According to Haribon (2006), the importance of biodiversity can be divided
Biodiversity
Our planet, Earth, is a home to trillion different species of organisms. It
includes all microorganisms, plants and animals that adhere and intertwine
like threads in the net (Prieto, Vega, Felipe, & Meneses, 2019). It gives us all
our needs like food to eat, clear drinking water, fresh air, medicines, and
materials for building our houses.
Unfortunately, due to the increase in human population which has doubled
in number since 1960 to 7.4 billion (World Wide Fund Global, n.d.), people
have been disregarding the safety and help of the net for decades. Forests
were set on fire to give way for farming. Fishes were netted even during
breeding season. Trees were cut for buildings and housing units causing
floods and landslides. Human have industrialized the natural habitat of
wildlife, leaving these creatures with no place to live and putting their lives
in danger which might cause their extinction. In 2020, it is projected that
wildlife will decline to 67% of its present number as it decreases 2% annually
(World Wide Fund Global, n.d.). Furthermore, the disappearance of
organisms in a certain environment causes an imbalance, more chaotic
changes that harm the entire ecosystem (Inquirer.net, 2016).
To mend the affected net, people need to know more about the
importance of biodiversity, and how human activities either contribute to its
growth and destruction.
Biodiversity and Its Importance
Biodiversity was derived from two words. The first is from the Latin word
bios, which refers to all kind of living things. Diversity means variety or
differences. Therefore, biodiversity literally means as the variety and extent
of differences among living and non-living organisms (Sinha and Heaney,
2006).
In its structural and functional perspective, it is defined as the vast variety
of life forms in the entire Earth from the single-celled to the largest multi-
celled organisms (Serafica, Pawilen, Caslib & Alata, 2018).
Globale (2009) defined biodiversity as “the variability among living
organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, marine and other aquatic
ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this
includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems.
Biodiversity is the source of the essential goods and ecological services that
constitute the source of life for all and it has direct consumptive value in
food, agriculture, medicine, and in industry.”
into three categories. These are as follows:
① Economic Importance
Food. All organisms living in this planet obtain their food from biodiversity.
Cows eat grasses, birds eat fruits, cats eat rats, frogs eat mosquitoes and
fishes eats planktons. Even humans are dependent on biodiversity for their
nutritional need. According to World Health Organization (2007),
biodiversity is a vital element of human being’s nutrition because it
influences and contributes to sustainable food production. Without
biodiversity, what would sustain us and the other living organisms?
Medicine. Eighty percent (80%) of the world population uses plants as
source of medicine. The roots, leaves, and bark are often use for this
purpose. Thirty percent (30%) of pharmaceuticals use plants and animals as
source of medicine rather than synthetic or chemical sources (Haribon
Foundation, 2006). The use of native medicinal plants like ginger,
malunggay, oregano and mayana as alternative treatment is practice by
Filipinos especially in rural areas.
Fuel, Timber, and Other Resources. Biodiversity is a major source of raw
materials in the world. Wood and biogas for fuel, buildings, houses, clothes,
bags and other products that we are using everyday come from biodiversity.
Recreational and Aesthetic Values. Economic value doesn’t only mean
gathering, selling and making a profit. Economic value is also present in the
natural beautiful state of the environment. It is also derived from enjoying
the ecological services of nature because its integrity has remained intact. In
keeping the healthy environment literally pristine, economic value in the
form of money can be brought in, through ecotourism.
② Ecological Importance
Air and water purification. Biodiversity does this for us through plants and
trees in the forest. Animals including human, exhale carbon dioxide.
Factories, vehicles and machines also release large amount of carbon
dioxide that pollutes our atmosphere. All these are absorbed by plants and
transformed into oxygen through photosynthesis. Plants absorb water from
the roots to the leaves, purify, and release in the environment as clean
water.
Climate stabilizer. Forests keep the world cooler because they absorb
massive amounts of solar radiation for photosynthesis. Forests with canopy
trees keep shaded areas cool, the soil moist and trap clouds for cooler
general temperature. With the rapid loss of the forest around the world, the
capacity of the environment to absorb solar radiation has decreased.
