Who is damaging Asia's biodiversity? We!

The Earth’s systems can remain balanced only if we ensure healthy interaction among plants, animals and microorganisms. Alas, humans won’t let that happen!

Biodiversity Day, also known as the International Day for Biological Diversity, is observed every year on May 22nd to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the need to protect and conserve it. The day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993 to coincide with the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The slogan for year 2023 is ‘Build back biodiversity’.

Biodiversity can be defined as the variety of living organisms found on Earth, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as the genetic differences within and between species. It encompasses the diversity of species, their habitats, and the interactions between them. Biodiversity is a measure of the richness and abundance of life in different ecosystems and is essential for maintaining the balance and functioning of our planet’s natural systems. Biodiversity also plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change and supporting sustainable development.

Biodiversity in Asia: The world’s largest continent Asia is home to diverse landscapes and ecosystems and holds a significant share of global biodiversity. The continent’s vastness encompasses various biomes, from the Himalayan mountain range to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia.

The Coral Triangle

(a) Southeast Asia: The Coral Triangle, spanning the waters of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste, is recognized as the most biodiverse marine region on Earth. It supports over 600 coral species and more than 3,000 fish species. However, human activities like overfishing, destructive fishing practices, and coastal development pose significant threats to this fragile ecosystem. If biodiversity in the Coral Triangle continues to decline, it will result in the loss of critical habitats, diminished fish stocks, and reduced resilience to climate change impacts.

Western Ghats - Kerala

(b) South Asia: The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a biodiversity hotspot in India, is home to numerous endemic species of plants and animals. It provides essential ecosystem services like water regulation and carbon sequestration. However, habitat fragmentation due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development pose severe challenges to the biodiversity of this region. The loss of species and degradation of habitats in the Western Ghats are disrupting ecological balance, impairing pollination processes, and impacting water availability for millions of people.

The Tibetan Plateau

(c) East Asia: The Tibetan Plateau, often referred to as the ‘Roof of the World', harbours unique and fragile ecosystems. It is home to rare and endangered species such as the snow leopard, Tibetan antelope, and Tibetan wild yak. Climate change-induced melting of glaciers, coupled with unsustainable resource extraction and infrastructure development, threatens the delicate balance of biodiversity in this region. The loss of biodiversity on the Tibetan Plateau is causing ecological disruptions, and is impacting water resources and the livelihoods of local communities.

Biodiversity under attack: Human activities, often in the name of development, are inflicting blows after blows on biodiversity. What is happening?

(a) Habitat destruction: Deforestation, conversion of natural habitats for agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development result in the loss of critical habitats for many species. For instance, the clearing of forests in Southeast Asia for palm oil plantations leads to the destruction of habitats of orangutans, great apes native to the rainforests of Indonesia and Malaysia and now largely inhabiting Borneo and Sumatra, and threatens their survival.

Contamination Water Pollution Lake

(b) Pollution and contamination: Industrial activities, improper waste management, and the use of pesticides and fertilizers pollute ecosystems, leading to the decline of species. The pollution of rivers and water bodies in Asia, such as the Ganga and Yangtze rivers, adversely affects aquatic biodiversity and poses risks to human health.

(c) Overexploitation of resources: Over-fishing, illegal wildlife trade, and excessive logging contribute to the depletion of species and disrupt ecosystems. The hunting of endangered species like tigers and rhinos for their body parts or the unsustainable fishing practices in Southeast Asia put significant pressure on biodiversity.

Economic blow

(a) The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) for India conducted a country-specific assessment for India, known as TEEB India, in 2018. The assessment estimated that the economic cost of forest degradation and deforestation in India amounts to approximately 2.5% of its GDP. It highlighted the importance of preserving India’s forests, which provide various ecosystem services, including water regulation, carbon sequestration, and livelihood support for local communities.

(b) Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Regional Assessments for Asia and the Pacific, released in 2018, emphasized the significant loss of biodiversity in the region. It highlighted that more than 80% of the region’s coral reefs are threatened, and Southeast Asia has experienced one of the highest rates of deforestation globally. The economic implications of biodiversity loss in Asia were estimated to be substantial, with potential impacts on sectors like agriculture, fisheries, and tourism.

(c) India State of Forest Report: The Forest Survey of India publishes the ‘India State of Forest Report’ periodically. The report provides valuable insights into the changes in forest area, the status of wildlife habitats, and the impact of deforestation and forest degradation on biodiversity. The findings of these reports help in understanding the economic implications of biodiversity loss in India.

(d) Valuation of Ecosystem Services: Various studies in India have focused on valuing ecosystem services to understand the economic benefits derived from biodiversity. For example, a study conducted in the Western Ghats estimated the economic value of different ecosystem services provided by the region, such as carbon storage, water provision, and tourism. These valuation exercises contribute to a better understanding of the economic significance of biodiversity conservation.

But is anyone listening?