Benefit Of Biodiversity Essay

Biodiversity affects everyone. The losses of biodiversity impinge the environment and diminish its ability to provide for the people now and in the days to come (IAIA 2005). It is well established that biodiversity provides us with several benefits and gives indispensable services. Biodiversity is a source of goods such as food, medicinal drugs and construction materials. It is fundamental for the maintenance of environmental processes and the systems that support life on earth. It is also needed for the pollination of commercially valuable crops and the natural control of bugs and diseases (IAIA 2005). Currently, at least 40% of our economy and 80% of the necessities of the poverty-stricken are from our biological resources. Richer biodiversity results in greater circumstances for medical breakthroughs, development of the economy and adaptive counters to current challenges (Convention about Life on Earth). Despite these numerous benefits, the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment released a major report in March 2005, featuring a significant and chiefly permanent decrease in Earth’s biodiversity.

During the UN’s 3rd Global Biodiversity Outlook, it was discussed that the degree of biodiversity depletion has not leveled and

Their deep roots anchor the soil in place and prevent erosion. By absorbing and storing rainwater, trees lessen runoff after storms and prevent flooding. This also allows ground water supply recharge and prevents chemical transport into the connecting streams. Dr. E.G. Silas further highlights the importance of trees through a short article in Tree World, 1995. Although the ecosystem generally benefits from the trees that reside in it, introduction of foreign tree species to an ecosystem may bring harm to the existing endemic species. Species replacement or the loss of native species due to the immigration of foreign species is also referred to as