The Convention on Biological Diversity is one of the most important nature conservation conventions reached by the international community. The Convention was formally adopted at the World Conference on Environment and Development held by the United Nations in Rio de Janeiro on June 5, 1992, and came into effect on February 29, 1993 (so February 29 is designated as the International Biodiversity Day every year). According to the 55th UN General Assembly 206548+0, up to now, more than 100 countries have joined the Convention. The secretariat of the Convention is located in Geneva, Switzerland, and the highest governing body is the Conference of the Parties. The Conference of the Parties is composed of government representatives. Its responsibility is to adopt amendments, annexes and protocols to the Convention on Biological Diversity in accordance with the procedures stipulated in the Convention. The objective of the Convention on Biological Diversity (1) is to protect biodiversity and sustainable use of resources; (2) Promote the fair and reasonable sharing of benefits generated by natural resources. Main Contents of the Convention on Biological Diversity (1) Each party shall formulate a national strategy, plan or program for the protection and sustainable use of biological diversity, or modify the existing strategy, plan or program for this purpose. (2) As far as possible and as appropriate, the protection and sustainable utilization of biodiversity should be incorporated into the plans, programs or policies of various departments. (3) Take legislative, administrative or policy measures as appropriate, so that all parties providing genetic resources for biotechnology research, especially developing countries, can effectively participate in relevant research. (4) Take all feasible measures to promote and urge the providers of genetic resources, especially developing countries, to give priority to the achievements and benefits of biotechnology based on the resources they provide on the basis of fairness. (5) Developed country Parties shall provide new and additional funds to enable developing country Parties to meet the increased costs due to the implementation of the Convention. Developing countries should earnestly fulfill their obligations under the Convention and take measures to protect biodiversity. Measures to protect biodiversity 1→ In-situ protection: In order to protect biodiversity, a certain area of land or water, including protected objects, is divided for protection and management. For example, the establishment of nature reserves for in-situ protection. Nature reserves are representative natural systems and natural distribution areas of rare and endangered wildlife species, including natural relics, land, land water bodies, sea areas and other different types of ecosystems. Nature reserves also have important functions of scientific research, popular science propaganda and eco-tourism. Measure 2 → Ex-situ conservation: Ex-situ conservation refers to the artificial auxiliary protection of rare species, ornamental species or their genes by establishing different forms of protection facilities such as zoos, botanical gardens, arboretums, wild zoos, seed banks, gene banks and aquariums. The purpose of ex-situ conservation is only to let endangered species find a temporary living space. When their vitality is restored and they have the ability to survive naturally, they should let the protected people return to the ecosystem. Measure 3 → Establish gene bank: At present, people have begun to establish gene bank to realize the desire to preserve species. For example, in order to protect cultivated crops and their extinct wild relatives, a global gene bank network should be established. At present, most gene banks store seeds of major crops such as cereals, potatoes and beans. Measure 4→ Establish a legal system: People must also improve the relevant legal system by legal means to protect biodiversity. For example, strengthen the evaluation and approval of the introduction of exotic species and realize unified supervision and management. Establish a fund system, ensure special state funding, and strive for donations and assistance from individuals, society and international organizations to provide strong economic support for the actual work. A historical overview of biological evolution on earth; According to radiation measurement, the oldest rock found on the earth so far has a history of 3.8 billion years. However, through the dating of meteorites and moon rocks and other astronomical evidence, the formation of the earth and the solar system was about 4.6 billion years ago. According to the research on the filamentous fossils unearthed in Precambrian (570 million years ago) 1978- 1980 in Western Australia, it shows that prokaryotes appeared on the earth about 3.5 billion years ago. The earliest prokaryote was probably heterotrophs. Fossils found in rocks in South Africa show that cyanobacteria began to form 365,438+0-3.4 billion years ago. Cyanobacteria are prokaryotes capable of photosynthesis. About 2 billion years ago, oxygen released by photosynthesis began to contain oxygen in the atmosphere, which may lead to the extinction of many anaerobic organisms, but methanogens and related species still exist in anaerobic environment. The dominant era of cyanobacteria and other prokaryotes lasted about 2 billion years. The earliest eukaryotes appeared about14-1500 million years ago. The origin of eukaryotes is an important event in the history of biological evolution, because with the formation of eukaryotes, chromosomes, meiosis and sexual reproduction began to appear. In Precambrian (800-670 million years ago), fungi, protozoa and algae in eukaryotes formed, and animals and plants began to differentiate. By the end of Precambrian, coelenterates, annelids or arthropods began to form. Paleozoic CAMBRIAN (570-505 million years ago): About 590 million years ago, the appearance of various invertebrates marked the beginning of CAMBRIAN. During this period, many classes of arthropods, brachiopods, mollusks, polypods and echinoderms represented by trilobites began to form. These categories have been preserved until today, and some species still exist. In the marine sediments 5. 