5.2.2.1. Values of Biodiversity

Biodiversity is an essential requirement for the maintenance of global food supply. The main sources of human food include animals, fish and plant produces. A large number of plants are consumed by human beings as food. A few animal species are consumed by people which come from cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, buffaloes, chickens, ducks, geese and turkey species. Fish: Many fresh water fish can be grown in ponds. Israel and China already get about half of their fish from aqua culture. Drugs & medicines: About 75% of the world’s population depends upon plants or plant extracts for medicines. The drug Penicillin used as an antibiotic is derived from a fungus called Penicillium. Likewise, Tetracycline from bacteria, which is used to cure malaria, is obtained from the bark of cinchona tree. Fuel: The fossil fuels like coal, petroleum products and natural gas are the products of biodiversity.

Consumptive value of biodiversity refers to the direct benefits humans derive from various living organisms for their survival and well-being. This category encompasses the primary food sources, medicines, and fuels derived from biodiversity. Human food is sourced from a variety of animals and plants. For instance, common animals include cattle, pigs, and chickens, while plant food encompasses numerous fruits and vegetables. Additionally, fish cultivated in aquaculture provide a significant part of the world's fish consumption, especially in countries like Israel and China. Furthermore, medicinal plants contribute significantly to healthcare, with around 75% of the global population relying on plant-based treatments. Finally, energy resources such as coal and petroleum, which are vital for industrial and domestic usage, have their roots in biological diversity.

Consider a simple analogy: think of biodiversity as a big grocery store. Each section—fruits, vegetables, meats, and pharmaceuticals—represents a different aspect of biodiversity. Just as you rely on a variety of products in a grocery store to meet your dietary and health needs, humans depend on the diverse life forms found in nature for food, medicine, and energy.

Some of the organisms are commercially usable where the product is marketed and sold. The animal products like tusks of elephants; musk from deer; silk from silkworm; wool from sheep or goats; fur of many animals etc all of which are traded in the market. Eg: Calabar bean was traditionally used as a poison in West Africa. Daisy plants were first used as a lice remedy in the Middle East and this led to the Discovery of Pyrethrum. Mosquito coils made from Pyrethrum are sold in the market.

Productive value of biodiversity refers to the economic benefits derived from various organisms that are harvested and sold for commercial use. This covers a broad spectrum of products ranging from animal-derived goods, such as tusks from elephants and silk from silkworms, to plant-derived substances including traditional medicines and natural pesticides. The Calabar bean, once utilized as a poison, is an example of how certain organisms have commercial value, while the Pyrethrum plant, from which mosquito coils are made, illustrates how biodiversity serves both practical and economic purposes.

Think of biodiversity as a treasure chest filled with valuable items—each item could be something useful that can be sold or traded. Just as a jeweler might find gemstones to craft stunning jewelry, industries find valuable products from the variety of life, such as silk for clothing or plants for medicine. This treasure helps support economies and create jobs.

These are the values associated with the social life, religion and spiritual aspects of the people. Many of the plants are considered to be sacred in our country like Tulasi, Mango leaves, Banana leaves. The leaves, fruits, flowers of some of the plants are used in worship. Many animals like cow, snake, bull, peacock also have significant place in spiritual and thus hold special importance. Thus, biodiversity has distinct social value, attached with different societies.

Social value of biodiversity encompasses the importance of living organisms in cultural, religious, and communal practices. Certain plants and animals hold significant positions in various societies, often regarded as sacred or spiritually important. For example, in many cultures, plants like Tulasi are revered in religious practices, while animals such as cows and peacocks symbolize certain cultural values. This aspect of biodiversity helps to promote social cohesion and shared identity among community members, illustrating how intertwined biodiversity is with human belief systems and traditions.

Imagine a community where everyone cherishes different things that hold special meanings. Just as a family might have heirlooms passed down through generations that symbolize their history and beliefs, various plants and animals in nature represent a deeper connection to spiritual and cultural identities. This bond with biodiversity ensures that traditions and values are shared and respected among individuals.

The ethical value means that human beings may or may not use a certain species but knowing the very fact that this species exists in nature gives pleasure. For eg: A peculiar species of Pigeon, grey / white bird with short legs is no more on this earth. Similarly, Dodo species is also no more. Human beings are not deriving anything direct from Kangaroo, giraffe but strongly feel that these species should exist in nature.

Ethical value of biodiversity refers to the intrinsic worth of living organisms, regardless of their utilitarian benefits to humans. This perspective emphasizes the idea that all species have a right to exist and contribute to the tapestry of life, leading to human emotional satisfaction. People often feel joy or a sense of responsibility towards species that they may never encounter or benefit from directly. The extinction of animals like the Dodo serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of conservation efforts.

Picture a museum filled with rare artifacts. Even if you don’t want to buy any of them, simply knowing they exist and appreciating their beauty brings joy. Similarly, knowing that unique species like the Kangaroo and Giraffe exist, regardless of their utility, helps maintain the awe and diversity of life on Earth, enriching our experience as part of nature.

Every one of us would like to visit vast stretches of lands to enjoy the visible life. People from farther areas spend a lot of time and money to visit wild life areas where they can enjoy the aesthetic value of biodiversity and this type of tourism is known as eco tourism. Eco-tourism is estimated to generate 12 billion dollars of revenue annually that roughly gives the aesthetic value of biodiversity. A study of the impact of environment on the psyche was undertaken by Kaplan and Kaplan (1989) in which they found that being near nature relieved working stresses while people who worked in closed environment or human made structures experienced much more job stresses and illnesses.

Aesthetic value pertains to the enjoyment and appreciation of nature's beauty, which is often experienced through activities like eco-tourism. The natural landscapes and diverse life forms draw people from all walks of life, contributing to local economies and fostering conservation efforts through tourism. Research indicates that exposure to nature not only provides visual pleasure but also relieves stress and improves mental well-being. This shows that the beauty of biodiversity isn't just a luxury; it plays a crucial role in enhancing quality of life.

Think of nature as a grand gallery full of stunning paintings and sculptures. Just as art lovers venture into galleries to view and appreciate art, numerous people travel far and wide to experience the natural beauty of wildlife and landscapes. Experiencing nature can significantly uplift mood and mental health, much like enjoying a breathtaking artwork can evoke feelings of peace and happiness.

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