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Ecosystem Functions, Services and Biodiversity: Past, Present and Future Implications — II


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1 GRSV Consulting Services, Bengaluru – 560068, Karnataka, India
     

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The relationship between ecosystems functions and services and biodiversity is discussed and the components of biodiversity are briefly described with a focus on agricultural biodiversity and plant genetic resources. The importance of agricultural biodiversity for sustained future of humans is discussed, along with links to historical knowledge with modern-day needs and thinking as to: (i) why we should be concerned about biodiversity conservation, (ii) how conservation and use of biodiversity at different levels is essential for our survival and (iii) how such efforts can be balanced with contemporary developmental efforts. The concepts of biodiversity conservation and conservation of plant genetic resources are noted, along with a brief description of current approaches of in situ and ex situ conservation and the complimentarity between the two. Wherever possible, I have tried to link these with our ancient tenets and practical suggestions and conclude with the need to combine the two knowledge systems for an improved approach to conservation and use of biodiversity, leading to a healthy ecosystem.

Keywords

Biodiversity, Conservation, Ecosystem Functions and Services, Plant Genetic Resources, Synthesis of Knowledge Systems, Utilization.
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  • Ecosystem Functions, Services and Biodiversity: Past, Present and Future Implications — II

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Authors

V. Ramanatha Rao
GRSV Consulting Services, Bengaluru – 560068, Karnataka, India

Abstract


The relationship between ecosystems functions and services and biodiversity is discussed and the components of biodiversity are briefly described with a focus on agricultural biodiversity and plant genetic resources. The importance of agricultural biodiversity for sustained future of humans is discussed, along with links to historical knowledge with modern-day needs and thinking as to: (i) why we should be concerned about biodiversity conservation, (ii) how conservation and use of biodiversity at different levels is essential for our survival and (iii) how such efforts can be balanced with contemporary developmental efforts. The concepts of biodiversity conservation and conservation of plant genetic resources are noted, along with a brief description of current approaches of in situ and ex situ conservation and the complimentarity between the two. Wherever possible, I have tried to link these with our ancient tenets and practical suggestions and conclude with the need to combine the two knowledge systems for an improved approach to conservation and use of biodiversity, leading to a healthy ecosystem.

Keywords


Biodiversity, Conservation, Ecosystem Functions and Services, Plant Genetic Resources, Synthesis of Knowledge Systems, Utilization.

References