Life in the Balance

by John Maryon

Biodiversity refers to the total variety of all different life forms found in one location. Animals, aquatic life, plants, fungi and microorganisms flourishing together where conditions are suitable. Species may have a mutual dependence upon each other. It could be a simple relationship such as squirrels burying nuts for food which are forgotten and grow into trees. It could be a symbiotic association in which one species could live within another. It could also take the form a predatory relationship.
    A good healthy environment is essential for nature to survive. Human activity that includes over fishing, forest clearance, pollution of water sources, causing climate change and intensive farming is having a negative impact on biodiversity round the world. A result has been that global populations of birds, fish, animals, reptiles and amphibians have declined by an average of 70 per cent over the past 50 years.
    I would like to examine some of the most serious threats and also to highlight a number of successful projects to restore habits . A crucial factor is the vast increase in the human population. However a major driving force to destruction is the desire for greater profits which has caused many species to disappear and led to bleak barren landscapes replacing once lush areas of vegetation. Many conferences have been held over the years at which grand promises are made to save the planet. Leaders have posed for photos and then returned home and nothing changes.
    The vibrant Amazon ecosystem, regarded by some as the lungs of the planet, is home to over three million different species. It is estimated that over 100 billion tons of carbon are stored in the Amazon basin which is is an important source of oxygen. Between August 2018 and July 2019 alone over 3800 square miles of forest were destroyed. Newly elected President Lula da Silva of Brazil has named Marina Silva as the new minister to protect the forest and reverse the disastrous policies of right wing President Bolsonaro. Trees were felled for timber or to clear the land for agricultural use with the risk of pesticides leaking into the environment. Mines were developed with the inherent danger of toxic contamination. The beautiful Blue Macaw is just one of many beautiful birds facing extinction. Indigenous communities who had lived in harmony with their environment for thousands of years were displaced.
    In another part of the world the tropical forests of Borneo and Sumatra faced the same fate. Oil palm plantations are a serious cause of deforestation in Borneo. The large island was once covered with dense rain-forest. Today only half of that primeval forest remains. Te4bn primate species, found nowhere else in the world, live in upland regions of the island. The orangutans are critically endangered due to degradation and fragmentation of their home environment. Monkeys and apes are in peril in many countries. I once saw a video of a a terrified baby orangutan clinging on to its mother as she held tightly to the last standing tree in an area that was being cleared.
    The cruel barbaric practice of hunting, egg stealing and overfishing all have a negative impact on biodiversity. It is not only those creatures themselves that are affected but also other species that coexist with them that may suffer. Overfishing for profit led to the collapse of herring stocks in the North Sea; they have never fully recovered. As fish stocks fall sea birds will be unable to find enough food. Over a third of the world's oceans are currently over-fished.
    Man made disasters due to ignorance, greed or careless action are serious matters. Oil spills can be fatal. The introduction of alien species can have a tragic impact on indigenous creatures. In New Zealand many creatures were wiped out when European settlers brought cats and dogs to the islands. Unintended introduction of non native plants to the British Isles has occurred when seeds have blown off lorries. leaving ports. Creatures may hide in containers or even suitcases to leap out and start a new life when they arrive.
    Today there is at last a growing acceptance that we have a problem. In Britain many keen volunteers, in the absence of much direct government involvement, have become involved in protecting wildlife. Organisations such as the Wildlife and Woodland trusts, the RSPB, the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and many more are playing a vital role.
    At a government level the socialist countries now have a keen commitment to conservation and environmental protection. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, in spite of crippling sanctions, threats, blockades, and a destructive war unleashed by US imperialism managed to establish a network of national parks and protected areas rich in biodiversity. Severe tree loss is being addressed with government supported tree planting events. The national bird of the DPRK is the northern goshawk. On the west coast the Mundox Migratory Bird Reserve is a vital stopover for hundreds of species. Land reclamation projects are developed so as to allow for the needs of the birds.
    Laos is a small land locked Asian country that is still relatively underdeveloped. It is home to Asian elephants, pot-bellied pigs, tigers, rhinos and over 10,000 plant species. The socialist government is working to overcome centuries of poverty and is encouraging industrial production which could put pressure on the environment. However a national protected area system is being established to counter any threats. These areas, which are expanding, are of great beauty and inspire those who visit them. Much of the country is still covered in its natural forest. Laos faces challenges typical of developing countries and I feel that the developed world has a responsibility to support protection efforts.
    Vietnam is rich in wildlife and has the highest number of marine species in Asia. It faces challenges as the population increases and the country develops. The difficulties are, as in Laos, made more acute by unexploded bombs and the after-effects of the deadly toxin 'Agent Orange' following its use during the brutal aggression of US imperialism. The government is not complacent and has adopted a National Biodiversity Action Plan. During the period 1990-2006 ten per cent of forest area was restored.
    In spite of crippling sanctions Cuba is determined to protect its biodiversity. The archipelago of over 4000 islands has a vast range of habitats. The UN 2016 Human Development Report revealed that Cuba was one of a few countries able to improve the well-being of its people while developing in a sustainable manner. Cuba's position owes much to Fidel Castro who amended the constitution to include environmental protection
    The People's Republic of China has become a world leader in protecting the environment and encouraging biodiversity. It has overcome the pollution problems associated with its rapid industrial development to set new standards . At the recent COP 15 (15th International conference on Biodiversity) China chaired the meeting and was able to inject vitality into the proceedings. President Xi Jinping called upon the international community to jointly respond to climate change and biodiversity loss.
    Xi said China will do its best to assist and support developing countries through the Belt and Road Initiative. He announced an initiative to invest 1.5 billion yuan to support biodiversity in developing countries.
    China's progress in recent years has been remarkable. Large canals have been built to carry water to create vast lakes in desert regions. The people’s government has established a number of national parks and protection areas including Hainan Tropical Rainforest Park and Giant Panda Park. In the past 40 years the number of giant pandas living in the wild has increased from 1,114 to1,864.
    Conservation efforts have seen the number of crested ibises increase from only 7 to over 5,000 while the world's rarest and most endangered primate, the Hainan gibbon, has risen to at least 36 from under 10.
    Last year a herd of, now famous, elephants set out from the rain forests of Yunnan province moving through valleys, field, hills, crossed rivers and walked through villages. For 124 days they progressed some1400 km. They won the hearts of millions who watched their progress. The event highlighted the responsibility of living with wildlife, the care of ordinary people and the need for wildlife corridors.
    Biodiversity is an essential foundation of nature. The amazing variety of life ranging from colourful fish, beautiful flowers, bright butterflies, tall majestic trees and herds of graceful animals is simply fantastic . Let us protect our wonderful natural heritage for future generations to enjoy.