14.1.5. Economic Role of Biodiversity

For all humans, biodiversity is an important resource in their day-to-day life. One important part of biodiversity is ‘crop diversity’, which is also called agro-biodiversity.

Biodiversity is essential for humans because it provides a wide range of resources we rely on daily. A significant aspect of biodiversity is 'crop diversity' or agro-biodiversity, which refers to the variety of crops grown worldwide. This diversity is crucial for food security, helping to ensure that we have various types of food to eat.

Think of biodiversity like a well-stocked kitchen. Just as having various ingredients allows you to prepare different meals and cater to different tastes, biodiversity ensures that we have a variety of food crops to meet the diverse dietary needs of the global population.

Biodiversity is seen as a reservoir of resources to be drawn upon for the manufacture of food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products.

Biodiversity serves as a critical source for many industries. For example, many food products come from various plants and animals, while numerous pharmaceutical drugs are derived from natural compounds found in plants and microorganisms. Cosmetics often utilize ingredients sourced from diverse biological materials as well.

Imagine going to a medicine cabinet. Just like you might have various tablets and ointments for different ailments, pharmaceutical companies rely on the diversity of natural compounds found in biological resources to create effective medicines for a multitude of health issues.

Some of the important economic commodities that biodiversity supplies to humankind are: food crops, livestock, forests, fish, medicinal resources, etc.

Biodiversity contributes significantly to the economy through various commodities. We get food crops directly from plants, while livestock provides meat, milk, and leather. Forests yield wood and non-timber products, and fish from oceans and rivers contribute to global food supplies. Medicinal resources from plants are essential for the healthcare industry.

Think of biodiversity as a grocery store. Each section represents a different type of resource: the produce section for food crops, the butcher for livestock products, the fish market for seafood, and the pharmacy for medicines. Each component is essential for a well-functioning economy and healthy lifestyle.

This concept of biological resources is responsible for the deterioration of biodiversity. At the same time, it is also the origin of new conflicts dealing with rules of division and appropriation of natural resources.

While biodiversity provides valuable resources, the way we use these biological resources can lead to its deterioration. Overexploitation, habitat destruction, and pollution can negatively impact the biodiversity that sustains us. Additionally, conflicts arise over who has the right to access and use these resources, often leading to disputes between countries or communities.

Consider a shared playground. If too many children try to use the swings at once, they may wear them out or cause disagreements over time slots. Similarly, if we overuse natural resources without considering sustainability, we risk damaging the entire 'playground' of biodiversity on which we depend.

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