Value of biodiversity: Consumptive, productive

use, social, ethical, aesthetic and open values.

INTRODUCTION
o Definitions: -
Biodiversity is the variation among living organisms
from different sources including terrestrial, marine and
desert ecosystems, and the ecological complexes of
which they are a part.

Biodiversity describes the richness and variety of life on

earth. It is the most complex and important feature of our
planet. Without biodiversity, life would not sustain. The
term biodiversity was coined in 1985. It is important in
natural as well as artificial ecosystems. It deals with
nature’s variety, the biosphere. It refers to variabilities
among plants, animals and microorganism species.
Biodiversity includes the number of different organisms
and their relative frequencies in an ecosystem. It also
reflects the organization of organisms at different levels.
Biodiversity holds ecological and economic significance. It
provides us with nourishment, housing, fuel, clothing and
several other resources. It also extracts monetary benefits
through tourism. Therefore, it is very important to have a
good knowledge of biodiversity for a sustainable
livelihood.
Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life on
Earth, encompassing all living organisms, ecosystems, and
their interactions. It includes the diversity of species,
genetic diversity within species, and the diversity of
ecosystems. Biodiversity is crucial for ecological balance
because each species and ecosystem play a unique role in
maintaining the health and stability of the planet.
Interactions between different species and ecosystems
contribute to functions like pollination, nutrient cycling,
pest control, and maintaining a stable climate. Biodiversity
ensures that ecosystems can adapt to changes and
disturbances, making them resilient and sustainable over
time.
Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life
forms within ecosystems, encompassing all species of
plants, animals, microorganisms, and their genetic
differences. It also encompasses the diversity of
ecosystems and the ecological processes they contribute to.
Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecological balance
due to the intricate relationships between species and their
environments.

A diverse range of species helps ecosystems function

efficiently by performing various roles such as pollination,
nutrient cycling, pest control, and decomposition. This
balance is vital for sustaining ecosystem services that
support human well-being, including clean water, air
quality, soil fertility, and climate regulation. Biodiversity
also enhances ecosystem resilience, making it more
adaptable to changing environmental conditions. Thus,
preserving biodiversity is essential to ensure the long-term
health and stability of the planet's ecosystems.
The importance of biodiversity for ecological balance is
paramount. Ecosystems rely on a delicate balance between
various species and their interactions. Each species has a
role to play, whether it's pollinating plants, decomposing
organic matter, or regulating populations of other
organisms. Biodiversity contributes to ecosystem stability,
resilience, and functionality. It helps maintain nutrient
cycles, soil fertility, and water purification processes,
which are vital for supporting life and human activities.

A loss of biodiversity can disrupt these intricate

relationships, leading to negative cascading effects
throughout ecosystems. This can result in decreased
ecosystem productivity, reduced resilience to
environmental changes, and increased vulnerability to
diseases and invasive species. Hence, understanding and
preserving biodiversity is crucial for the health of our
planet and the well-being of both natural systems and
human societies.
Types of Biodiversity: -

There are the following three different types of

biodiversity:
1) Genetic Biodiversity.
2) Species Biodiversity.
3) Ecological Biodiversity
1) Species diversity = Species diversity refers to the
variety of different types of species found in a
particular area. It is the biodiversity at the most basic
level. It includes all the species ranging from plants
to different microorganisms. No two individuals of
the same species are exactly similar. For example,
humans show a lot of diversity among themselves.

2) Genetic diversity = It refers to the variations among

the genetic resources of the organisms. Every
individual of a particular species differs from each
other in their genetic constitution. That is why every
human looks different from each other. Similarly,
there are different varieties in the same species of
rice, wheat, maize, barley, etc.

3) Ecological diversity = An ecosystem is a collection

of living and non-living organisms and their
interaction with each other. Ecological biodiversity
refers to the variations in the plant and animal
species living together and connected by food chains
and food webs. It is the diversity observed among
the different ecosystems in a region. Diversity in
different ecosystems like deserts, rainforests,
mangroves, etc., include ecological diversity.
Conservation of biodiversity, at global level, is associated
in terms of many. It raises pertinent questions as to how
much it will cost. In terms of domain of Economics, it is
concerned with the value of biodiversity. In other words,
one has to decide the value of a species to be conserved
also the amount money needs for conservation of the
components of biodiversity.
For this purpose, a number of proposals have been made
to assign economic values to genetic variation, species
communities and ecosystem. Such values include the
market place value of resources the value for unharnessed
resources in their natural state as well as the future value
of the source.

