ENGINEERING FACULTY

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

ASSIGNMENT 1

BIODIVERSITY

Subject Name: Global Environmental Studies

Subject code: GES361S

Date: 04 OCTOBER 2023

PM. Makiese Asombi. 221592946

ANGELA MUNGADI 221687459
ORILWELA MASINDI
INTRODUCTION:

The term "biodiversity" describes the range of living things in each geographic
area, from a tiny amount of land to the entire planet, including plants, animals,
fungi, bacteria, and other types of life. Every species and organism in that
region is a component of the intricate network of relationships known as the
ecosystem. By purifying water, cycling nutrients, regulating the climate,
eradicating pests, pollinating, and dispersing plants, and other processes, an
ecosystem functions to maintain the life within it.
Ecosystem health and stability depend on biodiversity, which also provides a
variety of ecological services vital to human well-being. Globally, biodiversity
has been negatively damaged by increased human activity, habitat destruction,
climate change, and pollution. The preservation and restoration of biodiversity
now rely heavily on technological innovation. This research looks at some of
the most important technology advancements being used to protect and restore
biodiversity.

Figure 1: Biodiversity

1. Drones
Monitors ecosystems and track changes in biodiversity over time. This
technology can be used to monitor a wide range of ecosystems, from
forests and grasslands to marine ecosystems. Drones can also be used to
collect high-resolution images of ecosystems, which can then be analysed
using software to detect changes in vegetation cover, species distribution,
and other indicators of biodiversity. Their invention can be used to
 provide real-time video and data streams, as well as to monitor and track
long-term developments.

2. Artificial intelligence
Used to predict the impacts of climate change on biodiversity, can be
used to model how changes in temperature, precipitation, and other
climate variables will affect the distribution of species. This information
can then be used to plan conservation and restoration efforts. For
example, if a species is predicted to lose a large portion of its habitat due
to climate change, conservationists can focus their efforts on restoring
and protecting areas that are likely to remain suitable for the species in
the future.
3. DNA barcoding
DNA barcoding can be used to monitor biodiversity. DNA barcoding is a
technique that uses short DNA sequences to identify species. This
technique can be used to detect and identify species from very small
samples, such as those collected by drones or satellite. DNA barcoding
has been used to detect invasive species, monitor endangered species, and
track changes in biodiversity over time.

4. Genetic engineering

the use of genetic engineering to restore and protect biodiversity. Genetic

engineering can be used to create resistant or more resilient strains of
plants or animals that are threatened by pests, disease, or other factors.
This technology can be used to save species from extinction or to restore
populations that have been severely reduced.
5. Remote sensing

the use of remote sensing to monitor wildlife populations. Remote

sensing is the use of technologies such as GPS, radio collars, and camera
traps to track and monitor wildlife. This information can be used to
inform conservation efforts, such as identifying areas of high wildlife
activity or determining the impacts of human activities on wildlife
populations.

6. Remote Measurement Tools:

it can be challenging to get up close to some animals, like sharks, to take

precise measurements for conservation and research activities. However,
thanks to some cutting-edge equipment, including a stereo camera system
for studying sharks, researchers can now collect these measures with
incredible accuracy without even encountering the animal.

7. Reforestation drones
The simplest solution is to stop cutting so many trees down in the first
place. But to help regenerate areas of forest quickly and to fill in gaps that
are segregating habitats, tree planting will give a helping hand with the
process of natural regeneration. But tree planting by hand is slow and
labour intensive so a drone that shoots trees into the ground is effective.
Firstly, the area of regeneration is mapped by the drone. Then the drone will
fly around 2 to 3 meters above the surface shooting biodegradable seed pods
into the soil which contain all the nutrients the tree needs to start growing.
Biocarbon Engineering estimates this speeds up planting of trees 10x and at
15% of the cost. The aim is to give these drones to reforestation
 organizations to allow them to scale up much more quickly and kick start
forest recovery.

Biotechnology already assists the conservation of plant and animal genetic

resources through:

 new methods for collecting and storing genes (as seed and tissue culture).
 detection and elimination of diseases in gene bank collections.
 identification of useful genes.
 improved techniques for long-term storage.
 safer and more efficient distribution of germplasm to users.

8. Vertical ocean farming

is a new idea for growing food in the ocean. The system would use oyster
shells and other natural materials to grow crops on ropes suspended from
buoys or platforms. This method could help increase global food production,
while also providing jobs and opportunities for people living near the coast.