Question

The reasons for conservation of biodiversity can be classified into three categories. Name them and describe each in brief.

Answer 1

The reasons for conservation of biodiversity can be classified into three categories:

i. Narrowly utilitarian reasons:

1. Since ancient times, humans are reaping material benefits from biodiversity. This includes, deriving resources for basic needs such as food, clothes, shelter or industrial products like resins, tannins, perfume base, etc. or aesthetic use like ornaments and artefacts.
2. Medicinal use of plants and animals is another major factor. It shares 25% of global medicine market. Around 25000 species are put to use by tribals worldwide as traditional medicines.

ii. Broadly utilitarian reasons:

1. Animals play a crucial role in pollination and seed dispersal. 
2. Amazon forest is estimated to produce 20% of total oxygen of Earth’s atmosphere. We need to consider recreational use of biodiversity. 

iii.  Ethical reasons: We have no right to destroy the diversity simply because we share the earth with them. All living beings have equal right to survive irrespective of their known or prospective economic use.