There are two types of food chains: the grazing food chain, beginning with autotrophs, and
the detrital food chain, beginning with dead organic matter
Types of Food Chain
Grazing Food Chain
(Phytoplankton → Zooplankton → Small fish → Larger fish → Birds →Decomposer)
•
The grazing food chain begins with green plants, moves via herbivores, and finally
to carnivores.
•
Photosynthesis provides energy to the lowest trophic level in a grazing food chain.
•
The first energy transfer in this type of food chain is from plants to herbivores.
•
The bulk of ecosystems in the environment follow this type of food chain because
autotrophs form the foundation for all ecosystems on Earth.
•
As a result, this type of cycle is reliant on autotrophic energy capture and transfer to
herbivores.
•
This form of the food chain may be found in most natural ecosystems.
Detritus Food Chain
The detritus food chain starts with dead (decomposing) organic matter.
Algae, bacteria, fungus, protozoa, mites, insects, worms, and other creatures and plants are all
part of the detritus food chain.
Decomposers and detritivores use the dietary energy, which is then consumed by smaller
creatures such as carnivores.
Carnivores such as maggots become food for larger carnivores such as frogs, snakes, and
other predators.
Detritivores are primary consumers who feed on detritus, such as fungi, bacteria, protozoans,
and other organisms.
This food chain is also referred to as ‘decomposer food chain’.
Sunderlal Bahuguna, who was the pioneer of the famous 'Chipko Movement', has
recently passed away, succumbing to Covid-19. Bahuguna has spent his life fighting
for the environment and educating villages to protest the destruction of forests in the
Himalayan region.
Unit 2:
Chipko Movement
What is the Chipko movement?
• Chipko movement is also regarded as Chipko Andolan. It is a forest
conservation movement in India. Began in 1973, it was a non-violent protest
against the felling of trees in Uttar Pradesh's Chamoli district (presently in
Uttarakhand).
• The name of the movement 'Chipko' was derived from villagers hugging trees
to prevent them from being cut.
• The name was derived from villagers hugging trees in order to prevent them from being cut.
Contribution of Sunderlal Bahuguna -Sunderlal Bahuguna, a Gandhian activist, has been
remarkable. Bahuguna is known for giving the movement a proper direction. It has received
worldwide recognition for its non-violent aspects of saving trees. The movement inspired in
time many similar eco-groups by helping to slow down the rapid deforestation.
• The movement also exposed vested interests, increased social awareness and the need to
save trees, increased ecological awareness, and demonstrated the viability of people's power.
• Bahuguna used the slogan, "Ecology is the permanent economy." Highlights of Chipko
Movement
• Chipko Movement practiced the methods of Satyagraha.
• Both man and woman activists residing in Uttarakhand played a vital role in conserving
forests.
• The salient aspect of the movement was the mass participation of female villagers.
• Although many of its leaders were men, women were not only its backbone but also its
mainstay because they were the ones most affected by the rampant deforestation.
• Over the years, they also became primary stakeholders in a majority of the afforestation
work that happened under the Chipko movement. Six principles of Chipko Movement
• The Chipko Volunteers believed that in particular geographical situations, only specific trees
and vegetation should be grown, so that appropriate needs for fertilizer, soil, water, and
energy can be met.
• The activists demanded that the areas affected by landslides and soil erosion, or where
forests are crucial for the conservation of water resources, should be identified and reserved.
• The local forest dwellers and people residing and depending on the forest produce for their
livelihood should be given rights and be given easy access to them.
• The contractor system should be completely stopped in forest conservation, development,
and exploitation. Instead, people living in these areas should be organized and be guided for
community participation.
• Local village industries should be set up, based on minor forest produce, to enable the local
population to find jobs and to reduce migration from villages.
Recognition of Chipko Movement
• The Chipko Movement became famous for its work to prevent the destruction of forests and
has been active throughout the 1970s and 80s.
• In 1987, the Chipko movement was awarded the Right Livelihood Award "for its dedication
to the conservation, restoration, and ecologically sound use of India's natural resources.
• The movement helped recognize the importance of forests. At least one-third of the area in
the country should normally be under the forest; only then can environmental problems be
solved.
