How Sustainable Development can Protect our Future? International Biodiversity Day 2022 | UPSC GS-3

Summary

The video script discusses the importance of biodiversity and sustainable development, highlighting the threats to Earth's ecological diversity due to unsustainable practices. It emphasizes the role of biodiversity in supporting various ecosystems and the need for international and national efforts to conserve it, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and India's initiatives like Project Tiger and Elephant. The script also touches on the impact of human activities and the importance of equitable sharing of benefits derived from biological resources, urging collective responsibility towards preserving biodiversity for future generations.

Takeaways

• 🌏 The world is facing challenges in economic prosperity and sustainable development, with indicators like GDP growth being affected by unsustainable practices.
• 📅 International Day for Biological Diversity is celebrated to highlight the importance of biodiversity and the challenges it faces due to unsustainable development.
• 🐯 The Indian civilization has a historical connection with biodiversity, with principles like 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life forms.
• 📉 Biodiversity loss is a significant concern, with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) indicating that only a fraction of Earth's biodiversity has been discovered and is at risk.
• 🌳 Sustainable development is crucial for the long-term health of ecosystems, and biodiversity plays a vital role in maintaining this balance.
• 🚫 Unsustainable tourism, hunting, and economic exploitation are major threats to biodiversity, leading to irreversible damage to ecosystems.
• 🛑 International conventions and agreements, such as the CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity), are in place to promote conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
• 🇮🇳 India has implemented various measures to protect biodiversity, including the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and projects like Project Tiger and Project Elephant.
• 💊 The use of certain drugs like Diclofenac has had devastating effects on species such as vultures, highlighting the impact of human activities on biodiversity.
• 🌱 India's traditional practices and customs are deeply connected to biodiversity, with examples like the Panchatantra stories and Ayurveda being dependent on the natural world.
• 🔬 The Indian government's efforts in biodiversity conservation include initiatives like the National Mission for Clean Ganga and the Green India Mission, aiming to restore and protect ecosystems.

Q & A

What is the significance of International Day for Biological Diversity?

International Day for Biological Diversity, also known as World Biodiversity Day, is significant as it highlights the importance of biodiversity for the well-being of our planet and the need for sustainable development practices to protect it.

What is the relationship between economic prosperity and biodiversity loss?

Economic prosperity has often come at the cost of biodiversity loss due to unsustainable development practices, such as deforestation and pollution, which have long-term negative impacts on ecosystems.

Why is sustainable development crucial for the preservation of biodiversity?

Sustainable development is crucial for preserving biodiversity because it promotes economic growth in a way that does not deplete natural resources or harm ecosystems, ensuring the long-term survival of various species and habitats.

What is the role of biodiversity in an ecosystem?

Biodiversity plays a vital role in ecosystems by maintaining the food chain, supporting various biological processes like nutrient cycles, and providing essential services such as clean water, pollination, and climate regulation.

How does the loss of biodiversity affect human life?

The loss of biodiversity can have severe consequences for human life, including reduced access to food, clean water, and medicinal resources, as well as the loss of cultural heritage and recreational opportunities.

What are the main threats to biodiversity according to the script?

The main threats to biodiversity mentioned in the script include unsustainable development, economic exploitation of natural resources, habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change.

What steps has India taken to conserve biodiversity?

India has taken several steps to conserve biodiversity, such as enacting the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, establishing national parks and sanctuaries, launching specific projects like Project Tiger and Project Elephant, and participating in international conventions for biodiversity conservation.

What is the importance of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)?

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is important as it sets global standards for the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.

How does the script relate to the UPSC Prelims and Mains exam preparation?

The script is relevant to UPSC Prelims and Mains exam preparation as it covers important topics related to environment and sustainable development, which are often included in the exam syllabus, and provides insights into India's efforts in biodiversity conservation.

What is the significance of the Ramsar Convention in the context of biodiversity conservation?

The Ramsar Convention is significant in biodiversity conservation as it provides a framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands, which are critical habitats for a wide variety of plant and animal species.

What are the challenges faced by forest rangers in protecting biodiversity?

Forest rangers face numerous challenges in protecting biodiversity, including combating poaching, managing human-wildlife conflicts, dealing with infrastructural issues, and working with local communities to promote conservation efforts.