The economic values are of the different types

mentioned as follows:

1) Direct values: - Direct value, also known as use

values and commodity values, are assigned to the
products harvested by people. Direct values can be
readily estimated by observing the activities of
representative groups of people, by monitoring
collection points for normal products and by
examining the export/ import statistics.
 2) indirect values: - Indirect values are assigned to
benefits provided by biodiversity that do not involve
harvesting or destroying the natural resource. Such
benefits include ecological benefits such as soil
formation, nutrient cycling, waste disposal, air and
water purification, education, recreation, future
options for human beings, etc

Biodiversity holds multiple dimensions of value,

each contributing to its significance in different
ways:

• Consumptive Value: Biodiversity provides resources

directly consumed by humans, such as food, medicine,
timber, and fibres. These resources are essential for
sustenance and economic growth.
1. Food: Biodiversity ensures the availability of a variety
of crops and livestock that form the basis of our diets.
Different plant and animal species provide essential
nutrients, contributing to a balanced and healthy diet.
Additionally, diverse ecosystems like forests, wetlands,
and oceans also support various forms of wild food
sources.
2. Medicine: Many pharmaceuticals are derived from
natural sources found in plants, animals, and
microorganisms. Biodiversity provides a vast library of
genetic material that can be screened for potential
medicinal properties. For instance, a variety of plants have
been the source of medicines for ailments ranging from
pain relief to treating diseases like cancer.

3. Raw Materials: Industries such as agriculture,

forestry, and textiles rely on biodiversity for raw materials.
Timber, fibres, and other materials obtained from diverse
plant species are used in various manufacturing processes.
Moreover, biodiversity contributes to the development of
new materials and technologies through bioprospecting.

Certainly, here are some examples of specific plants,

animals, and microorganisms that contribute to
consumptive value:

o Plants:
1. Cinchona tree (Quinine): The bark of the cinchona tree is
a source of quinine, a compound used to treat malaria.
2. Willow tree (Salicylic acid): The bark of willow trees
contains salicin, which is used to synthesize salicylic acid,
the active ingredient in aspirin.
3. Taxol-producing yew tree: The Pacific yew tree's bark
contains Taxol, a compound used in cancer treatments.
4. Opium poppy: The opium poppy is the source of
various opioids, including morphine and codeine, used for
pain relief and medical purposes.

o Animals:
1. Horseshoe crab: The blue blood of horseshoe crabs
contains a substance called Limulus amoebocyte lysate
(LAL), which is used to test for bacterial contamination in
medical equipment and vaccines.
2. Conus snails: These marine snails produce venom
containing compounds used to develop pain-relieving
drugs.
3. Venomous snakes: Some snake venoms contain enzymes
and proteins that have potential medical applications, such
as treating blood clotting disorders.

o Microorganisms:
1. Streptomyces bacteria: These bacteria produce
antibiotics such as streptomycin and tetracycline, which
are used to treat various bacterial infections.
2. Penicillium Mold: The Penicillium genus of Molds led to
the discovery of penicillin, the first widely used antibiotic.
3. Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Baker's yeast): This yeast is
used in baking, brewing, and bioethanol production.
4. Escherichia coli (E. coli): Some strains of E. coli are used
in biotechnology to produce insulin and other proteins for
medical use.

These examples highlight the diverse range of species that

have contributed to human well-being through the
development of medicines, materials, and other valuable
products. It's important to emphasize sustainable practices
in utilizing these resources to ensure their continued
availability and the health of ecosystems.
• Productive Use Value: Biodiverse ecosystems
support industries like agriculture, fisheries, forestry,
and biotechnology. They enhance crop yield, offer
genetic diversity for breeding, and supply raw
materials for various products.

