Conservation of Biodiversity for a Sustainable World: A Mini-Review

The term biodiversity is derived from “bio” and “diversity,” which refer to life and variety, respectively. The concept of biodiversity conservation is developed to protect, preserve and manage biological components, including plant species, animals, and natural resources. Biodiversity conservation is essential to protect endangered and threatened species and preserve natural resources for sustainable development and present and future generations. Scientists believe that only 50 per cent preservation of protected areas (PAs) area can ensure the current level of biodiversity (Wilson, 2016). The signatory parties to Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) pledged to preserve 17 per cent of the PAs by 2020 (CBD, 2020). Similarwise, Aichi Target 11 also emphasises preserving 10 per cent of marine and coastal areas by 2020 (Wang et al., 2023). In order to achieve this goal, biodiversity conservation underpins three key objectives: preservation of species diversity, sustainable protection of species and ecosystems, and promotion of life-supporting systems. Biodiversity often describes biological diversity or variety in the species, including plants, animals, fungi, humans, and all other living organisms and the habitats in which they dwell on. The role and function of biodiversity are inevitable for maintaining a sound ecosystem. It helps regulate climate change issues, control water quality, and prevent disease. Humans are connected to the biodiversity system; therefore, it provides numerous benefits like food, shelter, medicine, oxygen, livelihood, etc. Biodiversity evolves from the local to the global level. Local-level biodiversity conservation includes setting up protected areas, engaging local communities in the conservation process, and improving local people’s livelihood by creating more sustainable employment opportunities instead of relying on harvesting forest resources. Successful implementation of national laws and policies ensures the conservation process at the country level. Global agreements like Ramsar Convention and Convention on Biological Diversity promote biodiversity conservation at the international level. The consideration of biodiversity at all levels can ensure its successful conservation.