Environmental Conservation-in situ and ex situ conservation

<2/”>a >In-situ conservation means maintenance of Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity in natural habitat whereas Ex-situ conservation emphasises the conservation of biodiversity outside natural habitat.The Indian Constitution entails the subject of forests and wildlife in the Concurrent list. The Federal Ministry acts as a guiding torch dealing with the policies and planning on wildlife conservation and Environmental Conservation, while the provincial Forest Departments are vested with the responsibility of implementation of national policies and plans.

The Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme initiated by UNESCO  in 1972  is a broad based ecological programme aimed at Environmental Conservation and improvement of the relationship between man and the Environment;  to predict the consequences of today’s actions on tomorrow’s world and thereby to increase man’s ability to manage the natural Resources of the biosphere efficiently.

National parks

National Park is an area having adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural or zoological significance. The National Park is declared for the purpose of protecting, propagating or developing wildlife or its environment, like that of a Sanctuary. The difference between a Sanctuary and a National Park mainly lies in the vesting of rights of people living inside. Unlike a Sanctuary, where certain rights can be allowed, in a National Park, no rights are allowed. No grazing of any Livestock shall also be permitted inside a National Park while in a Sanctuary, the Chief Wildlife Warden may regulate, control or prohibit it. In addition, while any removal or exploitation of wildlife or forest produce from a Sanctuary requires the recommendation of the State Board for Wildlife, removal etc., from a National Park requires recommendation of the National Board for Wildlife

Sanctuaries

Sanctuary  is  an  area  which  is  of  adequate  ecological,  faunal,  floral, geomorphological, natural or zoological significance. The Sanctuary is declared for the purpose of protecting, propagating or developing wildlife or its environment.  Certain rights of people living inside the Sanctuary could be permitted. Further, during the settlement of claims, before finally notifying the Sanctuary, the Collector may, in consultation with the Chief Wildlife Warden, allow the continuation of any right of any person in or over any land within the limits of the Sanctuary.

Biosphere reserves

Biosphere Reserves are special entities (sites) for both the people and the nature and are living examples of how human beings and nature can co-exist while respecting each other’s needs. These reserves contain genetic Elements evolved over millions of years that hold the key to future adaptations and survival. The high degree of diversity and endemism and associated traditional Farming Systems and knowledge held by the people in these reserves are the product of centuries of human innovation and experimentation.  These sites have Global importance, having tremendous potential for future Economic Development, especially as a result of emerging new trends in Biotechnology.

Primary criteria for Biosphere Reserve

• A site that must contain an effectively protected and minimally disturbed core area of value of nature conservation and should include additional land and water suitable for research and demonstration of sustainable methods of research and management.
• The core area should be typical of a biogeographical unit and large enough to sustain viable populations representing all tropic levels in the ecosystem.

Secondary criteria for Biosphere Reserve

• Areas having rare and endangered species
• Areas having diversity of Soil and micro-climatic conditions and indigenous varieties of biota.
• Areas potential for preservation of traditional tribal or rural modes of living for harmonious use of environment.

Biosphere Reserves are demarcated into three  inter-related zones. These are (I) natural or core zone (ii) manipulation or buffer zone and (iii) A  transition zone outside  the buffer zone.

The core zone is kept absolutely undisturbed. It must contain suitable habitat for numerous plant and animal species, including higher order predators and may contain centres of endemism.In the Buffer Zone, which adjoins or surrounds core zone, uses and activities are managed in ways that protect the core zone. These uses and activities include restoration, demonstration sites for enhancing value addition to the resources, limited recreation, tourism, fishing and grazing, which are permitted to reduce its effect on core zone. The Transition Zone is the outermost part of a Biosphere Reserve. This is usually not delimited one and is a zone of cooperation where conservation,  knowledge and management skills are applied and uses are managed in harmony with the purpose of the Biosphere Reserve.

Botanical gardens

A Botanical garden is a garden dedicated to the collection, cultivation and display of a wide range of Plants labelled with their botanical names. It may contain specialist plant collections such as cacti and other succulent plants, herb gardens, plants from particular parts of the world, and so on; there may be greenhouses, shadehouses, again with special collections such as tropical plants, alpine plants, or other exotic plants. Visitor Services at a botanical garden might include tours, educational displays, art exhibitions, book rooms, open-air theatrical and musical performances, and other entertainment.,

Conservation is the practice of protecting the natural environment, which includes wildlife and plants, and the Ecosystems in which they live. There are two main types of conservation: in situ and ex situ.

In situ conservation is the protection of species and ecosystems in their natural habitats. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as establishing national parks, wildlife refuges, and biosphere reserves. National parks are areas of land that are set aside for the protection of wildlife and their habitats. Wildlife refuges are areas of land that are managed for the protection of specific species of wildlife. Biosphere reserves are areas of land that are managed for the protection of both biodiversity and human communities.

Ex situ conservation is the protection of species and ecosystems outside of their natural habitats. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as zoos, botanical gardens, seed banks, germplasm banks, Tissue Culture banks, and cryopreservation. Zoos are facilities that house and care for animals that are not native to their area. Botanical gardens are facilities that house and care for plants that are not native to their area. Seed banks are facilities that store seeds from a variety of plant species. Germplasm banks are facilities that store genetic material from a variety of plant and animal species. Tissue culture banks are facilities that store tissue from a variety of plant and animal species. Cryopreservation is the process of freezing living cells or Tissues at very low temperatures in order to preserve them for long-term storage.