➢ The potential consequences of biodiversity loss on

productivity:
Biodiversity loss can have significant consequences on
productivity in various ecosystems. Reduced biodiversity
can lead to decreased ecosystem stability, making
ecosystems more vulnerable to disturbances such as
diseases, pests, and extreme weather events. This can
ultimately impact agricultural and forestry productivity, as
well as other forms of natural resource extraction.
Additionally, biodiversity loss can disrupt essential
ecological processes, such as pollination and nutrient
cycling, which are crucial for maintaining healthy and
productive ecosystems. For example, the decline of
pollinators like bees and butterflies can reduce the
productivity of many crops that depend on their
pollination services.
Furthermore, diverse ecosystems often have a higher
resistance to invasive species. As biodiversity declines,
ecosystems become less able to resist the spread of non-
native species that can outcompete native species and
disrupt ecosystem functioning. This can further degrade
productivity by altering species compositions and
ecosystem dynamics.
In aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity loss can impact
fisheries productivity. Fish populations are often regulated
by complex interactions with other species, and
disruptions to these interactions can lead to imbalances
and decreased fish yields.
Overall, the loss of biodiversity can have cascading effects
on productivity across various sectors, posing challenges
for food security, resource availability, and overall
ecosystem health.
 • Social Value: Biodiversity contributes to cultural and
recreational experiences, promoting mental and
physical well-being. Natural spaces provide places for
leisure, inspiration, and spiritual connection.
Biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem
services that benefit society in various ways. Ecosystem
services are the benefits that humans receive from
ecosystems, and they can be categorized into four main
types: provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural
services.

1. Provisioning Services: Biodiversity contributes to the

production of food, water, and raw materials. A diverse
range of species, including plants and animals, provide
essential resources for human consumption and economic
activities. For example, different plant species support
agriculture by providing crop pollination, and various
marine species contribute to seafood production.

2. Regulating Services: Biodiversity helps regulate

ecological processes that influence the environment.
Species interactions, such as predator-prey relationships,
maintain balance within ecosystems. Biodiversity also
contributes to climate regulation, disease control, and
water purification. Forests, wetlands, and other
ecosystems with high biodiversity can mitigate floods,
filter pollutants, and store carbon.
3. Supporting Services: Biodiversity forms the foundation
of ecosystems by contributing to nutrient cycling, soil
formation, and habitat provision. Healthy ecosystems
depend on a diverse range of species to sustain these
foundational processes. Bacteria, fungi, and insects are
examples of lesser-known species that play crucial roles in
supporting services.

4.Cultural Services: Biodiversity holds cultural and

aesthetic value for society. Natural landscapes, species
diversity, and ecosystems contribute to spiritual,
recreational, and educational experiences. Cultural
services have an impact on human well-being, sense of
identity, and quality of life.

Maintaining high levels of biodiversity enhances the

resilience of ecosystems, making them more adaptable to
environmental changes, such as climate shifts or invasive
species. However, human activities, such as habitat
destruction, pollution, and overexploitation, have led to
biodiversity loss, which can disrupt ecosystem services.
Loss of certain species can trigger cascading effects that
impact other species and ecosystem functions.
Conservation efforts are essential to preserving
biodiversity and the services it provides. Protected areas,
sustainable resource management, and habitat restoration
are strategies aimed at safeguarding biodiversity and its
associated benefits for current and future generations.
Recognizing the intricate links between biodiversity and
ecosystem services is crucial for making informed
decisions that balance human needs with the health of the
natural world.

• Ethical Value: Many people recognize the intrinsic

right of all species to exist and believe in our moral
duty to protect them. Ethical considerations emphasize
our responsibility to preserve biodiversity.
1. Intrinsic Value: Intrinsic value refers to the inherent
worth or value that something possesses independent of
its utility or usefulness to humans. It's the idea that certain
things have value in and of themselves, regardless of their
ability to fulfil a specific purpose. This concept often arises
in discussions about ethics, environmental preservation,
and the moral treatment of animals.

