By: Ranjan K Baruah
We must live with nature if we want a sustainable future. The recent trends are alarming and recent floods in our region and natural disasters are raising many questions in front of us. The problem is around the world due to our unsustainable development model. Current negative trends in biodiversity and ecosystems will undermine progress towards 80% of the assessed targets of 8 Sustainable Development Goals. We should be aware that three-quarters of the land-based environment and about 66% of the marine environment have been significantly altered by human actions and 1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction it gives a strong message that when biodiversity has a problem, humanity has a problem.
Biological diversity is often understood in terms of the wide variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms, but it also includes genetic differences within each species – for example, between varieties of crops and breeds of livestock – and the variety of ecosystems (lakes, forest, deserts, agricultural landscapes) that host multiple kinds of interactions among their members (humans, plants, animals). Biological diversity resources are the pillars upon which we build civilizations. Fish provide 20 percent of animal protein to about 3 billion people. Over 80 percent of the human diet is provided by plants. As many as 80 percent of people living in rural areas in developing countries rely on traditional plant‐based medicines for basic healthcare. When biodiversity is threatened then it threatens humanity whether rich or poor. Given the importance of public education and awareness about this issue, the United Nations decided to celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity annually on 22nd May.
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When we see challenges on one side we need to also see solutions and find out ways to conserve biodiversity. A career in the field of biodiversity would be rewarding for all aspirants who would like to work in this field. There are opportunities from research to generating awareness and participating in the policy-making process to ensure sustainable development. Before going for any specializations one may choose the courses or subjects like life sciences, environmental sciences, ecology, eco-restoration, veterinary science, soil science, development studies, etc. Job roles or designations related to biodiversity careers would include Veterinarian, Herpetologist, Ichthyologist, Aquarist, Entomologist, Primatologist, Marine Biologist, Conservation Scientist, Soil Conservationist, Natural Resource Manager, Biodiversity Educator, etc.
Herpetologists are specialized biologists or zoologists that provide care and conduct research on a wide variety of reptilian and amphibian species; ichthyology is the branch of zoology devoted to the study of fish; aquarist deals with aquarium; an entomologist is a scientist who studies insects; primatology is the study of the behaviour, biology, evolution, and taxonomy of nonhuman primates; marine biologists are the focus with the marine lives. There are many other options apart from this which are directly associated with biodiversity jobs and careers in India and abroad. Most of the colleges and universities in India offer the courses mentioned above.
Apart from scientific studies or research one may join in the field of awareness and education. Aspirants may work with the government or non-governmental organizations. The National Biodiversity Authority(NBA) was established by the Central Government in 2003 to implement India’s Biological Diversity Act (2002). The NBA is a Statutory Body and it performs facilitative, regulatory, and advisory functions for the Government of India on issues of conservation, sustainable use of biological resources, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of biological resources. State biodiversity boards also work in different areas in different states of the country. (The author is a career mentor and skill trainer & can be reached at bkranjan@gmail.com)
