A fragile ecosystem refers to an ecological system that is particularly sensitive to disturbances and disruptions, making it susceptible to degradation and collapse.
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These ecosystems often have delicate balances between biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors, and even small changes can have significant and sometimes irreversible impacts on their structure and function. Fragile ecosystems are typically characterized by low resilience, meaning they have limited ability to recover from disturbances.
One example of a fragile ecosystem in India is the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the eight hottest biodiversity hotspots in the world. The Western Ghats is a mountain range that stretches along the western coast of India, covering an area of approximately 160,000 square kilometers. It is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including many endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.
Livelihood System in the Western Ghats:
The livelihood system in the Western Ghats is closely intertwined with its unique ecosystem and natural resources. One prominent livelihood system in the region is:
1. Agroforestry and Subsistence Farming:
- Description: Many communities in the Western Ghats practice agroforestry, which involves the integration of trees and crops on the same land. Subsistence farming is also common, where farmers grow crops primarily for their own consumption rather than for commercial purposes.
- Crops: Farmers cultivate a variety of crops suited to the region’s diverse microclimates, including rice, spices (such as pepper, cardamom, and cloves), coffee, tea, and fruits like bananas and mangoes.
- Interdependence: Agroforestry systems in the Western Ghats often rely on traditional knowledge and practices passed down through generations. Farmers have deep ecological knowledge of the local environment and its seasonal patterns, which they use to inform their agricultural practices.
- Sustainability Challenges: Despite its importance, the livelihood system in the Western Ghats faces several sustainability challenges, including:
- Fragmentation of Habitats: The conversion of forested areas into agricultural land and human settlements contributes to habitat loss and fragmentation, threatening biodiversity and ecological integrity.
- Soil Erosion: Unsustainable agricultural practices, such as monoculture farming and excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, can lead to soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and loss of soil fertility.
- Water Scarcity: Changes in rainfall patterns and water availability, exacerbated by climate change and deforestation, can affect crop yields and livelihoods dependent on agriculture.
- Conservation Efforts: Recognizing the importance of conserving the Western Ghats’ biodiversity and supporting sustainable livelihoods, various government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community-based initiatives are working to promote conservation-friendly agriculture, agroecology, and sustainable land management practices in the region.
In conclusion, the Western Ghats exemplifies a fragile ecosystem that supports diverse livelihood systems, including agroforestry and subsistence farming. While these livelihoods are closely tied to the region’s natural resources and cultural heritage, they face sustainability challenges stemming from habitat loss, soil erosion, water scarcity, and climate change. Efforts to promote conservation and sustainable land management practices are essential for maintaining the ecological integrity of the Western Ghats while supporting the well-being of local communities.