2. Moral Responsibility: Moral responsibility is the

obligation individuals or entities have to act in ways that
align with ethical principles and values. It implies being
accountable for one's actions and their consequences. In
various contexts, such as business, politics, and personal
relationships, individuals are often held morally
responsible for their choices and behaviours.
3. Intergenerational Equity: Intergenerational equity refers
to the fair distribution of resources, benefits, and
opportunities between present and future generations. It
emphasizes the idea that the decisions and actions of the
current generation should not compromise the well-being
and opportunities of future generations. This concept often
comes up in discussions related to environmental
sustainability, economic policies, and social justice.

These concepts are interconnected and play significant

roles in shaping ethical considerations, decision-making
processes, and policies in various fields. They help guide
discussions about what is valuable, what responsibilities
we have towards others, and how we should consider the
needs of both the present and the future.

• Aesthetic Value: Biodiversity enhances the beauty of

landscapes, influencing art, literature, and cultural
expressions. A diverse array of species and ecosystems
captivates human senses and stimulates creativity.
Biodiversity enhances landscapes and natural beauty in
various ways. For instance, diverse plant species create
vibrant and colourful landscapes, while different types of
trees provide varying heights, shapes, and textures.
Animals like butterflies and birds contribute to the beauty
through their vibrant colours and graceful movements.
Additionally, the interplay between different species and
their interactions, such as pollination and predation, adds
complexity and visual interest to ecosystems, making them
more captivating to observe and appreciate.

• Open and Option Values: Biodiversity maintains

options for future use, such as undiscovered species
with potential benefits in medicine or technology.
Preserving biodiversity keeps these possibilities open
for humanity.
Biodiversity is crucial for research, innovation, and
education as it provides a vast pool of genetic, species, and
ecosystem diversity that holds immense untapped
potential. In research, studying diverse species helps us
understand fundamental biological processes and find
solutions to challenges such as disease, climate change,
and resource scarcity. Biodiversity also inspires innovation
by offering novel biomaterials, chemicals, and genetic
resources that can be harnessed for medicine, agriculture,
and technology.
One example of biodiversity's impact on scientific
discoveries is the enzyme Taq polymerase, isolated from a
heat-resistant bacterium found in hot springs. This enzyme
revolutionized DNA amplification techniques like PCR,
transforming genetic research and diagnostics. Another
instance is the discovery of extremophiles in extreme
environments like hydrothermal vents, leading to insights
into potential extraterrestrial life forms and advancing
biotechnology.
In education, biodiversity enriches curricula by providing
real-world examples of ecological and evolutionary
concepts. Learning about various species and ecosystems
fosters an appreciation for nature's complexity and our
role in conserving it. Biodiversity also offers a living
laboratory for students to engage in field studies, data
collection, and ecosystem monitoring, enhancing practical
learning experiences.

Overall, biodiversity serves as a wellspring of knowledge,

innovation, and inspiration across research, innovation,
and education, shaping our understanding of life and our
ability to address global challenges.

• Existence Value: Humans value the mere existence of

diverse species, regardless of their direct utility.
Biodiversity enriches our world and contributes to our
sense of wonder and appreciation for life's diversity.

• Educational Value: Biodiversity offers educational

opportunities, helping us understand ecosystems,
species interactions, and ecological processes. It fuels
scientific research and environmental education.
Together, these dimensions underline the complex and
multifaceted importance of biodiversity, extending beyond
economic considerations to encompass cultural, ethical,
and ecological significance.

Challenges and threats

Biodiversity faces significant challenges due to habitat loss,
pollution, climate change, and more. These threats disrupt
ecosystems, leading to species extinction and ecological
imbalances. Conservation efforts, sustainable land use,
pollution control, and global climate action are crucial to
mitigate these challenges and preserve biodiversity for
future generations.
Failing to value and conserve biodiversity can have far-
reaching consequences. Ecosystem services like
pollination, water purification, and climate regulation
would decline, affecting agriculture, clean water
availability, and weather stability. Loss of biodiversity can
disrupt food chains, causing imbalances that lead to pest
outbreaks and disease spread. Additionally, the loss of
unique species and genetic diversity limits potential for
medical and technological advancements. Neglecting
biodiversity also undermines cultural and aesthetic value,
impacting tourism and human well-being. Overall, not
valuing and conserving biodiversity jeopardizes the health
of our planet and future generations.
 Conservation Strategies
some practical strategies to conserve biodiversity and
promote its various values:

1. Protected Areas: Establish and effectively manage

protected areas like national parks, wildlife reserves, and
marine protected areas to safeguard critical habitats and
species.

