Conservation of Plants and Safeguarding Earth’s Green Diversity

A great variety of plants and animals exist on earth. They are essential for the well-being and survival of mankind. Plants play a foundational role, providing sustenance, shelter, and oxygen to an intricate web of organisms. However, in recent times, the harmonious balance between organisms has been threatened,  underscoring the crucial need for the conservation of plants to preserve the delicate equilibrium of our planet. 

Conservation of plants : Understanding the Impact of Deforestation on Plants and Ecosystems

• Meaning: Deforestation means clearing of forests and using that land for other purposes. 
• Trees in the forest are cut for: 
  • Procuring land for cultivation 
  • Building houses and factories
  • Making furniture or 
  • Using wood as fuel. 

• Consequences of Deforestation: The Impact of Deforestation on Plants and the Urgency for Conservation of plants 

• • Global Warming: It increases the temperature and pollution level on the earth. 

• • Lowering Water Table: Ground Groundwater level also gets lowered. 

• • Impact soil Quality: Rainfall and the fertility of the soil also decrease with increased chances of natural calamities such as floods and droughts. 

• • • This depreciates the soil quality. 

• • Increased CO2: Fewer trees results in increased levels of carbon-dioxide in the atmosphere, Mitigate Carbon with Conservation of plants.

• • • This can lead to global warming  and increase in temperature on the earth.

• • Soil Erosion: Fewer trees result in more soil erosion. 

• • • Removal of the top layer of the soil exposes the lower, hard and rocky layers. 

• • • This soil has less humus and is less fertile. 

• • • Gradually the fertile land gets converted into deserts. It is called desertification. 

• • Deforestation also leads to a decrease in the water holding capacity of the soil. 

• • The movement of water from the soil surface into the ground (infiltration rate) is reduced, highlighting the critical role of Conservation of Plants in preserving soil health and water dynamics. 

• • • It increases the chances of floods and lesser flood resistance. 

Understanding Reforestation and the Crucial Role of Conservation of Plants

• Meaning: Reforestation is restocking of the destroyed forests by planting new trees. 
  • The planted trees should generally be of the same species which were found in that forest, Biodiversity and Conservation of Plants .
• Natural Phenomenon: It can take place naturally also. If the deforested area is left undisturbed, it reestablishes itself,  emphasizing the intrinsic connection to Conservation of Plants in the restoration of ecosystems.  
  • In natural reforestation there is no role of human beings. 
• The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: It is aimed at preservation and conservation of natural forests and meeting the basic needs of the people living in or near the forests. 

Government Initiatives and Protected Areas in the Conservation of Plants , Forests, and Wildlife

• Apart from our personal efforts and efforts of the society, government agencies also take care of the forests and animals. 
• Government Efforts: The government lays down rules, methods and policies to protect and conserve them. 
• Protected Areas: Wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, biosphere reserves etc., are protected areas for conservation of plants and animals present in that area. 
  • Killing (poaching) or capturing animals in general is strictly prohibited and punishable by law in all such places.

Brief About Protected Areas:

• Biosphere Reserve: These are the areas meant for conservation of biodiversity. 
  • Biosphere reserves help to maintain the biodiversity and culture of that area. 
  • A biosphere reserve may also contain other protected areas in it. 
  • Pachmarhi comprises three protection sites: the Bori Sanctuary, Satpura National Park and Pachmarhi Sanctuary – otherwise known as the Satpura Tiger Reserve. 
• Wildlife Sanctuary: Wildlife Sanctuaries like reserve forests provide protection and suitable living conditions to wild animals. 
  • In wildlife sanctuaries are allowed to do certain activities such as grazing by their livestock, collecting medicinal plants, firewood, etc. 
• National Park: These reserves are large and diverse enough to protect whole sets of ecosystems.
  • They preserve flora, fauna, landscape and historic objects of an area. 
  • Satpura National Park is the first Reserve Forest of India. 
  • The finest Indian teak is found in this forest. 
  • Strict rules are imposed in all National Parks. 
  • Human activities such as grazing, poaching, hunting, capturing of animals or collection of firewood, medicinal plants, etc. are not allowed.

The Role of Red Data Book in the Conservation of Plants and Endangered Wildlife 

• It is the source book which keeps a record of all the endangered animals and plants, underscoring the crucial role of Conservation of Plants in safeguarding biodiversity.  
• The Red Data Book is maintained internationally by IUCN. 
• India also maintains a Red Data Book for plants and animals found in India. 
• Animals whose numbers are diminishing to a level that they might face extinction are known as the endangered animals.
• Small animals are much more in danger of becoming extinct than the bigger animals. 

Conclusion

The study of plant organisms is vital for us to comprehend the world of flora around us and the processes that plants undergo to provide humans with nutrition, which is the bedrock of existence. Lately, human activities, such as deforestation, habitat destruction, and pollution, have posed significant threats to plant life and biodiversity. To ensure the continued existence of these valuable organisms, it is our responsibility to prioritize and champion the cause of Conservation of Plants , safeguarding the delicate balance of our ecosystems.

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