Without trees to absorb it, solar radiation gets dispersed. Moreover,
accumulation of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere will increase that heat up the world’s climate leading to a
phenomenon known as Global Warming. Unstable climate causes disruptive
weather phenomena such as El Niño and La Niña.
Drought, Erosion and Flood Control. Biodiversity through our endemic
(native species and could not be found elsewhere) forest trees ensures a
supply of water especially during the dry months. Forest trees, like the
dipterocarps have massive root systems that hold and absorb great amount
of water. They act as giant tanks of water that assure people a definite
source when it doesn’t rain.
Our forests also serve as umbrellas and shock absorbers during heavy rains.
The complicated root system of trees like the mangroves, prevent soil from
eroding. Mangroves also act as natural barriers by breaking down waves and
slowing down wave action as it reaches the coastline.
③ Social and Cultural Values of Biodiversity
Biodiversity is used by people in their customs and traditions. For
indigenous peoples, it is a foundation for their religious beliefs and
practices. The loss of biodiversity may result in the loss of these religious
beliefs and practices.
Biodiversity in the Philippines
The Philippines is one of the richest countries in terms of biodiversity and is
considered as a mega-diverse country not only in terms of species richness
but also in terms of endemicity. It houses approximately of 52, 177
described flora (plants) and fauna (animals), of which half is found nowhere
else in the world (Haribon Foundation, 2006).
Described plant species account is about 14,000 – 15,000, of which orchids,
oaks, ferns, mosses and conifers are most diverse in montane rainforest and
many specific groups in the lowland tropical rainforest (Haribon Foundation,
2006). In Antique, many plant species were identified and described as
endemic such as the biggest flower Rafflesia speciosa and Raffesia lobata; a
newly discovered orchid Robiquetia ormerodii; a rediscovered wild ginger
after a lapse of over a century Alpinia apoensis, and an endangered orchid
species Paphiopedilum hennisianum. An estimated of 38,000 animal species
were described including the endangered Philippine-monkey-eating eagle
(Pitthecophaga jeferyi), the smallest frog (Platymantis cagayanensis), and a
giant clam (Tridacna gigas). The lower forms of organisms such as bacteria,
protest, and unicellular algae are extremely numerous but largely unknown
with only 1 % described (Sinha and Heaney, 2006; and Haribon Foundation,
2006).
Threats to Biodiversity
Though our country is a mega-diverse in terms of biological diversity, it is
also considered a biological-hotspot due to the rapid loss of natural
resources. It ranks third in the world in terms of the number of threatened
species and has the highest number of endangered species (Haribon
Foundation, 2006). Let us take a look at the major threats to biodiversity
identified by United Nations’ Environmental Programme (WHO, n.d.) and
(Haribon Foundation, 2006). These are the following:
1. Habitat loss and destruction/Encroachment on habitats (e.g. logging,
kaingin, real and estate development).
2. Overexploitation (e.g. over-hunting, overfishing, and wildlife trade).
3. Pollution and contamination (e.g. chemicals from pesticides and
fertilizers, carbon monoxide from vehicles and non-biodegradable materials
like plastic).
4. Global climate change (e.g. El Niño and La Niña).
5. Introduction of exotic/invasive species (e.g. golden kuhol, janitor fishes,
and bull frogs).
6. Use of illegal fishing methods (e.g. dynamite, cyanide and muro-ami).
Consequences of Biodiversity Loss
A change in biodiversity could have an erratic effect on wildlife and in
human beings. For example, trading elephants for their tusks, birds for pet,
orchids for ornamental purposes threatened these species to extinction. The
removal of trees from the forest negatively impacted the ecosystem by
decreasing biodiversity in the area, allowing fragile soil to wash away,
causing erosion, flooding, and increasing global temperature. Exploiting
exotic animals for food led to the emerging of new diseases (e.g. the
pandemic COVIC-19).
Rapid increase in human population and technology that support its growth
has put extreme pressures on the natural environment, threatening the
survival of different species and their habitats. In many less developed
areas, population grows faster than food supply, causing famine that
threatens to eliminate large portions of the populations. Poverty and hunger
led to resurgence of diseases. These same conditions have forced some
people to abandon their homes in search of food and be exposed to
elements, further reducing their ability to survive (Prieto et al, 2019).
