What is the relationship between biodiversity and sustainable development and importance of biodiversity in sustainable agriculture?
Biodiversity is essential for sustainable development. It is the variety of life on Earth, including all species of plants, animals, and microorganisms, their genetic diversity, and the ecosystems they form. Biodiversity provides numerous benefits to society, including food, clean air and water, health, and economic opportunities. Biodiversity also plays an important role in mitigating climate change, helping to protect against floods and droughts, and providing other essential services. Therefore, conserving and sustainably managing biodiversity is essential for sustainable development.
Biodiversity conservation and sustainable development are two inter-related branches focusing on social progress, economic growth and environmental protection on one side, and ecosystem conservation on the other. The relationship between biodiversity and sustainability is direct. Biodiversity is the variety of species living in an ecosystem. Areas with high biodiversity have more complex interactions between organisms, and this complexity helps the ecosystem maintain homeostasis.To use biodiversity in a sustainable manner means to use natural resources at a rate that the Earth can renew them. It's a way to ensure that we meet the needs of both present and future generations. As the human population increases, so does the pressure on ecosystems, since we draw ever more resources from them. First and foremost, sustainable development means preserving the vital functions of the environment, including the potential for change, evolution and self-regulation. Biodiversity is meant to be all-inclusive; it is the genetic-based variation of living organisms at all levels. Loss of biodiversity undermines the ability of ecosystems to function effectively and efficiently and thus undermines nature's ability to support a healthy environment. Biodiversity is important to agriculture because it helps create healthy soils, pollinators, and pest control. When there is a high level of biodiversity in an area, the soil will be healthier and more nutrient-rich. This leads to better crops that contain more nutrients that are needed for human consumption.Biodiversity plays a key role in ensuring dietary adequacy. Micronutrient needs for human health cannot be satisfied without animal, fish and plant genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity. Pollination leads to higher nutrient content in many crops and fruits. Biodiversity for food and agriculture is vital for food security. The erosion of biodiversity will undermine the capacity of agricultural systems to adapt to changing conditions and shocks, such as climate change, and outbreaks of pests and diseases that may jeopardise food security and livelihoods.
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