Revista de Ecologia e Toxicologia

Abstrato

Biodiversity at Risk: The Urgency of Conservation

Samia Demissie

Biodiversity, the rich tapestry of life on Earth, faces an unprecedented crisis. Human activities, including deforestation, pollution, habitat destruction, overfishing, and climate change, have driven species to the brink of extinction at a rate a thousand times higher than natural background rates. This crisis presents profound challenges, impacting global ecosystems, human health, and economic stability. This abstract underscores the fundamental importance of biodiversity, not merely for its intrinsic beauty but also for its critical role in maintaining ecosystem stability, nutrient cycling, pollination, disease control, and pharmaceutical discoveries. The urgency of conservation cannot be overstated, with strategies ranging from the establishment of protected areas to sustainable practices, legal protections, international agreements, and education and awareness campaigns.