetic material between organisms. However, this has raised concerns of health, authenticity and sustainability. This has led to the loss of some traits and acquisition of others. Scientists argue that they have introduced disease resistant genes for tomatoes (Alkemade, Shrestha, and Trisurat 13). They have also introduced draught resistant food crops which take a minimal time to grow (Pearson 17). Biodiversity is inseparable from issues of human activities and survival e.g. food production. This has led to deforestation and use of chemicals in mass food production. However, soil resources become depleted easily, raising the concerns of sustainability. Mass food production has led to tampering of soil and other ecosystems. Some species have become affected as a result. Massive ASALs are being put under irrigation especially in developing countries to solve hunger challenge (Alkemade, Shrestha, and Trisurat 13). The diversity of biodiversities is evident through assessing the impact of conservation on sustainability and food production. The presence of greenhouse gases is cited as the main cause of global warming and has a direct impact of organic production (Alkemade, Shrestha, and Trisurat 13). Global warming is also responsible to destruction of ecosystems and biodiversity at large. Introduction of carbon tax among the leading emitters of carbon dioxide can reduce greenhouse gases by the year 2025 (Andre?e 29). The other strategies include investing in renewable sources of energy like solar and wind (Pearson 17). According to the international resolutions of climatic change and global warming, the leading countries in the production of harmful gases are expected to make more sacrifices. The moral conflicts arise because critics of global warming argue that the concept is designed to ensure that developing countries remain under developed (Alkemade, Shrestha, and Trisurat 13). However, there is general consensus on the need to protect biodiversity and that climate change is harmful to natural ecosystems. Dealing with biodiversity effectively demands understanding its value and the negative impact of its depletion. The solutions to the difficulties of biodiversity must be pluralistic in that they must show its relationship with production and sustainability in the coming decades. The biophysical effects of artificial and climatic change shall benefit some regions and affect some. Agricultural production is likely to be boosted and negatively affected at the same time (Alkemade, Shrestha, and Trisurat 13). Destruction of ecosystems and natural resources is likely to have negative effects in future. The shift in comparative advantage shall introduce socio-economic factors that are likely to affect crop productivity, the adaptation of organisms and attract unbalanced commitment towards climate change (Andre?e 29). Works Cited Alkemade, Rob, Rajendra Shrestha, and Yongyut Trisurat. Land Use, Climate Change and Biodiversity Modeling: Perspectives and Applications. Hershey, Pa: IGI Global, 2011. Print. Andre?e, Peter. Genetically Modified Diplomacy: The Global Politics of Agricultural Biotechnology and the Environment. Vancouver: UBC Press, 2007. Print. Pearson, Richard. Driven to Extinction: The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity. New York: Sterling, 2011. Print. Read More