Biodiversity as a factor of functional sustainability of ecosystems

Abstract

The article examines the key role of biodiversity as a fundamental factor in the functional stability of ecosystems in the context of modern global challenges, in particular climate change, intensification of anthropogenic load, degradation of natural complexes and disturbances caused by military actions. It is shown that the preservation of biodiversity is a determining condition for maintaining ecological balance, the ability of ecosystems to self-regulate and recover from external influences. The loss of species, genetic resources and ecosystem diversity leads to a decrease in the stability of the biosphere, disruption of ecological processes and a deterioration in the quality of people’s lives. The current scientific achievements in the field of biodiversity protection are analyzed, in particular the works of domestic researchers who form the theoretical and methodological basis for creating a network of protected areas and restoring degraded natural complexes. The importance of the theory of functional stability of ecosystems, which explains the relationship between resistance, resilience and genetic and species diversity, is emphasized. The role of food webs, ecological interactions, stratification and spatial structure of groups in maintaining the long-term stability of ecosystems is emphasized. Particular attention is paid to modern challenges caused by military actions in the territory of Ukraine, which led to large-scale soil degradation, destruction of natural ecosystems and accumulation of toxic pollutants. In this context, the need to preserve reference natural areas and implement an integrated landscape-ecological approach to nature management is proven. The work emphasizes that the creation of a scientifically sound network of protected areas, improvement of the monitoring system and development of biodiversity restoration strategies should become key tools for preserving natural heritage. The results obtained confirm that biodiversity is the most important resource for ensuring the stability of ecosystems and sustainable development, and its protection should become a priority of national environmental policy in the war and post-war periods.