Extinction of Flora and Fauna - Factors Responsible, Measures to Conserve Flora and Fauna - Earth Summit -Convention on Bio Diversity

Extinction of flora and fauna

“Every species lost is a thread unraveled from the fabric of life. Protecting flora and fauna is protecting our own future.”

The extinction of flora and fauna is a serious issue that endangers biodiversity and disrupts the balance of ecosystems. This occurs due to factors like habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, overexploitation, and invasive species. The loss of plant and animal species affects ecological processes, reduces genetic diversity, and weakens the resilience of ecosystems to environmental changes. Protecting endangered species and their habitats is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the sustainability of our natural world.

Factors responsible for extinction of flora and fauna:

·     Water pollution

·     Air pollution

·     Acid rain

·     Global warming

·     Ozone depletion

·     Population explosion

·     Industrialisation

·     Urbanisation

·     Deforestation

·     Thermal and nuclear power plants,

·     Interruption of food chain and the resultant food scarcity

·     Flood earthquake and volcanic eruptions,

·     Indiscriminate use of chemical fertiliser and pesticides

·     Shortage of rainfall

Measures to conserve Flora and Fauna:

• ·     Revise agricultural policy to include conservation and enhancement of indigenous crop and livestock varieties.
• ·     Incorporate biodiversity concerns into existing environmental impact assessment procedures.
• ·     Reevaluate conservation policies, programs, and laws in line with the Convention on Biological Diversity.
• ·     Develop or adapt national strategies, plans, or programs for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.
• ·     Review and address the imbalanced aspects of current conservation programs.
• ·     Expand conservation efforts beyond glamorous animals (mammals and birds) to include all biological diversity.
• ·     Involve local communities in conservation efforts.

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), established during the 1992 Earth Summit

• ·     Conservation of Biodiversity: Implement strategies to protect ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity.
• ·     Sustainable Use: Promote the sustainable use of biological resources to prevent overexploitation.
• ·     Fair and Equitable Sharing: Ensure fair distribution of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.
• ·     National Strategies: Develop and implement national biodiversity strategies, plans, or programs.
• ·     Impact Assessment: Incorporate biodiversity considerations into environmental impact assessments.
• ·     Public Awareness: Raise awareness and educate the public about the importance of biodiversity.
• ·     Research and Training: Support research and training to enhance understanding and conservation of biodiversity.
• ·     In-situ and Ex-situ Conservation: Implement both in-situ (on-site) and ex-situ (off-site) conservation measures.
• ·     Access to Genetic Resources: Regulate access to genetic resources and ensure benefit-sharing with the countries of origin.
• ·     Technology Transfer: Facilitate the transfer of relevant technologies to support biodiversity conservation.

Conclusion:

The extinction of flora and fauna poses a significant threat to our planet’s biodiversity and ecological balance. It is crucial to implement comprehensive conservation strategies, involve local communities, and ensure sustainable practices to protect and preserve the diverse species that share our world. By taking collective action, we can safeguard our natural heritage for future generations.