The Director of Biotechnology and Nuclear Agricultural Research Institute at Ghana Atomic Energy(GAEC), Dr Micheal Osae has urged the government to make more funds available for research into biological diversity
According to him, leadership of the country must show example by avoiding cutting down trees and practicing illegal mining, that are destroying the environment .
He made the remarks in an interview with Rite FM in marking the International Day of Biological Diversity under the theme: “Our Solutions are in Nature”.
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 kind of interactions among their members (humans, plants, animals).
Biological diversity resources are the pillars upon which we build civilizations. Fish provide 20 per cent of animal protein to about 3 billion people. Over 80 per cent of the human diet is provided by plants. As many as 80 per cent of people living in rural areas in developing countries rely on traditional plant‐based medicines for basic healthcare.
He added that loss of biodiversity threatens all, including health. It has been proven that biodiversity loss could expand zoonoses – diseases transmitted from animals to humans- while, on the other hand, if biodiversity is keep intact, it offers excellent tools to fight against pandemics like those caused by coronaviruses.
While there is a growing recognition that biological diversity is a global asset of tremendous value to future generations, the number of species is being significantly reduced by certain human activities. Given the importance of public education and awareness about this issue, the UN decided to celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity annually.
As the global community is called to re-examine human relationship to the natural world, one thing is certain: despite all the technological advances the world is completely dependent on healthy and vibrant ecosystems for water, food, medicines, clothes, fuel, shelter and energy, just to name a few.
The theme “Our solutions are in nature” emphasizes hope, solidarity and the importance of working together at all levels to build a future of life in harmony with nature.
Source: Christina Ntiamoah/rotefmonline.org