1 10,000 years ago, the earliest vertebrate remains-fragments of crustacean exoskeleton were found. In CAMBRIAN, all animal phyla have been formed. Ordovician (505-438 million years ago): adaptive radiation appeared in the phylum of many animals, forming a large number of classes and orders. For example, echinoderms form 2 1 class, and corals in coelenterates begin to appear. During the Ordovician period, a large number of jaws and fins appeared and left complete fossils. Silurian (438-408 million years ago): the biodiversity increased, and the jaw was diversified. At the same time, the jaw-like shield fish also began to appear. Vascular plants (ferns) and arthropods (scorpions, polypods) began to invade the land. Devonian (408-360 million years ago): large-scale adaptive radiation occurred in corals and trilobites; Cephalopods appear. Jaw fish and shield fish reached the peak of diversity. Devonian is called "the age of fish", cartilaginous fish and bony fish originated one after another and then adapted to radiation. At the same time, amphibians, mosses, vascular plants (ferns, gymnosperms) and insects all originated in this period. Carboniferous (360 million-286 million years ago): Terrestrial spore plants (ferns) flourished, forming a large area of forest, amphibians were diversified, and the earliest reptiles appeared. Insects adapt to radiation, and some primitive orders (Orthoptera, Cockroaches, Mayflies, Homoptera, etc. ) appear in large numbers. Mesozoic Permian (286-248 million years ago): reptiles appeared adaptive radiation, and theropoda became the dominant group; Various insect groups are diversified, forming Odonata, Hemiptera, Neuroptera, Coleoptera, Diptera and other groups. Chrysanthemum stones multiply in large numbers. Triassic (248-265,438+0.3 billion years ago): The second large-scale proliferation of ammonites increased the diversity of some groups of marine invertebrates (such as bivalves). Gymnosperms began to dominate. Reptiles adapted to radiation, forming turtles, ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs and early dinosaurs (further forming plant dragons, crocodiles and dinosaurs). Early mammals appeared. The continent began to drift. Jurassic (213-65438+44 million years ago): Dinosaurs were diversified, and pterosaurs, Lei Long, Liang Long, Stegosaurus and Triceratops appeared. Primitive birds (archaeopteryx, etc. ) appeared. Ancient mammals and gymnosperms dominated. This continent continues to drift. Cretaceous (0.65-65438+44 million years ago): Most continents separated, dinosaurs continued to adapt to radiation and became extinct at the end of this period. The earliest snakes appeared and adapted to radiation. Yellow birds with the characteristics of modern birds appeared. Angiosperms and mammals began to diversify, marsupials and placental mammals began to differentiate. Cenozoic Tertiary (65-2 million years ago): angiosperms were diversified on a large scale and became the dominant components in the forest. Insects adapt to radiation and form most modern families. Many modern vertebrate families have been formed. Quaternary (2 million years ago): Glaciers appear repeatedly, and large mammals (such as saber-toothed tigers, mammoths, large bison, etc.). ) extinct, human beings appeared. The basic methods of speciation are summarized. Forming a new species from the original species is called speciation. There are different hypotheses about the formation mechanism of new species, but gene mutation and natural selection are two basic processes. In the process of speciation, geographical isolation and reproductive isolation play a very key role. According to the planting area, it can be roughly divided into three types: exotic type, homologous type and neighboring type. Exotic species form multiple populations of a species living in different spatial ranges. Because of geographical isolation, gene communication between these populations is hindered, which leads to the accumulation of different genetic variations in a specific population and gradually forms their own unique gene pool, and finally becomes reproductive isolated from the original population and forms new species. Homologous species form species that live in the same area. Due to the limitation of resources and fierce competition within the population, niche differentiation has emerged. Groups occupying different niches have obstacles in gene communication and form new species through reproductive isolation. Neighborhood species formation Some species are widely distributed, but their diffusion ability is poor. Some populations at the edge of their distribution area, due to the differences in habitat environment, form obstacles to gene exchange, gradually establish their own unique gene pool, and form reproductive isolation, and finally form new species. In the process of biological evolution, the co-evolution between species and between species and inorganic environment leads to the formation of species diversity. The significance of protecting biodiversity Natural resources and biological resources Natural resources refer to the sum of all kinds of substances that can be directly obtained by human beings in nature and used for production or life. Natural resources generally refer to natural objects that exist naturally. Any part of nature, including soil, water, forest, grassland, minerals, wild animals and other substances, which people can use to improve their production or living conditions, belongs to natural resources. In 1972, the United Nations Environment Programme defines natural resources as "the general name of natural environmental factors that can generate economic value and improve the current and future welfare of human beings under certain time conditions". With the development of productive forces and the progress of human society, the scope of natural resources