Significant decline in biodiversity has direct human impact when ecosystem
in its insufficiency can no longer provide the physical and social needs of
human beings. Indirectly, changes in the ecosystem affect livelihood,
income, and on occasion, may even cause political conflict (WHO, n.d.).
Thus, if we fail to take care of the ecosystem and continue to fulfill our
greediness, we are actually putting our lives and the future generation at
risk. Therefore, as inhabitants and major beneficiaries of the ecosystem, we
must conserve and preserve the biodiversity of all creatures.
BAMBOO
A. Features of Bamboo
1. Bamboo is the Fastest Growing Plant on Earth (Rapid Growth)
Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on earth. According to Guinness World
Records some species of bamboo can grow up to 91 cm per day, which is
nearly 4 cm per hour. No other plant grows faster.
A new bamboo shoot will reach its full height in less than a year by going
through several rapid spikes of growth. The largest bamboo species in the
world is Dendrocalamus sinicus, which can grow up to 40 m in height and
up to 30 cm in diameter.
2. The only type of grass that can develop itself into a forest.
Bamboo will constantly reproduce itself, even after harvesting new shoots
will continue to sprout from its extensive root system without having to
replant. Because of all these unique characteristics, bamboo is rightfully
labeled as a highly renewable and sustainable resource.
B. Bamboo and the environment/ Importance of Bamboo
1. Renewable Resource (Bamboo Provides Endless Supply of Timber/
Bioenergy)
Bamboo is a sustainable and renewable resource as it continuously spreads
vegetatively. A bamboo forest will therefore develop much faster than tree
forests.
In commercial forestry, trees have to be cut down and replanted. In bamboo
plantations, only mature stems are selected for harvest while younger stems
are left untouched to further mature and develop.
Approximately 20% of the total plantation inventory can be harvested every
year without damaging the plant or its productivity. The underground root
system remains in place which holds nutrients for growing new culms. In
facts, selective harvesting actually helps to keep the bamboo forest healthy
and highly productive.
Depending on the species, diameter, and final use, bamboo culms in a fully
developed bamboo forest can be harvested at the age of 2-5 years.
Hardwoods like oak take at least 40 years to mature.
If you plant bamboo today, in 7-10 years you could have high quality
harvestable timber, and every year after for the rest of your life.
Bamboo is a sustainable energy source that produces 1 kWh of electricity
from 1,2 kg of bamboo. This is similar to the biomass requirements for wood
products, but outperforms other types of biomass sources such as hemp,
bagasse or rice husk. Bamboo can produce an enormous amount of biomass
in a relatively short period of time, which makes it an important
reforestation resource in many countries.
Bamboo biomass can be used as a substitute for firewood as it is processed
into various energy products such as charcoal, pellets and briquettes
through thermal or biochemical transformations.
2. Clean Air and Carbon Sequestration
2.a. Bamboo Produces more Oxygen than Trees
Planting bamboo is one of the best ways to help our environment. Bamboo
is a crucial element in the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere. A grove of bamboo releases 35% more oxygen than an
equivalent stand of trees. Because of this, planting bamboo is a great way to
reduce your carbon footprint and help fight global warming. A perfect
selection for Going Green.
2.b.Bamboo is a Highly Effective Carbon Sink
Bamboo plants absorb enormous amounts of greenhouse gases, and
because of its rapid growth, bamboo is very useful as a tool for carbon
sequestration.
Carbon sequestration is the process by which plants capture carbon from
the atmosphere and store it in their biomass (leaves, branches, and pole)
during their growth. The sequestration potential of plants may vary in terms
of species, size, age, and location (Kawahara et al. 1981).
When a single bamboo seedling is planted it will convert into a clump. In
case of giant tropical bamboo, one newly planted bamboo plant can
sequester 2 tons of carbon dioxide in just 7 years. In comparison, a typical
hardwood tree will sequester 1 ton of carbon dioxide in 40 years. When
compared to pine, bamboo can absorb up to 5 times more CO2.
