ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSIONS

Biodiversity, is defined as a variety of life forms in the entire Earth. It encompasses all
kinds of life forms, from the single-celled organisms to the largest multi-celled
organisms. It is all the different kinds of life you’ll find in one area—the variety of
animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our natural
world. Each of these species and organisms work together in ecosystems, like an
intricate web, to maintain balance and support life.
Biodiversity, is the variability among living organisms from all sources, including
terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and all the ecological complexes of
which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of
ecosystems. Biodiversity is the source of the essential goods and ecological services
that constitute the source of life and it has consumptive value in food, agriculture,
medicine, and industry (Villaggio Globale, 2009)

THREE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BIODIVERSITY

1. Genetic Biodiversity, is the variety of genes within a species. Each species is made
up of individuals that have their own particular genetic composition. This means a
species may have different populations, each having different genetic compositions.
Example: Chicken, humans etc.

2. Species Biodiversity, number of different species that are represented in a given

community.
Example: Can be observed in coral reef ecosystems
3. Ecosystem Biodiversity, refers to the network of different species in an ecosystem
and the interaction of these species. Ecosystem, are all of these animals, plants,
bacteria, and fungi as well as the physical components of the area.
Example: Various habitats found in a forest. Within a forest, there are different types of
habitats such as plains, mountains, rivers and lakes. Each of them has its own
environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, light and others) Different animals
adapt to their habitats, depending on their environmental conditions.
HUMANS AND BIODIVERSITY (CO-BENEFACTOR)
Humans have had an essential role in modifying the natural world throughout millennia
by choosing and collecting biological resources, generating new kinds and, in some
cases, new species (such as the dog), and manipulating the physical environment of
their own and other creatures. The resulting varieties are frequently entirely dependent
on humans. The richness of biodiversity benefits society immensely since humans may
obtain biological resources such as food, medicine, shelter, energy, and more from
nature. Biodiversity in natural ecosystems may control temperature, foo, water and air
quality, water storage, and garbage decomposition, among other things.

However, biodiversity's various advantages are vulnerable to abuse. Humans must take
responsibility for maximizing the benefits of biodiversity by properly utilizing science
and technology.

ANCIENT MEDICINE
1. Herbal Medicine – Since 2600 BC, people have been using plants to treat illness,
hence the practice of herbal medicine. Herbal medicines were also used in healing
rituals and in the treatment of injuries resulting from wars or accidents. As such, the use
of herbal medicine in ancient civilizations was dependent on the biodiversity present in
their respective envirionment. Various plant-based drugs such as gargles, pills,
infusions and ointment were used in Ancient Egypt as well as in Ancient China.

Example:
1. Cupressus sempervirens (Cypress) and Commiphora myrrha (myrrh) – for instance,
have been used to treat coughs, colds and inflammation since the ancient times.
2. Salvia apiana (California sage) – was an herbal plant used by Indian tribes of
Southern California to aid in childbirth and was believed to protect the immune system
from respiratory ailments.

3. Garlic – Scientific name Allium Sativum. It is commonly available

Native to Southern Europe and Central Asia; cultivated throughout the world; extensively
grown in Batanes Islands, Batangas, Nueva Ecija, Ilocos Norte, Mindoro, and Cotabato.
Use for snake or dog bites, which are both emergency cases.

4. Sambong – Scientific Name Blumea Balsamifera. It is commonly available

Found from India to Southern China, through the Malay Peninsula to the Moluccas;
distributed throughoutt the Philippines. Anti-cancer, anti-genotoxicity and anti-mutagenicity,
antimicrobial, anti-obesity, antioxidant, dissolution of kidney stones. It is use for kidney stones.

FOOD, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES

1. Food – basic need for human survival.
During the stone age, humans relied only on hunting and foraging to get food. They
depended on what the ecosystems could really provide them. At the earth’s population
grew, the demand for food increase. Ways to cultivate other species of crops animals
suitable for consumption also evolved throughout time. The increasing demand for food
as the world population grew also resulted for the development of more lands for
agriculture.

2. Agriculture and Fisheries – As a source of food.

Farmers and fishermen rely on healthy ecosystems for their livelihood. The benefits of
biodiversity is necessary for the growth of many important crops. About 39 of the
leading 57 global crops need birds and insects as pollinators. Agrobiodiversity is the
result of careful selection and innovative development by farmers, fishers and herders
throughout the years. Harvested crops varieties and non-harvested species in the
environment that support ecosystem for food production fall under agrobiodiversity.

