Intrinsic Value of Biodiversity

Biodiversity has an intrinsic value that is worth protecting regardless of its value to humans. Every
species has a value and role in nature. It has a right to exist, whether or not it is known to be useful to
humans. In fact, since humans have gained so much power over nature, they should conserve all the
species. All life is sacred and must be protected.

Indirect values

Biodiversity provides indirect benefits to human beings which support the existence of biological life and
other benefits which are difficult to quantify. These include social and cultural values, ethical values and
aesthetic values.

Social and cultural value: Many plants and animals are considered holy and sacred in India and are
worshipped like Tulsi, peepal, cow, snake etc. In Indian society great cultural value is given to forest and
as such tiger, peacock and lotus are named as the national animal, bird and flower respectively.

Ethical: These values are related to conservation of biodiversity where ethical issue of ‘all life forms
must be preserved’ is laid down. There is an existence value which is attached to each species because
biodiversity is valuable for the survival of human race.

Aesthetic value: There is a great aesthetic value which is attached to biodiversity. Natural landscapes at
undisturbed places are a delight to watch and also provide opportunities for recreational activities like
bird watching, photography etc. It promotes eco-tourism which further generates revenue by designing
of zoological, botanical gardens, national parks, wild life conservation etc.

Ecological stability

Each species performs a particular function within an ecosystem. They can capture and store energy,
produce organic material, decompose organic material, help to cycle water and nutrients throughout
the ecosystem, control erosion or pests, fix atmospheric gases, or help regulate climate.

Ecosystems provide support of production and services without which humans could not survive. These
include soil fertility, pollinators of plants, predators, decomposition of wastes, purification of the air and
water, stabilisation and moderation of the climate, decrease of flooding, drought and other
environmental disasters.

Research show that the more diverse an ecosystem the better it can withstand environmental stress and
the more productive it is. The loss of a species thus decreases the ability of the system to maintain itself
or to recover in case of damage. There are very complex mechanisms underlying these ecological
effects.
Direct Value

For all humans, biodiversity is first a resource for daily life. Such 'crop diversity' is also called
agrobiodiversity.

Most people see biodiversity as a reservoir of resources to be drawn upon for the manufacture of food,
pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products. Thus resource shortages may be related to the erosion of the
biodiversity.

Some of the important economic commodities that biodiversity supplies to humankind are:

- FOOD : crops, livestock, forestry, and fish

- MEDICATION: Wild plant species have been used for medicinal purposes since before the beginning of
recorded history. For example, quinine (Used to treat malaria) comes from the bark of the Amazonian
tree Cinchona tree; digitalis from the Foxglove plant (chronic heart trouble), and morphine from the
Poppy plant (pain relief).

According the National Cancer Institute of the USA, over 70 % of the promising anti-cancer drugs come
from plants in the tropical rainforests. Animal may also play a role, in particular in research. It is
estimated that of the 250,000 known plant species, only 5,000 have been researched for possible
medical applications.

- INDUSTRY: fibres for clothing, wood for shelter and warmth. Biodiversity may be a source of energy
(such as biomass). Other industrial products are oils, lubricants, perfumes, fragrances, dyes, paper,
waxes, rubber, latexes, resins, poisons and cork can all be derived from various plant species. Supplies
from animal origin are wool, silk, fur, leather, lubricants, waxes. Animals may also be used as a mode of
transportation.

- TOURISM & RECREATION: biodiversity is a source of economical wealth for many areas, such as many
parks and forests, where wild nature and animals are a source of beauty and joy for many people.
Ecotourism in particular, is a growing outdoor recreational activity.

- AESTHETIC VALUE: the pure enjoyment that biodiversity offers to human beings. just being close to
greenery and nature gives many of us enjoyment and even spiritual solace. writers, poets, artists, and
composers derive inspiration from nature for their creative work.