The New Nation - Internet Edition

The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) defines biodiversity as "the variability among living organisms from all sources including inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems."

. The convention recognizes that the conservation of biological diversity is a common concern of mankind and is an integral part of the development process. The CBD aims at: ensuring the sustainable use of the components of biodiversity and sharing of benefits through utilization of resources in a fair and equitable way.

Diversity among different species and ecosystems is essential for agriculture, fishery, forestry and industry. Ecosystems provide crucial parameters including nutrient cycling, air, and water purification and soil regeneration. But as civilisation progresses industrialisation, intensive crop cultivation and rapid urbanisation have resulted in the destruction of ecosystems throughout the world.

Though relatively small, Bangladesh provides an excellent example of a diverse set of ecosystems. She is rich in both floral and faunal diversities. The rich biodiversity of Bangladesh plays a major role in the country's economy and diverse sources of livelihood for her people.

However, over-extraction of resources and indiscriminate development activities have contributed significantly in creating havoc in the environment and causing a depletion of biodiversity in the country.

We need to be aware of this problem today and take appropriate action plan to remedy the situation as a matter of immediate priority.

Nuruddin Azam

Australia