Asian Agri-History

Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Subscription Access
Open Access Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Restricted Access Subscription Access

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


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

   Subscribe/Renew Journal


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.
User
Subscription Login to verify subscription
Notifications
Font Size

  • CBD (Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity). Handbook of the Convention on Biological Diversity Including its Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, 3rd ed, 2005. Montreal, Canada.Available from: https://www.cbd.int/agro/whatis.shtml

  • Kermani V. What modern ecology can learn from ancient Hinduism? 19th April 2017. 2018. Available from: https://www.ecologise.in/2017/04/19/what-modern-ecologycanlearn-from-ancient-hinduism/

  • Rajeswari SR, Dey D. The valuation conundrum. Economic and Political Weekly. 2017; LI(47): 70–8.

  • Ramanatha Rao V. Valuation of plant genetic resources. Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources. 2012; 25(1): 63–74.

  • Engelmann F, Ramanatha Rao V. Major research challenges and directions for future research. In: N.M. Noor, H.F. Chin, B.M. Reed, editors. Conservation of Tropical Plant Species. New York: Springer; 2013. p. 511–26.

  • Eero Nissilä, AJ, Ramanatha Rao V, Riley KW, Engelmann F. Ex situ strategies for complementary conservation of Asian sweet potato. Plant Genetic Resources Newsletter. 1999; 117: 1–11.

  • Maxted N, Ford-Lloyd BV, Hawkes JG. Complementary conservation strategies. In: N. Maxted, B.V. Ford-Lloyd, J.G. Hawkes, editors. Plant genetic conservation: the in situ approach.. London: Chapman and Hall; 1997. p. 15–39.

  • Ramanatha Rao V. Complementary conservation strategy. In: Bhag Mal, Mathur PN, Ramanatha Rao V, editors. Proceedings of Fourth Meeting of the South Asia Network on Plant Genetic Resources (SANPGR), 1–3 September 1998, Kathmandu, Nepal.. India: IPGRI Office for South Asia, New Delhi; 1999. p. 139–50

  • Pandey DN. 2018. Available from: https://www.infinityfoundation.com/mandala/t_es/t_es_pande_ conserve.htm

  • Rangarajan LN. The Arthashastra by Kautilya, Delhi: Penguin Books; 1992.

  • Renugadevi, R. Environmental ethics in the Hindu Vedas and Puranas in India. African Journal of History and Culture (AJHC), 2012; 4(1): 1–3. DOI: 10.5897/AJHC11.042. Available from: http://www.academicjournals.org/AJHC

  • Rim-Rukeh A, Irerhievwie G, Agbozu IE. Traditional beliefs and conservation of natural resources: Evidences from selected communities in Delta State, Nigeria. International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation, 2013 Jul; 5(7): 426–32. DOI: 10.5897/IJBC2013.0576.

  • Kumar AB. 2018. Available from: http://www.teriuniversity.ac.in/mct/pdf/new/assignment/AMPILI_BHARAT_KUMAR_Sacred_Groves.pdf

  • Sudhi KS. 2002. 2018. Available from: http://www.thehindu.com/lf/2002/10/26/stories/2002102600390200.htm

  • Das Gupta SP. Environmental Issues for the 21st Century. New Delhi: Mittal Publications; 2003.

  • David DS. Tamil Temple Myths. New Jersey: Princeton University Press; 1980.

  • Das S. (Curator). Groves of the gods. Down to Earth. 2018 Jan. p. 12–55.

  • Dev S. Ancient-modern concordance in Ayurvedic plants: Some examples. Environ. Health Perspect. 1999; 107: 783–9.

  • Mishra L, Singh BB, Dagenais S. Ayurveda: A historical perspective and principles of the traditional healthcare system in India. Altern Ther Health Med. 2001; 7: 36–42.

  • Ved DK, Mudappa A, Shankar D. Regulating export of endangered medicinal plant species – Need for scientific rigour. Current Science. 1998; 75: 341–4.

  • Chapple CK, Jain P. Ecology in Hinduism. Oxford Bibliographies. 2017. DOI: 10.1093/OBO/97801953993180018. Available from: http://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/view/document/obo-9780195399318/obo-9780195399318-0018.xml


Abstract Views: 706

PDF Views: 0




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

Abstract Views: 706  |  PDF Views: 0

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