How is biological loss of forest and wildlife co-related with loss of cultural diversity?

(i) Destruction of forests and wildlife has affected the livelihood of many communities who are directly dependent on forests.
(ii) They depend on forests for their food, medicine, drink, livelihood and cultural traits.
(iii) In certain societies women are involved in fuel collection, fodder for animals and water for their basic needs. Due to large scale deforestation these forest products are not available to them and the life of these people, especially women is largely affected.
(iv) Women have to go in search of food, water, fuel over long distances leaving their family for a long time resulting in social tensions.
(v) It has resulted in severe droughts and floods which has affected these communities very badly. These people live in extreme poverty which is the direct result of the environmental degradation. Conservation of forests and wildlife is essential to provide better quality of life and environment.