If 10 million hectares of bamboo would be planted on degraded land
throughout the world, then it is estimated that bamboo plants and their
products could save more than 7 gigatons of carbon dioxide in 30 years.
That is more than what 300 million electric cars could save in the same
period of time.
3. Water Conservation (Bamboo Produces Water for Rivers and Streams)
Bamboo forests protect rivers and their ecosystems by regulating the
quantity and quality of water. They form a sort of wall that serves as
sediment control and to prevent the loss of flow in rivers.
Bamboo acts as a reservoir by collecting and storing large amounts of water
in its rhizomes and stems during the rainy season, and returning water to
the soil, rivers and streams during droughts. One hectare of Guadua
bamboo can store approximately 30,000 liters of water. Bamboo's
extraordinary ability to hold and control large amounts of water makes it a
plant that can help reduce soil desertification.
The extensive root system and forest cover of bamboo prevents streams
from evaporating and can raise groundwater levels within a few years.
Research has shown how severely degraded soil (as a result of an intensive
brick industry) has been restored after planting bamboo. Within 20 years,
the groundwater level has risen by 10 meters, which made it possible to add
agricultural crops and tree species into the bamboo landscape.
4. Soil Conservation (Bamboo Prevents Soil Erosion and Restores Degraded
Land)
Bamboo is a great tool for soil protection due to its rapid growth,
permanent canopy and huge network of roots and rhizomes. The root
system that grows in the surface layer of the soil (20 - 60 cm deep), can
reach up to 100 kilometers per hectare. Rhizomes can survive for more than
a century, allowing the bamboo to regenerate even if the stems would be
cut or destroyed in a fire or storm. Bamboo rhizomes are especially useful
for binding topsoil and to prevent the erosion of slopes, riverbanks,
degraded land, or to control areas that are frequently affected by landslides.
Bamboo leaves also play an important role in preventing the effects of rain
as they help to disperse large raindrops into smaller particles. This
contributes to the smooth distribution of groundwater throughout the
forested area and thus greatly reducing the risk of runoff and erosion on
slopes or hillsides.
Because bamboo can grow on marginal land, it can also be used to help
restore areas that have degraded soil due to industrial use or mining. One of
the amazing properties of bamboo is its ability to absorb and filter excess
nutrients and fertilizers from pig / chicken pens, septic tanks, sugarcane
fields, etc.
bamboo wren and the white-bearded antshrike are 2 examples of birds that
are found almost exclusively in large bamboo forests in Brazil, Argentina and
Paraguay.
The temperature and dark atmosphere in mature bamboo forests, greatly
favors the establishment of different animal species and understory plants
that prefer to grow in such conditions.
Thousands of animals have lost their natural habitat as a result of extensive
deforestation. Bamboo forests can quickly create suitable conditions for
many of these animals. Bamboo can also be integrated into almost any
mixed agriculture, agroforestry and aquaculture system without having to
eliminate native vegetation.
6. Bamboo can Replace Wood for any Application (Versatility)
Today, there are thousands of bamboo products that completely replace
wood, ranging from paper and pulp products, flooring, musical instruments,
furniture, construction materials, and so on. In addition, bamboo fibers are
much stronger than wood fibers and less likely to deform due to changing
atmospheric conditions.
D. Socio-economic Development
Bamboo Reduces Poverty and Provides Livelihoods for Local Communities
The bamboo sector plays an important role in the livelihoods of local
farmers. Developing a stable bamboo industry is a great way to help reduce
poverty, increase economic opportunities for men and women, and to fight
global unemployment.

5. Biodiversity Conservation (Bamboo Forests Create a Habitat for Fauna

and Flora)
Bamboo is an important part of a biodiverse ecosystem. Many animals such
as the Giant Panda (China), Red Panda (China), Mountain Gorilla
(Uganda/Rwanda), Sumatran Tiger (Indonesia), Lesser and Greater Bamboo
Lemurs (Madagascar), Bale Monkey (Ethiopia), Bamboo Bats (China) and the
Agile Gracile Opossum (South America) rely on bamboo for food and
shelter.
In addition to the mammals mentioned above, there are also many insects,
reptiles, amphibians and bird species associated with bamboo. The spotted