Biodiversity - Values, Threats and Conservation

In continuation to my previous blog Biodiversity in Simple Terms , here I've tried to cover the important aspects of Biodiversity including Values , Threats and Conservation . Values of Biodiversity Biodiversity provides a variety of environmental services from its species and ecosystems that are essential at the Global , Regional and Local levels. It is essential for preserving ecological processes, such as fixing and recycling of nutrients , soil formation , circulation and cleansing of air and water , global life support , maintaining the water balance within ecosystems , watershed protection , maintaining stream and river flows throughout the year , erosion control and local flood reduction . Fig. 1 Values of Biodiversity A. Consumptive Use Value: A straight consumptive use is the direct utilization of timber, food, fuel wood and fodder by local communities. The diversity of organisms provide food, clothing, shelter, medicines, proteins, enzymes, p...