Socio-Economic Context of Saving Biodiversity

Since the beginning of time mankind has depended upon the available natural resources for survival, although the contribution of biodiversity to the sustainable development has recently been acknowledged. The need for this recognition arose from the fact that biodiversity provides a variety of socio- cultural and economic services for the humankind such as food, water, shelter, medicines, energy and aesthetic value. Despite realization of biodiversity as essential factor for human life and welfare, we are facing problems of global nature. Pakistan is fortunate to have a rich biodiversity and is blessed with more than nine distinct ecological zones. These ecological zones provide a range of habitats to a great variety of flora and fauna, besides a vast variety of plant species having great medicinal and food value. However, deforestation, over development, lack of awareness and control measures have negative effects on biodiversity. These actions are leading to loss of species, habitats and degradation of ecosystems. Presently, the rate of regeneration of resources is much slower than the rate at which these natural assets are being consumed inducing a socio-economical recession. There is a need to adopt a sustainable approach towards biodiversity conservation and establish a balance between gains and loss to bridge this gap between resource generation and consumption. Preservation of biodiversity without sustainability could impact the overall economic conditions leading to further poverty and affect the quality of life of the people. This paper thoroughly reviews significance of biodiversity, its socio-economic benefits and problems currently being faced to save this natural wealth.