Dr. Balakrishna Pisupati*
Diversity of life
(biodiversity) underpins the very existence and survival of human beings on
this Planet. Even though, United Nations proclaimed May 22nd as the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB), every
day is critical to increase the understanding and awareness of biodiversity
issues. The rich biodiversity is the base for good health, food security,
economic growth, livelihoods security and moderating the climate conditions.
The annual contribution of biodiversity to the world is estimated as US$ 33
trillion per year. However, this precious natural asset is fast diminishing.
The theme for 2012
International Day for Biological Diversity is Marine Biodiversity.
Coastal and marine biodiversity form the basis of survival for billions of
people around the world today. The ocean covers 71% of the surface area of the globe, and constitutes over 90% of the habitable space. Coastlines are supporting fragile ecosystems -
mangroves, coral reefs, sea-grass and seaweeds. But the diversity of life in these
areas is poorly understood and under-valued resulting in over-exploitation.
Some of the marine species are disappearing and others are on the threat of
extinction. The economic and market potential of marine biodiversity is still
not properly understood while prospects of marine diversity has increased
manifold. The number of patents being taken on products and processes based on
marine life is increasing by leaps and bounds every year.
India has a coastline of about 7,500 km, of which about 5,400 km belong
to Peninsular India and the remaining to the Andaman, Nicobar and Lakshadweep
Islands. With less than 0.25% of the world’s coastline, India accommodates
approximately 11% of the global population, who live in low elevation coastal
areas. Fishing is a major livelihood options for millions of coastal
communities. India’s coastal zone is endowed with coral reefs, mangroves,
sea-grasses/weeds, salt marshes, sand dunes, estuaries and lagoons.
In India, all the three major reef types (atoll, fringing, and barrier)
occur in most diverse, extensive and least disturbed reef areas. There are four
major reef regions in India on all sides of its coastline. The Gulf of Kutch in
the Northwest, Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar in the Southeast, the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands on the East and Lakshadweep archipelago in the West. Mangroves
cover 4827 square km with about 57% of it along east coast, 23%
along the west coast and the remaining 20% in Andaman and Nicobar Island.
Fourteen species of sea-grasses with 6 genera are known in the Indian seas. All
the above mentioned ecosystems are shelter for unique marine and terrestrial
wildlife.
The economic
potential of coral reefs is estimated to be
$1,250 million/hectare/year. These are researched figures by economists.
Consider that we realize a mere 10 per cent of this potential for the local people.
Even though humanity has repeatedly
benefited from the marine and coastal ecosystems, our land and ocean based
activities have made critical impacts on marine ecosystem. Indiscriminate
discharge of wastes by coastal cities and industries and over-extraction of
fish and other marine products are the major challenges.
Hence land-based
activities, which have an adverse impact on coastal and marine ecosystems, need
to be controlled. Further, since marine resources are generally renewable, its
extraction should be restricted within its regeneration capacity. Promotion of Marine Protected Areas/Reserves is important for
conserving and managing coastal and marine biodiversity. India has many Marine
Protected Areas/Reserves and it need to be extend further.
A special and high level focus on marine and costal
biodiversity by the Environment Ministers from around the World during the forthcoming eleventh meeting of Conference of
Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 11) is expected to
identify concerted efforts to not only protect marine and coastal biodiversity
but also realize the economic potential of this natural treasure trove that
provides livelihoods, protects us from climate change and ensures our food and
nutritional securities are intact as well as enhanced with suitable
interventions. (PIB Features).
***
22 May
2012 is International Day of Biological Diversity.
*Chairman,
National Biodiversity Authority.
Disclaimer: The views expressed by the
author in this article are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of
PIB.
SS-87/SF-87/18-05-2012
RTS/HSN