Today, we speak of destruction of bio diversity as a major threat, posed against the planet’s existence.

Last week we spoke of the danger of destruction of animal and plant species in forested regions. Pundits believe that a threat is posed against bio diversity throughout forests and all ecosystems. Today, we study this topic of concern.

Bio diversity is a concept which is currently applicable to genes, species, and ecosystems. Meanwhile, this term’s more recognized application is in reference to species. Bio diversity in fact is an intricate network of creatures including plants, animals, and human races. Mankind is an integral part of this network. The life of mankind is completely tied to this network. In fact, biodiversity forms the basis of earth’s existence. Bio diversity also plays an important role in maintenance of the environment.

According to scientists, bio diversity enhances the potential and efficiency of different species, boosting their resistance and making them compatible with their environment. In other words, all living creatures in any ecosystem maintain a very important duty and the overall performance of these creatures boosts the abilities of each ecosystem and furthers resistance against possible harms. Moreover, remedy of the inflicted harms is also carried out via this means. Thus, bio diversity is of paramount importance, especially for humans. This is because diversity of plant species is tantamount to a boost in food and clean air, and diversity of animal species gives rise to maintenance of the environment and the balance of nature.

However, unfortunately, in recent decades, the measures taken by man have piled up enormous pressure on bio diversity, leading to destruction and/or reduction of bio diversity. The extinction of many animal and plant species is one of the consequences of these pressures, which has turned into one of the most important challenges of the contemporary world’s environment. Based on the findings of biologists, three animal and plant species are on the verge of destruction every hour. The outcomes of studies carried out by some international organizations confirm and verify this fact. For instance, a body of research which has been recently conducted by an accredited institution, uncovers that mankind has turned into the main cause of extinction of animal and plant species. Experts fear that the world is on the verge of a collective extinction of animal and plant species.

A recent study of an American scientific magazine attests to this appalling development. This research which has been performed by 20,000 scientists in Britain shows as of 1974-2004, a total of 70% of butterfly species, 54% of bird species, and 28% of plant species have been uprooted. The current circumstances have been caused by human activities. The pollutions resulting from industrial activities, hunting, fishing, animal husbandry, and growth of human population pose constant threats against bio diversity. For instance, the entry of animal wastes and detergents in seas causes the swift growth of algae, which in turn reduce the amount of oxygen dissolved in water, posing a threat against the existence of other aquatics and fish species.

One of the other factors that hugely threaten maritime bio diversity is excessive fishing. The studies performed by the scientists of an accredited Canadian University shows half of the fish species in oceans have been uprooted due to excessive fishing. Some species such as lobsters have been on the verge of extinction for a long while. Scientists believe that if excessive fishing continues, most probably by the year 2050, global fishing will come to its end.

One of the other factors which deal a fatal blow against bio diversity is the entry of foreign species to a local habitat. For instance, in the aftermath of termination of World War II, the entry of snake specie into Guam Island, via a ship, led to the destruction of this island’s birds, because the related birds had not developed means for protection of their eggs in the face of this foreign snake specie.

Meanwhile, the warnings which have been issued by international organizations over the destruction of bio diversity have currently been taken seriously by the international community. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in a recent report, has announced that roughly 90% of Europeans believe destruction of bio diversity is one of the main challenges that this continent currently faces; and the stoppage of this process can secure the production of food, and medications. Moreover, 75% of Europeans opine that bio diversity should be safeguarded for the sustainability of Europe’s economy. The outcome of researches also reveals that Europeans consider human activities as the most important threat posed against bio diversity. Also, more than 90% of respondents in Europe have enumerated air and water pollution, incidents resulting from uncontrolled human activity, deforestation, excessive fishing, and climate change as parameters which have endangered bio diversity. Furthermore, over 50% of Europeans opine that the European Union should boost its contribution toward protection of bio diversity.

Needless to say, the existence of mankind and all living creatures on the planet is tied to bio diversity and it is essential for the international community to find an ultimate solution to the threats posed against bio diversity.

MR/ME