will continue to expand. For example, air and natural scenery, which used to be considered as external factors, now belong to the category of natural resources. A more accurate definition of natural resources is: natural substances and energy used to meet the needs of human production and life at the current level of productivity development and research. The natural resources on the earth generally include the following: (1) Climate resources: including air, heat, light, wind, precipitation, etc. (2) Water resources: including above-ground water (rivers, lakes and seas) and groundwater. (3) Mineral resources: metallic minerals such as gold, silver, copper and iron, all kinds of precious stones and all kinds of rocks for building. (4) Energy: including solar energy, coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy. 5. Biological resources: Biological resources are an important part of natural resources. It is a living natural resource. Include animals, plants and microorganisms. The difference between biological resources and other abiotic resources is that it is a renewable natural resource, which can be used for a long time if it is developed reasonably. The value of biodiversity Biological resources are biodiversity. Some organisms have been used as resources, while others are not regarded as potential biological resources. The value of biodiversity is often ignored by people. When people use biological resources, they directly consume them without market circulation, but only use them instead. Biodiversity has high development and utilization value and occupies a very important position in the economic activities of all countries in the world. The value of biodiversity is mainly reflected in the following aspects: (1) Direct value: also called use value or commodity value. It is the value formed by people directly harvesting and utilizing biological resources. Including consumption value and production value. Consumption and use value: refers to the value of some natural products that are directly consumed without market circulation. Biological resources are very important for people living in the areas where these biological resources are produced. People get daily necessities such as firewood, vegetables, fruits, meat, fur, medicines and building materials from nature. Especially in some economically underdeveloped areas, using biological resources is the main way for people to make a living. For example: A. About 80% of the world's population still mainly depends on various medicinal materials obtained from plants (Farnsworth, 1988). There are more than 2,000 species of animals and plants used as medicine in Amazon basin, and more than 5,000 species can be used as medicine in China. B in Nepal, Tanzania and Malawi, wood and animal wastes provide 90% of the main energy demand, and 80% in other countries (Pearce, 1987). Residents living in remote areas mainly come from hunting wild animals. In Africa, the meat products of wild animals account for a high proportion of people's food in protein; 20% in Nigeria and 40% in Botswana; Zaire is 75%; In Ghana, about 75% of protein's population comes from animals, including all kinds of fish, insects and snails; In some remote areas of Nigeria, protein provided by prey accounts for 20% of the total annual consumption. D In Sarawak, eastern Malaysia, the value of wild boar captured and eaten by hunters every year can be converted into $4 billion in the market price. The world catches 654.38 billion tons of fish every year, mainly wild fish, and a large part of them are eaten by fishermen themselves. Production and use value: refers to the value of products used for market circulation and sales at the time of commercial harvest. (once the products of biological resources are developed, they are often much more valuable than themselves. Common biological resources products are: wood, fish, animal fur, musk, velvet antler, medicinal animals and plants, honey, rubber, resin, fruits, dyes and so on. For example, in the western United States, a laxative product can be extracted from the bark of a drug Rhamnus rhamnoides. This drug is very popular, with an annual sales price of about $6,543,800+0,000 and a market sales price as high as $75 million per year. During the period of 1976- 1984, the profit of biological resources in the United States was as high as $87.6 billion per year. Wood is an important export product of some developing countries, and the annual output value of wood in the world exceeds $75 billion. In Indonesia, wood is the second largest export product after oil. From 198 1- 1983, the annual value of wood products exported from Asia, Africa and South America is 8 1 billion dollars. Some non-wood biological products also have a very important position. For example, Indonesia's foreign trade in non-wood products reached 200 million US dollars in 1982. ⑵ Indirect value: The indirect value of biological resources is related to the ecosystem function, which is not reflected in the national economic accounting system, but their value may greatly exceed the direct value. Moreover, direct value often comes from indirect value, because the harvested animal and plant species must have their living environment, and they are part of the ecosystem. Species with no consumption, production and use value may play an important role in the ecosystem and support species with use and consumption value (Chen Lingzhi, 1994). The indirect value of biodiversity includes four values: non-consumption use value, selection value, existence value and scientific value. ① Non-expendable use value: the protection of biological resources can bring more and more benefits to human society, which varies from region to region and from species to species. It can be roughly summarized as follows: * Photosynthesis fixes solar energy, which enables light energy to enter the food chain through green plants, thus providing a maintenance system for harvestable species. * The functions of ecosystem include pollination, gene flow, cross fertilization and