By Yogesh Kumar Goyal

Human beings are not the sole basis of life on Earth; rather, animals, birds, insects, and plants are equally crucial parts of this ecosystem. Yet, in the name of self-interest and so-called development, the manner in which humans have resorted to the reckless cutting of forests, destruction of wildlife habitats, and exploitation of natural resources has put the Earth's biodiversity into a deep crisis. Biodiversity is not merely a headcount of a few organisms or plants; it is the absolute balance of the entire ecology that makes life possible and safe. However, today this balance has been severely disrupted, and the entire world is facing its grave consequences. Numerous wildlife species on Earth have either become completely extinct or are on the verge of extinction. Not only this, thousands of species are considered endangered today, with the threat to their existence escalating with each passing year. This crisis is not limited to animals alone; the diversity of flora is also declining at the same rapid pace.

To underline the importance of biodiversity and to make people aware of its conservation, International Day for Biological Diversity is celebrated every year on May 22. It was initiated through a resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly on December 20, 2000, which was supported by 193 countries. On May 22, 1992, the Convention on Biological Diversity was adopted under the Nairobi Act, which is why May 22 was fixed for this day. This year, this day is being celebrated under the theme 'Acting locally for global impact', which highlights the fact that saving the Earth begins with small, local efforts. Today, the situation has become so severe that due to the destruction of forests, thousands of birds and animals have been deprived of their natural habitats. Bird species that acted as pest controllers in the interest of farmers—such as vultures, crows, eagles, hawks, partridges, quails, and peacocks—have now become endangered. This is not just a loss of biodiversity but an alarm bell for agriculture and food security. Such birds used to perform natural pest control in fields, but with their disappearance, dependence on artificial pesticides is increasing, which is fatal for both human health and the environment.

Environmental imbalance, pollution, climate change, uncontrolled use of natural resources, and a continuously growing population are the major drivers of the biodiversity crisis. On one hand, while natural habitats of animals and birds are vanishing due to reckless deforestation, on the other hand, rare species of plants are also gradually disappearing due to human activities. This is why the conservation of biodiversity is no longer just an issue for environmentalists; it has become a serious question linked to the survival of the entire human race. Wildlife and flora are vital links in the long evolutionary journey of life on Earth. All these species are the result of billions of years of biological and ecological evolution. Wildlife includes all those animals, birds, and plants that are not domesticated by humans, yet their existence is directly affected by human activities. As forests vanish, the lives of these species become endangered. It is a matter of misfortune that humans, under the pressure of material development and growing population, have ignored the balance of this ecosystem.

This fact has now been scientifically proven that a decline in biodiversity increases environmental imbalance, leading to problems such as natural disasters, climate change, famine, drought, floods, and the spread of diseases. My book 'Pradushan Mukt Saansen' discusses this subject in detail—how the decline in biodiversity is making our entire life and environment unstable. This is not just a crisis of nature; it is a looming threat to our future. Every country on Earth has its own specific climate and ecological identity, which makes its biodiversity unique. However, human factors such as deforestation, mining, urbanization, industrialization, chemical farming, plastic pollution, and excessive exploitation of natural resources have put this diversity in jeopardy. Unfortunately, this crisis is no longer confined to a few local species but is now moving toward destruction on a global scale.

Today, human beings, in their selfishness and infatuation with material life, have forgotten that nature is the very foundation of life. Deforestation, exploitation of natural resources, and neglect of the ecosystem are leading humans in a direction where the very existence of life could be endangered. If we do not awaken in time, there will be many such species in the future that will be found only in books and museums. Development is essential, there is no doubt about it; but that development, which is achieved by destroying natural resources, is suicidal. We need to adopt a development model that emphasizes coexistence with nature. If trees are cut, water sources dry up, animals become extinct, and birds disappear, it will not just be a loss of biodiversity but a question mark on the existence of the entire human civilization.

The need of the hour is to give policy priority to the conservation of biodiversity. If governments mandatorily include ecological balance in forest policy, water policy, agricultural policy, and urban development policy, the conservation of biodiversity can become possible. Citizens must also understand that this is not solely a government responsibility but the duty of every individual. Protecting every tree, conserving water sources, securing natural habitats, and understanding the importance of biodiversity form our primary responsibility. Biodiversity is not just a symbol of natural beauty but the core basis of life. The prosperity of the Earth and the continuity of life depend on this diversity. If we do not take concrete steps today to protect endangered species, we will have to pay a catastrophic price tomorrow. The conservation of biodiversity is no longer just an environmental issue; it has become a struggle for the survival of the human race.

(The author is a senior journalist and environmental expert & has authored several books, including 'Pradushan Mukt Saansen' on the environment)

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