Both in situ and ex situ conservation are important for the protection of biodiversity. In situ conservation is important because it protects species and ecosystems in their natural habitats. This is important because natural habitats provide the resources that species need to survive, such as food, water, and shelter. Ex situ conservation is important because it protects species and ecosystems that are threatened or endangered. This is important because these species and ecosystems may not be able to survive in their natural habitats due to habitat loss, fragmentation, or degradation.

In situ and ex situ conservation are complementary approaches to the protection of biodiversity. In situ conservation is the primary approach, but ex situ conservation can be used to supplement in situ conservation efforts. For example, if a species is threatened or endangered in its natural habitat, ex situ conservation can be used to maintain a Population of the species in captivity. This population can then be used to reintroduce the species into its natural habitat or to provide genetic material for other conservation efforts.

Conservation is important because it protects the natural environment, which includes wildlife and plants, and the ecosystems in which they live. The natural environment provides us with a variety of benefits, such as clean air and water, food, and medicine. It also plays an important role in regulating the Climate and providing us with a place to live. Conservation is essential for the protection of these benefits and for the survival of our planet.

What is environmental conservation?

Environmental conservation is the practice of protecting the natural environment and its resources. It is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of activities, from protecting endangered species to reducing pollution.

What are the benefits of environmental conservation?

There are many benefits to environmental conservation. Some of the most important benefits include:

  • Protecting biodiversity: Environmental conservation helps to protect the diversity of life on Earth. This includes protecting plants, animals, and other organisms.
  • Reducing pollution: Environmental conservation helps to reduce pollution in the air, water, and land. This can improve human Health and the health of the environment.
  • Conserving resources: Environmental conservation helps to conserve Natural Resources, such as water, oil, and Minerals. This can help to ensure that these resources are available for future generations.
  • Promoting Sustainable Development: Environmental conservation can help to promote sustainable development. This is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

What are the challenges of environmental conservation?

There are many challenges to environmental conservation. Some of the most important challenges include:

  • Climate Change: Climate change is a major threat to the environment. It is causing the Earth’s temperature to rise, which is leading to changes in weather patterns, sea level rise, and other problems.
  • Deforestation: Deforestation is the clearing of forests for other uses, such as agriculture or development. This is a major threat to biodiversity and can lead to soil erosion, flooding, and other problems.
  • Pollution: Pollution is the contamination of the environment with harmful substances. This can come from a variety of sources, such as factories, cars, and farms. Pollution can harm human health and the environment.
  • Overpopulation: Overpopulation is the situation where there are too many people living in an area. This can lead to problems such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change.

What can we do to help with environmental conservation?

There are many things that we can do to help with environmental conservation. Some of the most important things that we can do include:

  • Reduce, reuse, and recycle: We can reduce the amount of waste that we produce by reducing our consumption, reusing items whenever possible, and recycling materials.
  • Conserve energy: We can conserve energy by turning off lights when we leave a room, unplugging appliances when we’re not using them, and using energy-efficient appliances.
  • Drive less: We can drive less by walking, biking, or taking public transportation whenever possible.
  • Eat less meat: Meat production is a major contributor to climate change. We can reduce our impact on the environment by eating less meat.
  • Support sustainable businesses: We can support businesses that are committed to environmental conservation by buying their products and services.
  • Get involved in environmental activism: We can get involved in environmental activism by joining environmental organizations, attending protests, and writing letters to our elected officials.

What is the future of environmental conservation?

The future of environmental conservation is uncertain. There are many challenges that need to be addressed, such as climate change, deforestation, and pollution. However, there are also many reasons to be hopeful. There is a growing awareness of the importance of environmental conservation, and many people are taking action to protect the environment. With continued effort, we can make a difference and ensure a sustainable future for the planet.

  1. Which of the following is not a type of environmental conservation?
    (A) In situ conservation
    (B) Ex situ conservation
    (C) In vitro conservation
    (D) In vivo conservation

  2. In situ conservation is the protection of an endangered species in its natural habitat. Which of the following is an example of in situ conservation?
    (A) A zoo
    (B) A botanical garden
    (C) A national park
    (D) A wildlife refuge

  3. Ex situ conservation is the protection of an endangered species outside of its natural habitat. Which of the following is an example of ex situ conservation?
    (A) A zoo
    (B) A botanical garden
    (C) A national park
    (D) A wildlife refuge

  4. Which of the following is the most effective way to conserve an endangered species?
    (A) In situ conservation
    (B) Ex situ conservation
    (C) Both in situ and ex situ conservation
    (D) Neither in situ nor ex situ conservation

  5. Which of the following is a threat to biodiversity?
    (A) Habitat loss
    (B) Overexploitation
    (C) Pollution
    (D) All of the above

  6. Which of the following is an example of habitat loss?
    (A) Deforestation
    (B) Urbanization
    (C) Agriculture
    (D) All of the above

  7. Which of the following is an example of overexploitation?
    (A) Hunting
    (B) Fishing
    (C) Mining
    (D) All of the above

  8. Which of the following is an example of pollution?
    (A) Air Pollution
    (B) Water Pollution
    (C) Land pollution
    (D) All of the above

  9. What is the main goal of environmental conservation?
    (A) To protect biodiversity
    (B) To protect natural resources
    (C) To protect the environment
    (D) All of the above

  10. What are some of the benefits of environmental conservation?
    (A) It helps to protect biodiversity
    (B) It helps to protect natural resources
    (C) It helps to protect the environment
    (D) All of the above

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