ENERGY
Humans rely on energy provided by ecosystems to do necessary activities in order to
survive. In the Stone Age, heat energy from fire was used mainly for survival against
harsh cold environments, for cooking, and for communication with nearby tribes in the
form of smoke.

Source of Energy
Fire and Water
– In 1000 BC, coal as a source of energy was used by people in northeastern China for
heating and cooking. It eventually became popular in other civilization, such as the
romans and Northern Native Americans.
– While in 400 BC, water energy or Hydro power was used by the Ancient Greeks and
Romans and for irrigation, In 347 AD, the earliest known oil wells were developed in
China.

Petroleum Products
– In 1820’s, natural gas was used as a source of light although the lack of pipeline
infrastructure made its distribution challenging. In 1830’s, the electric generator was
developed based on Michael Faraday’s discovery of electromagnetism.
¬– In 1850’s, commercial oil was drilled which led to the distillation of kerosene from
petroleum. In 1860’s, Augustine Mouchot developed the first solar powered system for
industrial machinery.
– In 1892, geothermal energy was first used in 1942, the first nuclear fission reactor
was design and built.
– In the 19th and 20th century, the utilization of coal energy shaped the industrialization
of the United States, United Kingdom and other European Countries
– Millions of years ago, algae and plants lived in shallow seas. After dying and sinking
to the seafloor, the organic material mixed with other sediments and was buried. Over
millions of years under high pressure and high temperature, the remains of these
organisms transformed into what we know today as fossil fuels. Coal, natural gas, and
petroleum are all fossil fuels that formed under similar conditions.
¬– We use petroleum products to propel vehicles, to heat buildings, and to produce
electricity.

Various Way of Generating Energy

¬– Wind Energy was also used to navigate through bodies of water. During 1700’s to
1800’s, at the time of the industrial revolution, biomass as a primary source of energy
was replaced with cool and the British discovered that by burning, coal is transformed
into hot burning coke, a fuel with a high carbon content and few impurities. With this,
the use of coal became widespread all over the world.
The Use of Energy and their Downfalls
– The demands for energy created a positive impact on unconventional ways of
producing energy nut, in turn, have resulted in adverse effects on biodiversity in terms of
wildlife mortality, habitat loss, fragmentation, noise and light pollution, invasive species,
and changes in carbon stock and water resources.

WATER STORAGE AND FLOOD CONTROL

Rivers – ( water as human basic needs ), the earliest civilization were situated near
rivers or lakes which made their livelihoods dependent on the water. Water for rivers
and lakes was also used for irrigation. To cope with the adverse effects of the changing
tides, floodways were utilized to prevent from flooding in nearby communities that
usually result in damaged crops. Aqueducts were invented and built by the romans and
the Greeks, to maintain stable water supplies to communities that were far from bodies
of water.
Forestry – Biodiversity in forest plays an unquestionably crucial role in water resources.
Forests provide natural filtration and storage systems to provide freshwaters. The roots
and leaves of trees create conditions that promote the infiltration of rainwater into the
soil to fill up the aquifer systems with groundwater, while percolation occurs allowing
the movement of surface water into rivers and lakes. Forests also play a major role in
the water cycle by affecting rates of transpiration and evaporation and water storage in
watersheds.
Flooding – is mostly known for its adverse effects but it also has some benefits. In the
context of agriculture, flooding can help farmers for its distributes nutrients that
particular patches of solid lacked. This can make the soil healthier and more fertile for
the cultivation of crops.

AIR AND WATER TREATMENT

Air
– Some of gases considered as criteria pollutants like NOx and O3, in moderate
amounts, contribute to a healthy ecosystems and balanced biodiversity. However, due
to excessive concentrations of these gases, the capacity of the environment to clean
itself to be resilient is diminished.
– Excessive nitrogen stimulates the growth of nitrogen-loving plant species but
reduces the occurrence of plant species adapted to low nitrogen environment. Nitrogen
reduces the resilience of forests to other environmental stresses such as drought,
frosts, pests and diseases.