• As per the stats, in India, forests do not cover even half of the area; even the remaining
forest area is declining rapidly because of urbanization and industrialization. Sunderlal
Bahuguna has also been associated with movements - Tehri Dam Movement in Uttarakhand
and Narmada Bachao Andolan
How Himalayan region benefitted from the Chipko Movement?
• The Himalayan region is characterized by the high mountains and valleys, with different
types of vegetation, flowers, pastures, and glaciers.
• This is one of the most beautiful areas in the world.
• It keeps the atmospheric circulation in balance over a large part of the Indian subcontinent.
• Rivers in this region are born out of glaciers; prominent ones in India are Ganga-Yamuna
and their tributaries such as Bhagirathi, Alaknanda, Sharda, and others.
• As they pass through the forests and rainwater is gradually passed through them, preventing
soil erosion and hence protecting the food systems depending on the forests. Therefore, any
disruption in the forest and ecological balance would grossly impact the livelihood and
sustenance of the local people.
Various products such as firewood and timber, grass, vegetables, honey, medicinal herbs, and
fruits, etc. Forests are central for maintaining a balance in the physical environment as
agriculture and animal husbandry are also dependent on forests. The ecological balance and
traditional human relations with forests are intertwined. Forests are central for maintaining a
balance in the physical environment as agriculture and animal husbandry are also dependent
on forests. The ecological balance and traditional human relations with forests are
intertwined.cross Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
Bishnoi Movement
It was started approximately 290 years ago (in the early part of the 18th century) in Rajasthan
by the Bishnoi community. A large group of them from 84 villages led by a lady called
Amrita Devi laid down their lives in an effort to protect the trees from being felled on the
orders of the Maharaja (King) of Jodhpur.
About Bishnoi Movement
•
The Bishnoi movement is one of the first organized proponents of eco-conservation,
wildlife protection, and green living.
•
The Bishnois are considered the first environmentalists of India. They are born nature
lovers.
•
In the history of environmental movements, this was the movement that, for the first
time, used the strategy of hugging and embracing trees for their protection.
•
The famous Amrita Devi’s movement is considered to be among the pioneering
efforts for environmental protection.
•
King Abhay Singh of Jodhpur, in the 1730s, when building his new palace, ordered
his soldiers to cut down the trees for wood in Khejarli village.
•
As a symbol of protest, Amrita Devi stood against the soldiers and fought for the life
of trees by clinging onto them.
•
Her three daughters, Asu, Ratni, and Bhagu also stood by their mother.
•
Supporting them, the other people of this community also stood up for the trees and
wrapped their arms around the trunks.
•
The soldiers continued to axe the trees down, without paying heed to the requests of
the people.
•
The prime reason behind opposing tree cutting was embedded in the cultural belief of
the Bishnoi community as described in the principles of their sect, advocating the
protection of trees and wildlife conservation.
•
Another reason was immediately related to their rural livelihood, as they depended on
the forest for the supply of fuelwood and fodder.
•
Bishnoi from Khejarli and other villages came to join this agitation and hugged the
Khejri trees one by one to protect trees being cut at the cost of their head.
•
In this movement, 363 Bishnois laid down their lives for the protection of Khejri trees
in the Khejarli village of Rajasthan.
•
This movement has left an indelible mark on the memories and a long-lasting effect
on the psyche of the people.
Objectives of Bishnoi Movement
The movement had four major objectives:
1.Conservation of bio-diversity to ensure eco-friendly social life for the community.
2.Promoting personal hygiene to ensure a healthy life.
3.Advocacy against cutting of trees.
4.Preservation of biodiversity and animal husbandry.
Case Study - The Taj Mahal :
Causes of Air Pollution
•
•
Air pollution from Natural Sources: sometimes forest fires or volcanic eruptions can
lead to the release of an excess of smoke and dust into the atmosphere.
Burning of fossil fuels: coal and petroleum used in industries and vehicles when burnt
release harmful substances in the air such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and
sulphur dioxide.
•
Exhaust from factories: many industries release harmful substances like carbon
dioxide, hydrocarbons and other harmful chemicals in the air which decrease its quality.
