Where nature is doing something vital – like sequestering carbon or shielding against storm surges – we must protect it. Nature can regenerate itself, if we give it the opportunity. Give it space, but lend a hand where we can. Prioritize the funding of projects that restore nature, not ones that destroy it…..Greta Thunberg

Biodiversity and Conservation

Biological diversity or biodiversity refers to the different life forms and habitats found in a defined area. UNEP (1992) defines it “as the variety and variability of all animals, plants and micro-organisms and the ecological complexes of which they are a part”. Biodiversity is a comprehensive umbrella term for the extent of nature’s variety or variation within the natural system, both in number and frequency. It is often understood in terms of the wide variety of plants, animals and microorganisms, the genes they contain and the ecosystem they form. Biodiversity also includes the variety of ecosystems such as those that occur in deserts, forests, wetlands, mountains, lakes, rivers, and agricultural landscapes. Talking more about biodiversity the course covers genetic, species diversity and patterns of biodiversity.

The second modules focuses on biodiversity conservation, and the numerous ways to keep the natural environment functioning. Other modules focuses on Ecological Interaction Of Biodiversity, Biodiversity Threats, Loss And Consequences, with the last module offering students a deep understanding of IUCN(International Union for the Conservation of Nature) and protected areas.

MODULE 1: CONCEPT OF BIODIVERSITY

• Course Overview
• Introduction
• Why Is Biodiversity Important To Ecosystems?
• A Quick Quiz Check
• Levels of Biodiversity
• Genetic diversity:
• Speciesdiversity
• Importance of Species Diversity
• 4.2.1 Biodiversity c) species richness and species evenness
• A Quick Quiz Check
• Ecosystem diversity
• Benefits of Biodiversity
• Utilitarian benefits
• Ecosystem services
• Value of Biodiversity
• Productive value
• Consumptive value
• Ethical and moral value
• Social value
• Aesthetic value
• Ecological value
• Economic value
• Option values
• Legal values
• Patterns of Biodiversity
• Latitudinal gradients
• Species-Area relationships
• Module 1 Quiz

MODULE 2: BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

• Introduction
• Basis for Conservation of Biodiversity
• Why we conserve Biodiversity
• Why is biodiversity important
• A Quick Quiz Check
• Uses of Biodiversity
• Human and Biodiversity Conflicts
• Remedial Measures to ameliorate the Conflict
• The Top 5 Major Threats to Biodiversity
• A Quick Quiz Check
• Module 2 Quiz

MODULE 3: CONCEPT OF CONSERVATION

• Strategies for Conservation of Biodiversity
• In-situ conservation
• Benefits of in-situ conservation
• Ex-situ conservation
• Benefits of ex-situ preservation
• Difference between In-situ Conservation and Ex-situ Conservation in situ and ex situ conservation
• A Quick Quiz Check
• Multilateral Agreement/ International Conventions related to Biodiversity conservation
• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
• Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
• Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)
• Bioregional Management
• Sustainable Development and Biodiversity Conservation Initiatives
• Sustainable development
• Nature-based Solutions to Climate, Biodiversity, and Pandemic Threats
• A Quick Quiz Check
• Module 3 Quiz

MODULE 4: ECOLOGICAL INTERACTION OF BIODIVERSITY

• Role of Species in the Ecosystem
• Keystone Species and Their Role in Ecosystems
• A Quick Quiz Check
• Ecosystem Diversity
• Terrestrial Ecosystem
• Aquatic Ecosystems
• Ecosystem Ecology
• A Quick Quiz Check
• Module 4 Quiz

MODULE 5: BIODIVERSITY THREATS, LOSS AND CONSEQUENCES

• Anthropogenic Threats to Biodiversity
• Deforestation
• Application of chemical fertilizers
• Bush burning
• Fuelwood Extraction
• Logging
• Urbanization/industrialization
• Climate Change
• Natural Threats to Biodiversity
• Wind Storms
• Land Degradation
• Drought and high temperature
• Rainfall and flood
• Loss of Biodiversity: Causes and Consequences
• A Quick Quiz Check
• Biodiversity Loss
• Habitat alteration and destruction
• Habitat fragmentation
• Over-exploitation of biological resources
• Poaching and International Trade
• Pollution
• Species invasions
• Co-extinctions
• Climatic changes
• Population Growth and Poverty
• Institutional / Policy failure
• Consequences of Biodiversity Loss
• Impacts on Humankind
• Environmental degradation
• Impacts on the Ecosystem
• Accelerated climate warming effects
• Threats to Biodiversity
• A Quick Quiz Check
• Module 5 Quiz

MODULE 6: IUCN AND PROTECTED AREA

• Concept of IUCN
• IUCN Red List
• IUCN Red List Categories
• Concept of Protected Area
• IUCN management Categories for Protected Areas
• CATEGORY I
• Important National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Tiger Reserves
• A Quick Quiz Check
• Module 6 Quiz
• Final Assessment