Table of Contents
Sub-Strand: S8.1.3.2 Biodiversity, Change And Sustainability
1. Effects of Loss of Biodiversity on Human Life
Biodiversity refers to the variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms in an environment. The loss of biodiversity has serious effects on human life, including:
- Food Shortage – Loss of plant and animal species reduces food availability.
- Climate Change – Fewer trees and plants lead to more carbon dioxide in the air, causing global warming.
- Loss of Medicinal Resources – Many medicines come from plants and animals; if they disappear, we lose valuable treatments.
- Natural Disasters – The destruction of forests and mangroves increases the risk of floods, soil erosion, and cyclones.
- Economic Problems – Many people depend on fishing, farming, and tourism. Loss of biodiversity affects these livelihoods.
2. Local Community Practices for Environmental Sustainability (Fiji)
Fijian communities practice environmental sustainability in various ways:
- Mangrove Planting – Protects the coastline and provides habitat for marine life.
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) – Some areas are declared ‘Tabu’ (sacred) to allow fish and marine life to grow.
- Reforestation Programs – Planting trees to replace those that have been cut down.
- Use of Traditional Knowledge – Applying indigenous farming and fishing methods to prevent overuse of resources.
- Recycling and Waste Management – Encouraging proper disposal of waste to reduce pollution.
3. Sustainability of Traditional Roles (Cultural) in Conservation
Traditional Fijian culture plays a big role in protecting the environment:
- Chiefs and Elders – Set rules for land and sea use, ensuring resources are not overused.
- Taboo (Tabu) System – Certain areas are protected from fishing and hunting to allow replenishment.
- Respect for Nature – Traditional beliefs emphasize the protection of forests, rivers, and reefs.
- Community Work (Solesolevaki) – People work together in farming and replanting trees to sustain the environment.
Questions
Multiple Choice Questions
- What is one major effect of biodiversity loss on human life?
a) Increase in plant species
b) More oxygen in the atmosphere
c) Food shortage
d) Less pollution
- How do Fijian communities practice sustainability?
a) Cutting down all trees
b) Practicing marine protected areas (Tabu)
c) Overfishing for profit
d) Using excessive chemical fertilizers
- Which of the following is a characteristic of traditional farming?
a) Use of heavy machinery
b) Crop rotation and slash-and-burn techniques
c) Heavy use of chemical fertilizers
d) Dependence on irrigation systems
Fill in the Blanks
- The loss of biodiversity can lead to _______ shortages, affecting food security.
- The practice of setting aside certain fishing areas as sacred is called _______.
- Traditional farming promotes _______ by encouraging different crops to grow together.
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