• Agricultural activities: usage of insecticides, fertilizers and pesticides lead to the
release of chemicals in the air. Agricultural activities also lead to the release of
ammonia into the atmosphere which is extremely hazardous for us.
• Pollution due to households: paints, cleaning products, air conditioners, refrigerators
and other appliances used in houses also contribute to air pollution. The air conditioners
and refrigerators release chlorofluorocarbons that damage the ozone layer of the earth.
The burning of wood and cow dung cakes in rural areas also leads to air pollution.
• Mining activities: mining results in the release of a large amount of dust and chemicals
into the air.
Effects of Pollutants on the Environment
Air pollution and the case study of the Taj Mahal
We know that air pollution can severely affect the environment. One great example of the
harmful effects of air pollution can be viewed in the Taj Mahal, the most famous and beautiful
tourist attraction in India.
The air pollution in that region has led to the decolorization of the white marble of the Taj
Mahal.
Taj mahal turning yellow due to Mathura refinery which is owned by Indian oil Corporation
.this refinery releases toxic gases (Sox,Nox) in the atmosphere and formed Acid Rain .This
acid rain is fall in 19th century white marble then following reaction takes places:
NO2+O2+H2O----HNO3
SO2+O2-----SO3
SO3+H2O----H2SO4
CaCO3+H2SO4-----CaSO4+H2O+CO2
Taj mahal made up of Marble which has larger crystals and smaller pores. Though it has highly
durable materials, building and monument get eroded away by acid rain.
Causes of air pollution in Agra and effects on the Taj Mahal
Effect
effect of Air Pollution on Taj Mahal
•
The main sources of pollutants in the air around the Taj Mahal are the industries around
Agra.
•
The Mathura oil refinery and other industries including automobiles, rubber processing
and chemicals are releasing harmful substances into the air.
•
The major pollutants are Nitrogen dioxide and Sulphur Dioxide. These pollutants lead
to acid rain in the Agra region.
•
When Nitrogen dioxide combines with water it forms nitric acid and when Sulphur
Dioxide combines with water it forms sulphuric acid.
The rainwater which falls on the Taj Mahal leads to the decay of the marble. This is
also called ‘marble cancer’.
• The Mathura oil refinery is a major source of suspended particulate matter (SPM) in
the air around the Taj Mahal which is making the white marble look yellow in colour.
Steps were taken to reduce air pollution in the area near the Taj Mahal
•
1. The industries are switching to clean fuels such as CNG and LPG to prevent air
pollution and protect the monument.
2. Also, unleaded petrol should be used in automobiles to prevent harmful smoke from
the vehicles near the Taj Mahal area.
3. To cut back on pollution, cars and buses are not permitted to drive to the Taj Mahal but
must be parked at a lot about 2km away, where visitors can take battery-run buses or
horse-drawn carriages.
Sustainable development
It is a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs.
What is Sustainable Development?
▪
‘Development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs’.
▪
This most widely accepted definition of Sustainable Development was given by
the Brundtland Commission in its report Our Common Future (1987).
▪
Sustainable development (SD) calls for concerted efforts towards building an inclusive,
sustainable and resilient future for people and planet.
Biodiversity & Environment
Prev Next
Sustainable Development
•
20 Jan 2020
•
17 min read
Tags:
•
GS Paper - 3
•
Inclusive Growth
•
Environmental Pollution & Degradation
•
Conservation
•
International Treaties & Agreements
Why in News
▪
NITI Aayog has released the second edition of the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) India Index (SDG Index 2.0).
▪
The index documents the progress made by India’s States and UTs towards achieving
the 2030 SDG targets.
▪
2020 will be the 5th anniversary of the adoption of SDGs by the United Nations
(UN).
What is Sustainable Development?
▪
‘Development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs’.
▪
This most widely accepted definition of Sustainable Development was given by
the Brundtland Commission in its report Our Common Future (1987).
▪
Sustainable development (SD) calls for concerted efforts towards building an
inclusive, sustainable and resilient future for people and planet.
Core Elements of Sustainable Development
▪
Three core elements of sustainable development are economic growth, social
inclusion and environmental protection. It is crucial to harmonize them.