IMPACTS OF BIODIVERSITY LOSS

- Overpopulation - One of the primary cause of environmental degradation is the
 increase in human population. Overpopulation which is associated with
industrialization and agriculture, mining, fishing, deforestation, environmental
pollution and exploitation of biodiversity leads the destruction of habitats.

- Technology, has played a role in the changes happening to ecosystems, habitats

and biodiversity.
- When the trees are cut, carbon dioxide is sent back to the atmosphere, thus
increasing the amount of greenhouse gasses in the environment. Greenhouse
gasses, are crucial to keeping our planet at a suitable temperature for life.
Without the natural greenhouse effect, the heat emitted by the Earth would
simply pass outwards from the Earth's surface into space.
 - Biodiversity loss can also contribute to climate change, pest infestations and
diseases.
- Biodiversity is a source of food and medicine, energy and nutrients. It provides
humans the resources in order to survive. Any disruption or destraction in the
Earth’s biodiversity will also affect the life and health of the people.

- The destruction of the environment may also cause mental distress among
humans.

- Pollution can adversely affect one’s physical health and well being

THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY
 These are major threats to biodiversity that were identified by the United Nations’
Environment Programme (WHO, n.d.) These are the following:

1. Habitat loss and destruction. Major contributing factor is the inhabitation of human
beings and the use of land for economic gains. Example, deforestation.

2. Alterations in ecosystem composition. Alterations and sudden changes, either within

species groups or within the environment, could begin to change entire ecosystems.
Alterations in ecosystems are a critical factor contributing to species and habitat loss.
Example, water hyacinth
3. Over-exploitation. Over-hunting, overfishing, or over-collecting of species can quickly
lead to its decline. Changing consumption patterns of humans is often cited as the key
reason for this unsustainable exploitation of natural resources.

4. Pollution and contamination. Biological systems respond slowly to changes in their

surrounding environment. Pollution and contamination, cause irreversible damage to
species and varieties.

5. Global Climate Change. Both climate variability and climate change cause
biodiversity loss. Species and populations may be lost permanently if they are not
provided with wnough time to adapt to changing climatic conditions. Example, increase
in global temperature.

6. Deficiencies in knowledge about biodiversity, Inadequate enforcement of

environmental laws and poor political will. Deficiencies in knowledge about
biodiversity, refer to a lack of information about the diversity and distribution of species,
as well as their ecological roles and interactions. Inadequate enforcement of
environmental laws, refers to a failure to implement and enforce laws and regulations
that are designed to protect the environment. Poor political will, refers to a lack of
commitment on the part of policymakers and government officials to address
environmental issues and protect biodiversity.
PROTOCOLS ON BIODIVERSITY
There is a need to enhance the implementation of regulations and worldwide protocols
such as the Montreal Protocol and Kyoto Protocol.

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (the Montreal
Protocol) - is an international agreement made in 1987. It was designed to stop the
production and import of ozone depleting substances and reduce their concentration in
the atmosphere to help protect the Earth’s ozone layer.

The Kyoto Protocol – is an international agreement that aimed to manage and reduce
carbon dioxide emissions and other greenhouse gases.

The Cartagena Protocol – aims to ensure the safe transport, handling, and the use of
living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology that may have
adverse effects on biodiversity.

REFERENCES:
ASEAN 2014, BFAD 2005, Dayrit 2014, FNRI 1997, Galvez Tan 2014, Quisimbing 1978,
TKDL 2015 https://pitahc.gov.ph/directory-of-herbs/

ASEAN 2014; Co 1989; BFAD 2005; Cortes-Maramba 1981; Dayrit 2014; FNRI 1997;
Galvez Tan 2014; Quisumbing 1978; TKDL 2015; WHO 1999
https://pitahc.gov.ph/directory-of-herbs/

Rensik, D. B. & Portier, C, J, (2017), “Environment, Ethics, and Human Health.” In the
Hasting Center Accessed July 31, 2017.
http://www.hastiagscenter.org/briefingbook/environmental-health/

Villaggio Globale. (2009), (n.d.). “Biodiversity,” Accessed July 31, 2017.

http://www.who.int/globalchange/ecosystems/biodiversity/en/

Angermeier, P.L. (1994) ‘Does Biodiversity Include Artificial Biodiversity?’, Conservation

Biology, 8, 600–2 https://www.jstor.org/stable/2386491