MEVE 014: Unit 16 - Sustainable Harvesting of Biodiversity

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 UNIT 16: SUSTAINABLE HARVESTING OF BIODIVERSITY

16.1 Introduction

Biodiversity is a vital resource that supports human well-being, economic development, and ecological resilience. However, overharvesting and unsustainable use of biological resources—such as forests, wildlife, agricultural produce, and marine life—pose serious threats to ecological balance and long-term sustainability. Sustainable harvesting refers to the responsible extraction or use of biodiversity in a manner that does not compromise its ability to regenerate and provide services to future generations. This unit explores the principles, strategies, and sector-specific approaches to sustainable harvesting of biodiversity, focusing on forests, agriculture, wildlife, and marine ecosystems.

16.2 Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:

  • Understand the concept and principles of sustainable harvesting of biodiversity.
  • Explain sustainable harvesting practices in forestry, agriculture, wildlife, and marine ecosystems.
  • Identify strategies to balance biodiversity conservation with livelihood and economic development.
  • Analyze key challenges and solutions related to unsustainable harvesting.
  • Appreciate the importance of public awareness and policy interventions in promoting sustainability.

16.3 Sustainable Harvesting of Biodiversity

Sustainable harvesting involves:

  • Maintaining species populations at levels that ensure their long-term viability.
  • Minimizing ecological disruption during harvesting.
  • Integrating traditional knowledge with scientific practices.
  • Monitoring and managing resource use based on ecological data.

Key principles include: precautionary approach, ecosystem-based management, community participation, and adaptive management.

16.4 Sustainable Harvesting of Forest Resources

Forest ecosystems provide timber, fuelwood, medicinal plants, and non-timber forest products (NTFPs). Unsustainable exploitation leads to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and carbon emissions.

16.4.1 Establish Protected Areas & Conserve Biodiversity

  • Create protected zones where extraction is regulated or banned.
  • Preserve old-growth forests, rare species, and key habitats.
  • Encourage community-managed reserves with sustainable use models.

16.4.2 Forest Conversion

  • Prevent conversion of forests into agricultural or urban land.
  • Promote agroforestry and sustainable plantations over destructive land use changes.

16.4.3 Boost Income and Profitability

  • Incentivize communities for sustainable forestry practices through eco-labeling (e.g., FSC certification).
  • Support value addition in NTFPs (e.g., honey, bamboo, herbal products).
  • Provide access to green markets and sustainable financing.

16.5 Sustainable Harvesting of Agriculture

Modern agriculture often prioritizes yield over ecological health, leading to soil depletion, loss of genetic diversity, and pesticide overuse. Sustainable agriculture aligns biodiversity conservation with food production.

16.5.1 Multifunctional Agriculture vs. Ecosystem Services

  • Multifunctional agriculture recognizes the role of farmlands in providing ecosystem services like pollination, soil fertility, water regulation, and carbon sequestration.
  • Practices include:
    • Crop rotation and diversification
    • Organic farming
    • Agroecology
    • Use of indigenous crop varieties
  • Encourages landscape-level planning to integrate biodiversity in production areas.

16.6 Sustainable Wildlife Management

Wild species are used for meat, medicine, trophies, and pets. Overhunting and habitat loss threaten many species, especially in tropical regions.

16.6.1 Species and Habitat Loss

  • Overexploitation leads to population declines and local extinctions.
  • Habitat fragmentation reduces breeding and migration.
  • Solutions:
    • Quotas and seasonal bans
    • Community-based hunting management
    • Habitat restoration

16.6.2 Ensuring Sustainable Trade and Consumption by Raising Public Awareness

  • Promote consumer awareness of wildlife conservation through eco-labels (e.g., “sustainably sourced” products).
  • Combat illegal trade via enforcement and education.
  • Strengthen international agreements like CITES for regulating wildlife trade.

16.7 Sustainable Use of Marine Resources

Marine biodiversity faces threats from overfishing, bycatch, pollution, and habitat destruction. Sustainable marine harvesting balances economic benefits with ocean health.

16.7.1 Sustainable Harvesting of Aquaculture

  • Aquaculture should avoid:
    • Water pollution from feed and waste
    • Spread of disease to wild populations
  • Practices include:
    • Polyculture and integrated farming
    • Use of native species and low-impact feed
    • Monitoring of carrying capacity

16.7.2 System-Level Changes Arising from Fishing

  • Overfishing disrupts food webs, causes species collapse, and shifts ecosystem structure.
  • Implement:
    • Catch limits
    • Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
    • Gear restrictions to reduce bycatch

16.7.3 Habitat Degradation Arising from Fishing

  • Practices like bottom trawling damage seabeds and coral reefs.
  • Coastal development and pollution also degrade marine habitats.
  • Solutions:
    • Promote sustainable fisheries certification (e.g., MSC)
    • Restore coastal ecosystems like mangroves and seagrasses

16.8 Let Us Sum Up

  • Sustainable harvesting ensures long-term viability of biodiversity while supporting human livelihoods.
  • In forestry, sustainable practices include establishing protected areas, discouraging forest conversion, and enabling community-based forest management.
  • In agriculture, multifunctional and ecosystem-friendly approaches are crucial.
  • Wildlife conservation requires control of species use, habitat protection, and public awareness.
  • Marine ecosystems benefit from sustainable aquaculture, reduced fishing pressure, and habitat restoration.
  • Success depends on integrating science, traditional knowledge, community involvement, and strong governance.

Keywords

  • Sustainable Harvesting – Responsible utilization of biological resources without depleting them.
  • Multifunctional Agriculture – Agricultural systems that provide food and ecosystem services.
  • Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) – Biological materials (excluding timber) harvested from forests.
  • Community Forestry – Forest management by local communities with conservation goals.
  • Bycatch – Non-target species unintentionally captured during fishing.
  • Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) – Ocean regions where human activity is restricted to conserve biodiversity.
  • Agroforestry – Integration of trees with crops/livestock on farms for ecological and economic benefits.

 

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