Ecosystem instability

Ecosystem instability

Ecosystem instability refers to that state when an ecosystem is unable to adjust with environmental changes. The happens when the changes are continuous and enormous and these changes exceed the resilience or capacity of the ecosystem. The factors responsible for ecosystem stability or instability are always viewed in terms of ecosystem resilience. If the environmental changes exceed the ecosystem resilience, ecosystem instability is caused but when ecosystem is such that it can withstand environmental changes, ecosystem stability is maintained.

The ecosystem instability can occur due to natural factors such as massive volcanic eruption or climatic changes like ice age. Ecosystem instability is also induced due to manmade activities. For example,

(1)   Destruction of Himalayan ecosystem due to deforestation, overgrazing etc. leading to increased weathering and erosion of soil.

(2)   Replacement of natural vegetation and animal species by cultivation or urban land use.

(3)   Introduction of exotic plant species such as water hyacinth.

(4)   Changing the proportion of atmospheric gases, etc.

Ecological Stability

Ecological Stability

Ecological Stability

Ecosystem or ecological stability refers to capability of a natural ecosystem to apply self-regulating mechanisms so as to return to a steady state after an outside disturbance. Ecosystem stability meant there is a balance between production and consumption of each element in the ecosystem. The number of each species in a mature ecosystem generally remains constant.

The self regulatory mechanisms are also called homeostatic mechanisms .These are mainly negative and positive feedback mechanisms. For example. If the population of insects in a small ecosystem area increases greatly due to favorable climate, then food supply falls short of demand due to increased competition. Eventually some insects’ die of starvation and slowly the ecosystem returns to its original size.

UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

Desertification along with climate change and loss of biodiversity were identified as the greatest challenges to sustainable development during 1992 Rio Earth Summit. Established in 1994, UNCCD is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. The convention addresses specifically the arid, semiarid and by sub-humid areas known as the drylands where, some of the most vulnerable ecosystems and people can be found.

In the 10-year strategy of the UNCCD (2008 -2018) that was adopted in 2007, following goal was adopted: “To forge a global partnership to reverse and prevent desertification/ land degradation and to mitigate the effects of drought in affected areas in order to support poverty reduction and environmental sustainability.” 

The main focus region of Conventions is Africa alongside other dry land regions in the world such as in India. The UNCCD collaborates with UNFCC and CBD. The convention is implemented through Action Progrmmes at National Sub-regional and Regional levels.

At present, every year 12 million ha of land becomes unproductive through desertification and drought. In the same period, 75 billion tons of soils are lost forever. Globally 1.5 billion people are directly affected by land degradation. The 12 million ha land lost every year have the potential produce 20 million tons of food grains.

Biome

Biome

The natural ecosystems on global scale having almost similar biotic and a biotic conditions are called as biome. A Biome is a major ecological region of distinctive plant and animal group well adapted to the physical environment of its distribution area. The studies of biomes include study of global distribution Patten of climate, soil, plants and animals as well as their special adaptations to the regional climate.  

Vegetation is the most dominant component of biomes due to their enormous biomass. Vegetation and climate in turn are inter-related and world is divided into different biomes on the basis of major world climates, as following:

1.       Terrestrial Biome

(a)    Tundra Biome

(b)   Temperate Biome – Taiga Forest; Temperate Deciduous Forest; Temperate Grassland ; and Mediterranean

(c)    Tropical Biome - Desert; Tropical savanna ; and Tropical Forest

2.       Freshwater Biome

3.       Marine Biome

We will study Monsoon Biome which is actually included in Deciduous Forest Biome under Tropical Biome.

Monsoon Forest Biome

Monsoon forest biome is included in deciduous forest biome under Tropical Biome.

Strategic plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 / Aichi Biodiversity Targets

Strategic plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, including Aichi Biodiversity Targets

Aichi Biodiversity Targets

The tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties, held in October 2010, in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, adopted a revised and updated Strategic Plan for Biodiversity, including the Aichi Biodiversity Targets for the 2011-2020 periods. This new plan will be the overacting framework on Biodiversity, not only for the biodiversity –related conventions, but for the entire United Nations system.

Aichi Biodiversity Targets: Fewer than five broad strategic goals 20 targets have been decided.

·         Strategic Goal A: Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming biodiversity across government and society.

·         Strategic Goal B: Reduce the direct pressures on Biodiversity and promote sustainable use.

·         Strategic Goal C: To improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity.

·         Strategic Goal D: Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem services.

·         Strategic Goal E: Enhance implementation through participatory planning knowledge management and capacity building.

Some examples of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets are: