Biological diversity has been defined by the World Wildlife Fund as “the wealth of life on earth, the millions of plants, animals, and microorganisms, the genes they contain, and the intricate ecosystems they help build into the living environment.” This means that biological diversity needs to be considered and measured at three distinct levels.
First, biological diversity at the species level has to be analyzed across the full range of organisms on the earth, from bacteria and protists through the multicellular kingdoms of plants, animals, and fungi.
Second, on a finer scale, it is necessary to study genetic variation within species, both among geographically isolated populations and among individuals within single populations.
Third, variation within the biological communities must be detected, as well the interactions among these three levels. There is simply not enough money, labour, and expertise to identify, count, and map the distribution of every species in every taxon at a global scale in time frames that can assist current conservation decisions.
Thus, conservation biologists have been engaged for some time in attempting to find non-census indicator methods that can rapidly and reliably identify areas with disproportionately high levels of biodiversity.
Uncontrolled logging and tree felling are the order of the day in many parts of the southern states of Nigeria. This carries with it the loss of precious biological diversity. This article will look at the bio-resource legislations in Nigeria.
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Bio-resource Legislations and Agricultural Resource Management
There are legislations regarding bio-resource. They are related to private and public property rights. They can define protection for threatened ecosystems, but also some rights and duties (for example, fishing and hunting rights). They define species that must be protected because they may be threatened by extinction.
The U.S. Endangered Species Act is an example of an attempt to address the “law and species” issue.
Domestication and plant breeding methods are not new, but advances in genetic engineering have led to tighter laws covering the distribution of genetically modified organisms, gene patents, and process patents.
The goals of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), introduced in Rio de Janeiro during the 1992 Earth Summit, are:
- The conservation of biological diversity,
- The sustainable use of its components, and
- The fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of its commercial use.
The convention emphasises the Sovereignty of Nations over their bio-resources and their rights to share in the benefits that accrue from commercialised bio-products, thereby regulating access to genetic resources and ensuring benefit sharing among stakeholders.
The overall priority of the Convention on Biodiversity is ensuring global biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
Biodiverse countries that allow bioprospecting or collection of natural products, expect a share of the benefits rather than allowing the individual or institution that discovers/exploits the resource to capture them privately.
Bioprospecting can become a type of biopiracy when such principles are not respected. Sovereignty principles can rely upon what is better known as Access and Benefit Sharing Agreements (ABAs).
The Convention on Biodiversity implies informed consent between the source country and the collector, to establish which resource will be used and for what, and to settle on a fair agreement on benefit sharing.
Though uniform approval for use of biodiversity as a legal standard has not been achieved in many countries. The most active area of biodiversity prospecting is in the search for medical compounds.
In some countries, a large percentage of prescriptions are filled with drugs whose active ingredients are extracted or derived from plants.
Examples of some important recent discoveries of plants with medical properties are Okubaka aubrevilleli, which exhibits anti-microbial and immune-stimulating activities and Dysoxylum lenticellars, which shows promise in treating cardiac ailments, etc.
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Bio-resource Legislation In Nigeria: Status and Challenges
Without doubt Nigeria is richly endowed with diverse flora and fauna. These vital resources are presently threatened by increased population pressure and intensified human development activities.
These activities are of major concern to managers who realise that natural resources are the backbone of industry.
Several laws, regulations and policies have evolved in Nigeria post-independence to address issues related to bio-resource ownership, exploitation, protection and management.
Though technologies and capabilities are being developed to protect endangered ecosystems, especially watersheds, freshwater and high forests in Nigeria.
Conservation of biodiversity requires the development and application of appropriate technology, particularly in research, ex-situ conservation, and others. Such technology is not yet operational in Nigeria, though, there are hopes of implementation shortly.
There is no Land Use Policy in the country other than a Land Use Act. States are being encouraged to derive their legislation from the national framework.
A national forest and wildlife law is being developed with the involvement of all stakeholders.
There is no forest certification practice in the country.
However, public involvement in forest certification is being articulated in the proposed revised policy which will encourage private sector and NGO participation.
Issues relating to reports on Nigerian Farmers’ Rights Legislation and Policy Database show that there is no legislation found on Patent Laws in Nigeria, neither is there the Plant Breeders’ Right Legislation.
Practical Ways to Protect and Conserve Biodiversity in Agricultural Communities
Biodiversity is more than simply the collection of plants and animals on earth; it is about local ecosystems and promoting healthy conditions for organisms to thrive. While protecting the rainforests sounds like a daunting task, there is a lot that can be done to promote and preserve local biodiversity at home.
1. Support local farms: Regularly buying from small local farmers at stands or markets helps to keep dollars in the local economy and supports agricultural efforts to conserve biodiversity.
When at markets, it is important to know the lingo organic’ is ideal for health and the planet, but farmers who practice ‘Integrated Pest Management’ can offer high-quality products with nearly no chemical intervention.
Community Supported Agriculture is another great way to eat in-season fresh, local food while also financially supporting local farmers.
2. Save the bees: Bees are important to preserving biodiversity – and they are increasingly under attack from varroa mites.
They can be helped by planting nectar-producing wildflowers in backyards or even building bee boxes for local bees to call home.
When embarking on DIY home projects, it is essential to be mindful about the products used, as standard backyard pesticides can be harmful or deadly to bees.
3. Plant local flowers, fruits and vegetables: Research the flora, fruits, and veggies native to the area, and plant a variety in the backyard or a hanging garden. To aid in this effort, support local nurseries that specialise in native species.
Nurseries can be great sources of information about plant maintenance and care. They should also be able to tell where they source their plants from the more local, the better.
Supporting local wildlife helps to preserve the biodiversity of the area and supports its local ecosystem.
4. Take shorter showers: Biodiversity depends on the abundance of local freshwater. Taking five-minute showers and turning the water off while washing hands, doing the dishes, or brushing teeth are all easy ways to conserve water.
5. Respect local habitats: Plants growing in the parks and nature preserves nearby often play an important role in preserving the local ecosystem. When outdoors, protect local biodiversity by sticking to the walking path or hiking trail. Help children and pets to do the same.
6. Know the source: Check the products purchased and the companies supported to ensure that buying habits are not contributing to the destruction of habitat elsewhere. Look for labels such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or Rainforest Alliance Certified.
Both organisations are committed not only to the conservation of the Earth’s resources but also to advocating for the human rights of the native peoples who inhabit the land many products are sourced from.
Law and Agricultural Ecosystems Relationship in Biodiversity Conservation
There are relationships between law and ecosystems which have been for decades now and they have consequences for biodiversity.
Law regarding species is more recent while laws regarding gene pools have been in existence but were not popular until recent times, mainly due to needs to preserve or conserve.
In Nigeria, some of these issues are lacking and those in place lack popular enforcement.
Protecting the rainforests sounds like a daunting task, there is a lot that can be done to promote and preserve local biodiversity at home.
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