Describe the major threats to bio-diversity. Explain different types of bio-diversities.

Question

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

Biodiversity exists at genetic, species and ecosystem levels, measured within and across habitats as alpha, beta and gamma diversity. Habitat loss, overexploitation and poaching, invasive species, pollution and climate change threaten all these levels, which India counters through the three-tier Biological Diversity Act, 2002 system and 1,134 protected areas.

**Introduction**

India’s rich biodiversity across genetic, species, and ecosystem levels is crucial for ecological balance but faces severe threats from human activities and environmental changes. As one of the 17 mega-diverse countries, India’s biodiversity underpins livelihoods, climate resilience, and cultural heritage, making its conservation vital for sustainable development.

**Institutional Framework and Governance**

SKETCH: tree | Biodiversity Governance Structure in India
- National Level
  - National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
  - National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)
- State Level
  - State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs)
- Local Level
  - Biodiversity Management Committees⟦1⟧ (BMCs)
  - People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs)

1. **Three-Tier Biodiversity Governance**: The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and National Biodiversity Rules, 2004, establish the National Biodiversity Authority, State Biodiversity Boards, and over 2,76,653 Biodiversity Management Committees with People’s Biodiversity Registers, including ==Andhra Pradesh==, ensuring integrated conservation and equitable benefit sharing.

2. **Protected Areas⟦2⟧ and Scientific Advisory**: Expansion to 1,134 protected areas safeguards keystone species like tigers and elephants; the National Board for Wildlife advises on policy, ensuring science-based conservation aligned with legal frameworks and community participation.

**Types of Biodiversity and Ecological Roles**

3. **Genetic, Species, and Ecosystem Diversity**: India’s agro-biodiversity supports food security and resilience; hotspots like the Western Ghats and Himalayas host endemic species; ten biogeographic zones sustain diverse ecosystems vital for services like nutrient cycling, climate regulation, and water purification.

**Major Threats and Case Studies**

5. **Habitat Loss and Infrastructure**: The ==Great Nicobar Project⟦3⟧ (₹80,000 crore)== and habitat fragmentation in ==Eastern Ghats== disrupt ecosystems and endemic species, reducing forest connectivity and threatening biodiversity hotspots.

7. **Wildfires and Conservation Conflicts**: ==Nilgiris wildfires⟦4⟧== illustrate the fragile human-ecosystem linkages; sanctuary creation in ==Saranda== highlights tensions between conservation goals and tribal displacement⟦5⟧, underscoring the need for inclusive approaches.

**Conclusion**

India’s NBSAP 2024–30 exemplifies biodiversity governance in action, aligning national targets with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, aiming to mitigate threats while promoting conservation and sustainable use of biological resources.

జీవవైవిధ్యానికి ప్రధాన ముప్పులను వివరించండి. వివిధ రకాల జీవవైవిధ్యాలను వివరించండి.

Model answer

ఈ ప్రశ్నను ప్రాక్టీస్ చేయండి

Ghissu