This book gives insight into several aspects of the microbiology, biotechnology, and ecosystem sustainability of special and under-explored regions, that captivate human beings by their natural richness, their extensive biodiversity, the extraordinary forms of adaptation of the living beings that they inhabit, and even that keep living secrets as is the very origin of life. The chapters emphasize all aspects of biological diversity-its description, analysis, and conservation, and its controlled rational use by humankind. Also, the book is elaborated from a wide and multidisciplinary point of view. It presents reviews, research papers, comments, and research notes on biodiversity, ethnobiology, geoscience, chemistry, biological conservation, biotechnology, and ecosystem sustainability Two hotspots are the reference for this enriching book that describes details of extraordinary areas of the planet, from Cuatrociénegas, Coahuila (Mexico) to the Southern Western Ghats (India). The book will contribute to dealing with the practicalities of conservation management, economic, social, and political issues. It provides a forum for examining conflicts between sustainable development and human dependence on biodiversity in agriculture, environmental management, and biotechnology, and encourages contributions from developing countries to promote broad global perspectives on matters of biodiversity and conservation.

Contributed articles.

Biodiversity Conservation - Challenges for the Future is a multidisciplinary book, linking topics on biodiversity, conservation, food and nutrition, organic farming, food security and sustainable management. The book summarizes the key ideas for meeting the challenges of biodiversity conservation. It presents suggestions and recommendations and reiterates the need for raising awareness among a range of stakeholders about conservation and sustainable management of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge resources along with ensuring appropriate capacity building at individual and institutional levels. The book also brings a wealth of knowledge about the local marine ecosystem and Western Ghats biodiversity. Readers will find an a overview of several aspects of biodiversity ranging from: a) The diversity of flora and fauna which will be of immense benefit to the local community. b) Laws and regulations related to access and benefits of sharing Bio-resources.(please check if the yellow highlighted term is correct) c) Sustainable management models for marine and wetland environmental conservation. d) Case studies of human participation in biodiversity conservation programmes. e) Key ideas for meeting the challenges of biodiversity conservation and for planning conservation programmes. Biodiversity Conservation - Challenges for the Future is a handy resource for the local conservationist community consisting of policy makers, academicians, scientists, environmentalists, students and grass root level conservationists.

Biological diversity encompasses all species of animals, plants, micro-organisms, ecosystem and ecological processes of which they are part. Biodiversity provides the basis for life on earth. The more we know about Earth's biological diversity, the better will be our capability to conserve both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Expanding human population, overexploitation of natural resources, habitat loss and pollution are contributing to a great extent to the rapid degradation of environmental quality, with its irreversible loss or depletion of species diversity. The current perception is therefore to frame strategies to conserve biodiversity otherwise the future generation will blame us for robbing them for their life support systems. This book includes original research articles on various aspects of Biodiversity and its Conservation presented by eminent Scientists working within the country and abroad. Most of the concepts are new and pertinent to Indian context. This book will be of immense utility to the Researchers and Post-Graduate students engaged in varied areas of Biodiversity conservation.