2. Habitat Restoration: Restore degraded habitats through

reforestation, wetland restoration, and other conservation
techniques to create suitable conditions for native species.
3. Sustainable Land Use: Promote sustainable agricultural
practices that minimize habitat destruction, prevent soil
erosion, and reduce chemical pollution.

4. Invasive Species Control: Implement measures to

control and eradicate invasive species that can outcompete
native species and disrupt ecosystems.

5. Conservation Education: Raise public awareness about

the importance of biodiversity through educational
campaigns, workshops, and community engagement
programs.

6. Biodiversity-friendly Policies: Develop and enforce

policies that regulate land use, wildlife trade, and resource
extraction to ensure they are sustainable and don't harm
biodiversity.

7. Climate Change Mitigation: Address climate change by

reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as it has a direct
impact on species and habitats worldwide.

8. Support Local Communities: Involve local communities

in conservation efforts, respecting their traditional
knowledge and incorporating their participation in
sustainable practices.

9. Economic Incentives: Create economic incentives for

biodiversity conservation, such as ecotourism, carbon
trading, and payments for ecosystem services.

10. Research and Monitoring: Conduct scientific research

to better understand ecosystems, species behaviour, and
threats, allowing for informed conservation decisions.

11. Biodiversity-friendly Development: Plan and design

infrastructure projects with consideration for minimizing
impact on ecosystems and wildlife habitats.

12. International Cooperation: Collaborate with other

countries to address transboundary conservation issues,
such as migratory species and shared ecosystems.

13. Corporate Responsibility: Encourage businesses to

adopt sustainable practices and reduce their
environmental footprint, minimizing negative impacts on
biodiversity.
14. Genetic Diversity Conservation: Protect genetic
diversity in crops and livestock to ensure food security
and resilience to changing environmental conditions.

15. Legislation and Enforcement: Strengthen

environmental laws and regulations, and ensure effective
enforcement to deter illegal activities like poaching and
habitat destruction.

Remember that a combination of these strategies, tailored

to specific contexts, can be most effective in conserving
biodiversity and promoting its values.
Conclusion
Biodiversity, encompassing genetic, species, and
ecosystem diversity, is vital for the health of our planet.
Genetic diversity ensures adaptability, species diversity
aids in ecosystem stability, and ecosystem diversity
supports various ecological processes. A holistic approach
to conservation is crucial because interconnected
ecosystems rely on each other, and the loss of one element
can disrupt the entire system. By preserving biodiversity,
we safeguard ecosystem services, such as clean air, water,
pollination, and climate regulation, which are essential for
human well-being and sustainable development.
 Declaration
I the undersigned ‘Tuba’ student of B. Voc. (Agriculture Science). 2nd
semester hereby declare that the project work presented in this report is
my own work and has been carried out under the guidance of, professor
‘Dr. Pooja Rani Ma’am’, Agriculture Science, department of
vocational education, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University,
Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh.

This work has not been previously submitted to any

other university, college for any examination.

DATE – 21/08/2023

Dr. Pooja Rani Ma’am

B. Voc. (Agriculture Science)
 Certificate
This is to certify that project report entitled “Value of biodiversity:
Consumptive, productive use, social, ethical, aesthetic and open
values”. Submitted to department of vocational education under Indira
Gandhi national tribal university, Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh for the
award of B. Voc. (Agriculture Science) is an important piece of work
carried out by “Tuba” it is under certified that this project is a bonafide
piece of work and no part of this has been submitted earlier for any
purpose elsewhere.

Certificate by guide Certified that of has worked under

my guidance

DATE – 21/08/2023

Dr. Pooja Rani Ma’am

B. Voc. (Agriculture Science)