ABSTRACT
Biodiversity provides the building blocks for sustainable food, health and livelihood security systems. However, two of the major biodiversity-rich areas, north-east India and the Western Ghats region, are also classified as hot spot areas from the point of view of threats to biodiversity. In spite of the importance given to the conservation of biodiversity, genetic erosion is progressing in an unabated manner, both globally and nationally. Meaningful results can be obtained only if biodiversity conservation is considered in the context of sustainable development and poverty alleviation. Biodiversity loss is predominantly related to habitat destruction largely for commercial exploitation as well as for alternative uses like roads, buildings, etc. Invasive alien species and unsustainable development are other important causes of genetic erosion. The Government of India has started programmes like DNA and Genome Clubs to sensitise schoolchildren about the importance of conserving biodiversity.