▪
Sustainable economic growth, achieving sustainable livelihood, living in harmony
with nature and appropriate technology are important for sustainable development.
▪
Environmental Sustainability:
▪
o
It prevents nature from being used as an inexhaustible source of resources and
ensures its protection and rational use.
o
Aspects such as environmental conservation, investment in renewable
energy, saving water, supporting sustainable mobility, and innovation
in sustainable construction and architecture, contribute to achieving
environmental sustainability on several fronts.
Social Sustainability:
o
▪
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It can foster gender equality, development of people, communities and
cultures to help achieve a reasonable and fairly-distributed quality of
life, healthcare and education across the Globe.
Economic Sustainability:
o
Focuses on equal economic growth that generates wealth for all, without
harming the environment.
o
Investment and equal distribution of economic resources.
o
Eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions.
Global issues related to sustainable development
Inequitable growth of national economies (North-South Divide)
Loss of Biodiversity: Despite mounting efforts over the past 20 years, the loss of the world’s
biodiversity continues.
Climate Change: As a global problem, climate change requires a global solution. Within
climate change, particular attention needs to be paid to the unique challenges facing
developing countries.
Tackling climate change and fostering sustainable development are two mutually reinforcing
issues.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs): There is a need for welfare for all rich and poor to have
affordable access to the results of innovation that can lead to sustainable development.
Sustainable Development Goals
•
To promote the kind of development that minimises environmental problems.
•
To meet the needs of the existing generation without compromising with the quality
of the environment for future generations.
Achieving Sustainable Development
Sustainable development can be achieved if we follow the following points:
•
It can be achieved by restricting human activities.
•
Technological development should be input effective and not input utilising.
•
The rate of consumption should not surpass the rate of salvation.
•
For renewable resources, the rate of consumption should not surpass the rate of
production of renewable substitutes.
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All types of pollution should be minimised.
•
It can be achieved by sensible use of natural resources.
•
Biodiversity or biological diversity is the variety and variability of life on Earth.
Biodiversity is a measure of variation at the genetic, species, and ecosystem level
Biodiversity Definition
“Biodiversity is the variation among living organisms from different sources including
terrestrial, marine and desert ecosystems, and the ecological complexes of which they are a
part.”
What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity describes the richness and variety of life on earth. It is the most complex and
important feature of our planet. Without biodiversity, life would not sustain.
The term biodiversity was coined in 1985. It is important in natural as well as artificial
ecosystems. It deals with nature’s variety, the biosphere. It refers to variabilities among
plants, animals and microorganism species.
Biodiversity includes the number of different organisms and their relative frequencies in an
ecosystem. It also reflects the organization of organisms at different levels.
or
Biodiversity holds ecological and economic significance. It provides us with nourishment,
housing, fuel, clothing and several other resources. It also extracts monetary benefits through
tourism. Therefore, it is very important to have a good knowledge of biodiversity for a
sustainable livelihood.
Types of Biodiversity
There are the following three different types of biodiversity:
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▪
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Genetic Biodiversity
Species Biodiversity
Ecological Biodiversity
Species diversity
Species diversity refers to the variety of different types of species found in a particular area. It
is the biodiversity at the most basic level. It includes all the species ranging from plants to
different microorganisms.No two individuals of the same species are exactly similar. For
example, humans show a lot of diversity among themselves.
Genetic diversity
It refers to the variations among the genetic resources of the organisms. Every individual of a
particular species differs from each other in their genetic constitution. That is why every
human looks different from each other. Similarly, there are different varieties in the same
species of rice, wheat, maize, barley, etc.
Ecological diversity
An ecosystem is a collection of living and non-living organisms and their interaction with
each other. Ecological biodiversity refers to the variations in the plant and animal species
living together and connected by food chains and food webs.
It is the diversity observed among the different ecosystems in a region. Diversity in different
ecosystems like deserts, rainforests, mangroves, etc., include ecological diversity.
5 major threats to biodiversity:
▪
▪
▪
▪
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Changes in the climate-Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns are
referred to as climate change.
Changes in Habitat- Natural occurrences such as droughts, illnesses, fires, hurricanes,
mudslides, volcanoes, earthquakes, small changes in seasonal temperature or
precipitation, etc. can cause habitat alteration.