reproduction, maintaining the environment and species effectiveness that have an impact on economic species to obtain beneficial genetic quality, maintaining the evolution process and maintaining the eternal tension between competitors in the ecosystem. * Absorb and decompose pollutants, including organic wastes, pesticides and air and water pollutants. :: Recreation and ecotourism. Refers to people's recreational activities in different ways by using biological resources. Carrying out tourism activities without destroying the natural environment is called eco-tourism. For example, bird watching in the wild, flower viewing and forest bathing. The value of these activities is also called leisure value. Worldwide, ecotourism can earn $654.38+0.2 billion. For example, in Canada, about 84% of the population participate in recreational activities related to wildlife (such as hunting, visiting zoos, traveling in protected areas, etc.) every year. ), it can create about 800 million dollars of income for Canada every year (Fillon et al., 1985). Jiuzhaigou, Sichuan, China, community management. In addition, eco-tourism has certain ecological education function. * Protect soil: High-quality soil protected by natural vegetation and litter can maintain fertility, prevent dangerous landslides, protect the coast and river banks, and prevent siltation from damaging coral reefs, fresh water and offshore fisheries. :: Regulating climate: Ecosystems can regulate macro-climate and local climate, including the impact on temperature, precipitation and airflow. * Stabilize soil and water: The well-developed vegetation in the catchment can regulate runoff. The roots of plants go deep into the soil, making it easier for the soil to penetrate rainwater. Runoff in vegetation-covered areas is slower and more uniform than that in bare land. Generally, in forest-covered areas, floods can be reduced in rainy season, and rivers still have running water in dry season. For example, in the forest catchment area of Malaysia, the runoff per unit area is equivalent to about 50% of the peak runoff of rubber plantation and oil palm plantation. In the low peak period of runoff, it is about 1 times of plantation. ② Selection value: Protecting wild animal and plant resources and having as many genes as possible can provide more substitution opportunities for the breeding of crops, poultry and livestock. For example, a new lean pig is bred by crossing domestic pigs with wild boars. At present, there are hundreds of different breeds of domestic chickens, all of which are original chickens. Extraction of anticancer drugs from Taxus chinensis and Taxus chinensis. Now many wild animals and plants in nature may not be used by human beings for a long time, and their value is potential. Maybe our children and grandchildren can find their value and find ways to use them. Therefore, if we save one more species, we will leave an extra wealth for our descendants. (3) Existence value: Although the direct value of some species is limited, their existence can bring some sense of honor or psychological satisfaction to the people in this area. For example, the giant panda, golden monkey and brown eared pheasant in China. They are rare animals unique to China, and people all over the country are proud of them. Panda has become a symbol of China. ④ Scientific value: Some animal and plant species are in a very important position in the history of biological evolution, and studying them is helpful to understand the process of biological evolution. For example, some remaining species (ginkgo biloba). The Significance of Protecting Biodiversity Biodiversity is the basis for the survival and development of human society. Many aspects of our clothing, food, housing, transportation and material and cultural life are closely related to maintaining biodiversity. First of all, biodiversity provides us with food, fiber, wood, medicinal materials and a variety of industrial raw materials. All our food comes from nature. If we keep biodiversity, our food varieties will be enriched continuously. People's quality of life will continue to improve, from food and clothing to a well-off society. ⑵ Biodiversity also plays an important role in maintaining soil fertility, ensuring water quality and regulating climate. The Yellow River Basin was once the cradle of our Chinese nation. Thousands of years ago, it was still a very rich land. Trees are fragrant with flowers, and all kinds of wild animals abound. However, due to the long-term war and over-exploitation and utilization of human beings, it has become a region with very poor biodiversity, and there are loess slopes everywhere. When it comes to windy weather, sand and stones fly and desertification is very serious. In recent years, due to artificial tree planting and the "Three-North Shelterbelt" project, biodiversity has been restored to a certain extent, the desertification process has been restrained, the forest coverage rate has increased year by year, and the environment has been continuously improved. ⑶ Biodiversity plays an important role in the regulation of atmospheric composition, surface temperature, redox potential and PH value of surface sediments. For example, the oxygen content in the earth's atmosphere is now 265,438+0%, which provides us with free breathing, mainly photosynthesis of plants. In the early history of the earth, the oxygen content in the atmosphere was much lower. According to scientists' estimation, if the photosynthesis of plants is cut off, the oxygen in the atmosphere will be exhausted by oxidation reaction in thousands of years. (4) Maintaining biodiversity will help protect some rare and endangered species. As we all know, once any species is extinct, it can never be regenerated. Once the species that still exist on our earth today, especially those endangered species, disappear, then mankind will lose these precious biological resources forever. Protecting biodiversity, especially endangered species, is of great strategic significance to future generations and scientific undertakings.