BIODIVERSITY LOSS AND ITS PREVENTION

Biodiversity is gotten from two words “biological” and “diversity”. This term refers to all the variety of life that can be found on earth (living things, including plants, animals, fungi, micro-organisms), as well as the communities that they form and their habitats. In a given habitat at a particular time, the amount of diversity between different plants, animals and other species is referred to as biodiversity. An example is the different varieties and types of animal and plant that live in an ocean, while human beings exist on planet earth. Biodiversity are of three main types: diversity within species, between species and between ecosystems. It boosts ecosystem productivity where each species, no matter how small, have important role(s) to play. For example, where there is a larger number of plant species, there will be a greater variety of crop. Greater species diversity ensures natural sustainability for all life forms. From the above description of “biodiversity”, its loss is therefore the absence of these species (plants and animals) from their habitats. Biodiversity loss is the reduction, extinction, and loss of species from their abode. It results from climate change, pollution and some other forms of environmental stress. This loss disrupts the functioning of ecosystems; it makes them more vulnerable to perturbations and they are less able to provide man with their needs. The major threats to biodiversity are: climate change, deforestation and habitat loss, overexploitation, invasive species, and pollution. Thus in the foregoing, to prevent biodiversity loss, the following should be put in place.

1) Products that are eco-friendly with eco-labels should be purchased in homes and offices as they allow consumers to learn what products are made from and the percentages of the ingredients in the product.

2) Recycling all plastic and glass products in a household as this prevents the overuse of petroleum products in the making of items, also protects tress and forests used in paper products.

3) The use of products that damage the ozone layer, the environment and adds pollution to the air we breathe such as those that comes in aerosol cans should be reduced or eliminated.

4) Consume more of organically grown plants, these fruits and vegetables grown without the use of harmful fertilizers often made of chemicals and components. Meat products of animals fed with grass or organic feed items should be purchased.

5) Restaurants that use recycled paper products should be supported as they purchase products that are green, thereby promoting global deforestation efforts, reduce waste of household food resources.

6) Get rid of outdoor pests using natural soil and composting efforts, this prevents plants and vegetables loss.

7) Fruits and vegetables naturally grown should be consumed instead of those that have been genetically modified.

8) Litters from parks, yards and gardens in the community such as cans and plastic are not biodegradable and can affect habitats negatively when left alone.

9) Seafood items that have been certified should be purchased.

10) Batteries that are rechargeable with related kits should be used. Turn off lights after leaving a room, energy conserving light bulbs should be used in your house.

11) Put purchasing a vehicle that uses less fuel or functions electrically into consideration.

12) Cleaning companies and services that use green products should be hired. They do not use harsh chemicals in cleaning; also, surge protectors should be installed in homes and offices.

13) Close your curtains during the summer months of the year, trees should be planted near your home to produce shade during summer; the use of dryer for laundry activities should be limited.

14) Cosmetic products produced from natural oils should be purchased.

     Of the important alternatives to maintain the health of the planet, these are few measures we should adhere to, to prevent biodiversity loss.