Pollution and nutrient loading- When too many nutrients, primarily nitrogen and
phosphorus, are added to water bodies, they can function as fertilisers and encourage
an excessive amount of algae growth.
Alien invasive species- Alien species invasion is the decline or extinction of native
species brought about by the deliberate or accidental introduction of alien species.
Overexploitation- When a renewable resource is harvested to the point of diminishing
returns, it is referred to as overexploitation. Overexploitation that continues could
eventually cause the resource to disappear.
What is Biodiversity Conservation?
Biodiversity conservation is the protection and management of biodiversity to obtain
resources for sustainable development.
Biodiversity conservation has three main objectives:
•
To preserve the diversity of species.
•
Sustainable utilization of species and ecosystem.
•
To maintain life-supporting systems and essential ecological processes.
Let us have a detailed look at biodiversity and its conservation notes to explore the strategies
and concepts of biodiversity conservation.
Biodiversity and its Conservation Methods
Biodiversity refers to the variability of life on earth. It can be conserved in the following
ways:
•
In-situ Conservation
•
Ex-situ Conservation
In-situ Conservation
In-situ conservation of biodiversity is the conservation of species within their natural habitat.
In this method, the natural ecosystem is maintained and protected.
The in-situ conservation has several advantages. Following are the important advantages of
in-situ conservation:
1. It is a cost-effective and convenient method of conserving biodiversity.
2. A large number of living organisms can be conserved simultaneously.
3. Since the organisms are in a natural ecosystem, they can evolve better and can easily
adjust to different environmental conditions.
Certain protected areas where in-situ conservation takes place include national parks, wildlife
sanctuaries and biosphere reserves.
National Parks
These are small reserves maintained by the government. Its boundaries are well demarcated
and human activities such as grazing, forestry, habitat and cultivation are prohibited. For eg.,
Kanha National Park, and Bandipur National Park.
Wildlife Sanctuaries
These are the regions where only wild animals are found. Human activities such as timber
harvesting, cultivation, collection of woods and other forest products are allowed here as long
as they do not interfere with the conservation project. Also, tourists visit these places for
recreation.
Biosphere Reserves
Biosphere reserves are multi-purpose protected areas where the wildlife, traditional lifestyle
of the inhabitants and domesticated plants and animals are protected. Tourist and research
activities are permitted here.
Ex-situ Conservation
Ex-situ conservation of biodiversity involves the breeding and maintenance of endangered
species in artificial ecosystems such as zoos, nurseries, botanical gardens, gene banks, etc.
There is less competition for food, water and space among the organisms.
Ex-situ conservation has the following advantages:
1. The animals are provided with a longer time and breeding activity.
2. The species bred in captivity can be reintroduced in the wild.
3. Genetic techniques can be used for the preservation of endangered species.
Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation
Following are the important strategies for biodiversity conservation:
1. All the varieties of food, timber plants, livestock, microbes and agricultural animals
should be conserved.
2. All the economically important organisms should be identified and conserved.
3. Unique ecosystems should be preserved first.
4. The resources should be utilized efficiently.
5. Poaching and hunting of wild animals should be prevented.
6. The reserves and protected areas should be developed carefully.
7. The levels of pollutants should be reduced in the environment.
8. Deforestation should be strictly prohibited.
9. Environmental laws should be followed strictly.
10. The useful and endangered species of plants and animals should be conserved in their
nature as well as artificial habitats.
11. Public awareness should be created regarding biodiversity conservation and its
importance.
Why should you conserve Biodiversity?
It is believed that an area with higher species abundance has a more stable environment
compared to an area with lower species abundance. We can further claim the necessity of
biodiversity by considering our degree of dependency on the environment. We depend
directly on various species of plants for our various needs. Similarly, we depend on various
species of animals and microbes for different reasons.
Biodiversity is being lost due to the loss of habitat, over-exploitation of resources, climatic
changes, pollution, invasive exotic species, diseases, hunting, etc. Since it provides us with
several economic and ethical benefits and adds aesthetic value, it is very important to
conserve biodiversity.