Discover why biodiversity conservation matters, how it supports life on Earth, and how you can help protect it through FULBCC's vital conservation efforts.
Understanding Biodiversity and Its Importance
Biodiversity, short for biological diversity, is the variety of life on Earth. It includes all plants, animals, microorganisms, and the ecosystems they inhabit. Biodiversity plays a vital role in providing ecosystem services such as clean air, fresh water, fertile soil, and climate regulation. It also supports food security, helps control diseases, and sustains human livelihoods.
Yet, human activities like deforestation, pollution, habitat destruction, and overexploitation of resources are threatening biodiversity. This loss has reached critical levels, creating a global biodiversity crisis. In many developing nations, especially Nigeria and other African countries, this crisis is more urgent due to growing populations and limited conservation infrastructure.
Only 19% of Africa’s landscapes and 17% of its seascapes are under formal protection. This low percentage is concerning, especially given Africa’s rich biodiversity. Globally, efforts like the Convention on Biological Diversity’s 30 by 30 goal aim to protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030, but significant progress is still needed.
This image captures the rich variety of life on Earth—from lush plant life to diverse animal species—illustrating the beauty and complexity of biodiversity that sustains our planet.
Image source: Freepik
Levels of Biodiversity
Biodiversity can be understood at three levels:
- Genetic diversity: This refers to the variety of genes within species. It allows species to adapt to changes in the environment and resist diseases. For example, wild relatives of food crops contain genes that can improve resistance to pests, drought, and diseases, contributing directly to food security and agricultural sustainability.
- Species diversity: This is the variety of different species found in an area or across the planet. Scientists estimate there are between 5 and 50 million species on Earth, although only about 1.8 million have been formally described. The extinction of species, especially those that have not yet been studied, leads to the irreversible loss of knowledge and potential benefits.
- Ecosystem diversity: This includes the different habitats and ecological processes that support life. Forests, wetlands, coral reefs, and savannas are all integral to the diverse ecosystems that help regulate the climate, cycle nutrients, and provide habitats for countless species.
In this short explainer video, learn how biodiversity supports ecosystems and human well-being, and why protecting it is essential for the future of life on Earth.
Video source: TED-Ed
Why Biodiversity Conservation Is Urgent
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 12% of known bird species and 20% of mammals are at risk of extinction. About 32% of amphibians are endangered, and nearly 20% of the world’s freshwater fish species are seriously threatened. In the United States alone, over 200 plant species have become extinct, with hundreds more considered endangered.
These figures are a wake-up call. Biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate, and its loss affects not only ecosystems but also human well-being. When species vanish, we lose essential ecosystem services, scientific knowledge, and economic opportunities.
The Value of Biodiversity
Biodiversity holds value in many aspects of life:
- Biophilia: Humans have a natural sense of connection to other forms of life. This connection encourages conservation efforts and environmental responsibility.
- Moral and ethical value: Many cultures and religions believe that all life forms deserve to exist. Protecting biodiversity is a moral duty.
- Existential value: Knowing that diverse life forms exist—even if we never directly interact with them—brings joy and peace of mind.
- Scientific and educational value: Biodiversity drives innovation in science, technology, and education, offering endless research opportunities.
- Economic value: Nature-based tourism, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals all benefit from biodiversity. It also supports sustainable jobs.
- Aesthetic and recreational value: Biodiversity adds beauty to our surroundings and enhances experiences in nature, parks, and reserves.
- Political value: Biodiversity fosters international cooperation on environmental issues and creates shared goals across borders.
Biodiversity and Bird Conservation
Among the most visible indicators of ecosystem health are birds. They play essential roles in pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control. As many bird species become endangered due to habitat loss and climate change, their decline reflects the broader threats to biodiversity.
Bird conservation is not just about protecting birds—it’s about preserving ecosystems and services they help maintain. For example, many bird species are crucial for controlling agricultural pests, which supports food production. Others help regenerate forests by dispersing seeds.
To understand more about why bird conservation matters, check out our related blog post: Why Conserve Birds?. It highlights how protecting bird species contributes to broader biodiversity conservation goals.
This inspiring video showcases how global organizations like BirdLife International are working to protect endangered bird species and restore critical habitats, highlighting the vital link between bird conservation and overall biodiversity.
Video source: Bird Watching Diaries
Biodiversity and Human Well-being
Biodiversity is essential for food security. A diverse range of plants, animals, and microorganisms ensures a stable and nutritious food supply. Genes from wild plants are used to develop new crop varieties that are resistant to diseases and climate stressors. Pollinators, which are often threatened, are responsible for fertilizing the majority of food crops.
Biodiversity also supports human health. Many modern medicines originate from plants and animals found in biodiverse regions. For instance, artemisinin from sweet wormwood treats malaria, digoxin from digitalis plants helps manage heart disease, and ziconotide from cone snail venom relieves chronic pain. If biodiversity continues to decline, undiscovered treatments for illnesses like cancer and tuberculosis may be lost forever.
Biodiversity also helps communities adapt to climate change. Diverse ecosystems are more resilient to environmental stress and can recover more quickly from disasters. This resilience is critical for vulnerable communities in regions frequently affected by floods, droughts, and wildfires.
Nigeria's Biodiversity Challenge
Nigeria faces a serious biodiversity challenge. Deforestation, mining, poaching, and pollution have led to the loss of critical habitats and species. Weak enforcement of environmental laws, combined with limited awareness, further complicates efforts to protect ecosystems.
Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for progress. Nigeria is rich in ecosystems ranging from mangrove forests to savannas and supports many unique and endemic species. Conserving these natural assets will benefit both people and nature.
Recommendations for Biodiversity Conservation in Nigeria
To address biodiversity loss and build a more sustainable future, we recommend the following:
- Accelerate data collection and sharing: High-quality data is essential for informed policy-making and targeted action.
- Innovate education and capacity building: Strengthen environmental education and train a new generation of conservation professionals.
- Expand protected areas and legal frameworks: Increase the size and effectiveness of protected ecosystems.
- Unlock creative funding channels: Use public-private partnerships and eco-tourism to support conservation initiatives.
- Integrate indigenous knowledge: Local communities possess valuable knowledge about biodiversity that can guide conservation strategies.
By implementing these actions, Nigeria can make meaningful progress toward preserving its rich biological heritage and meeting international conservation goals.
Final Thoughts
Why care about the loss of biodiversity? Because everything we depend on—food, water, medicine, climate stability, and even cultural identity—ties back to the natural world. Biodiversity conservation is not just a scientific issue; it’s a human one.
From maintaining genetic diversity for agriculture to conserving bird populations that pollinate plants and control pests, every aspect of biodiversity has real-world value. Protecting biodiversity today is an investment in our future. For Nigeria, and the world, the time to act is now.
Support Our Biodiversity Conservation Efforts
If this article has deepened your understanding of biodiversity and why its conservation is essential, we invite you to be part of the solution. Every donation fuels real-world action—protecting endangered species, restoring ecosystems, and empowering communities to live in harmony with nature.
Support the Federal University Lokoja Biodiversity Conservation Club (FULBCC) in its mission to safeguard natural heritage in Lokoja and Beyond.
Click here to donate now and make a lasting impact on biodiversity conservation:
