Biodiversity

It is the variation seen between the several ecosystems found in a given

It is our planet's most intricate and significant characteristic. Life could not area. Ecological diversity is found in a variety of environments, such as
persist without biodiversity. In 1985, the term biodiversity was first used. mangroves, rainforests, and deserts.
Both artificial and natural ecosystems depend on it. It addresses the
biosphere, or variety found in nature. It alludes to the diversity found in Importance of Biodiversity
different species of plants, animals, and microbes.
Biodiversity and its maintenance are very important for sustaining life on
The quantity of various creatures and their varying frequencies within an earth. A few of the reasons explaining the importance of biodiversity are:
ecosystem are considered components of biodiversity. It also depicts how
creatures are arranged at various levels. Ecological Stability
Each species in an ecosystem has a certain purpose. They create and
Ecological and economic values are attached to biodiversity. It gives us break down biological stuff in addition to absorbing and storing energy.
food, shelter, energy, clothes, and a variety of other necessities. It also The services that people cannot survive without are provided by the
reaps financial rewards from tourism. For this reason, having a solid ecosystem. An ecosystem with diversity is more resilient to environmental
understanding of biodiversity is crucial to a sustainable way of life. stress and produces more.

These are the following three different types of biodiversity: Economic Importance
1. Species Biodiversity – The diversity of species found in a given Resources for the production of food, cosmetics, and medications can be
location is referred to as species diversity. It represents biodiversity at found in biodiversity. Crops livestock, fishery, and forests are rich sources
its most fundamental level. It encompasses all species, from various of food. Various plant species are the source of wood, fibers, lubricants,
bacteria to plants, within a species; no two individuals are precisely fragrances, rubber, resins, poison, and cork. Tourists can visit the national
same. Humans, for instance, exhibit great diversity among parks and sanctuaries. For many, they are a source of joy and beauty.
themselves.
Ethical Importance
2. Genetic Biodiversity – It speaks of the differences between an It is the right of all species to coexist. They shouldn't choose to go extinct
organism's genetic resources. Individuals within a given species are because of humans. Diversity in culture and spiritual heritage is preserved
genetically distinct from one another. That explains why each and by biodiversity. As a result, biodiversity conservation is crucial.
every human has a unique appearance. Similar to this, multiple
variations of the same species exist for barley, wheat, rice, and maize. Eight major causes of biodiversity are as follows:

3. Ecological Biodiversity – A collection of living and non-living things 1. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: The natural home of a plant or animal
and their interactions with one another, that makes up an ecosystem. is known as its habitat. For 85% of all species classified as vulnerable or
The differences among the plant and animal species that coexist and endangered, habitat loss is the primary hazard. Urbanization, fire, overuse,
are linked by food webs and food chains are referred to as ecological and deforestation are the causes of this.
biodiversity.
2. Over-exploitation for Commercialization: The overuse of resources has slowing down. To this is added the reality that approximately 75% of the
caused more environmental damage than benefits. For instance, shrimp world's natural resources are consumed by 25% of the population.
aquaculture degrades coastal fisheries, pollutes coastal waters, and Overconsumption is a subset of the larger problem of unsustainable use.
destroys wetlands in Ecuador, Indonesia, Thailand, India, and other
countries. According to scientific research, the costs associated with 7. Illegal Wildlife Trade: There is a massive global trade in wild flora and
environmental damage brought on by shrimp farming outweigh the money animals. Animals are captured live for the pet trade, or their components
made from shrimp exports. are exported for use as food or medicine. In addition, people harvest plants
from the wild for their medicinal or agricultural use.
3. Invasive Species: "Alien" or "exotic" species introduced by humans,
whether on purpose or by mistake, are considered invasive species. These 8. Species extinction: The process of extinction is natural. Numerous
species threaten the local biodiversity when they establish themselves in hundreds of thousands of plant and animal species have vanished over
their new habitat and expand unrestrained. After habitat loss, these the ages due to their inability to adapt to shifting environmental conditions,
invasive alien species are thought to pose the second biggest danger to according to the geological record. The current pace of species extinction,
biodiversity. however, appears to be at least a hundred to a thousand times higher than
the natural rate, according to recent data.
4. Pollution: One of the hardest issues to solve is pollution, which poses a
serious danger to biodiversity because it knows neither national or Biodiversity and its Conservation Methods
international bounds. For instance, a range of fertilizers and pesticides Biodiversity refers to the variability of life on earth. It can be conserved in
found in agricultural runoff may infiltrate into rivers and ground water the following ways:
before entering the ocean. Pollutants in the atmosphere are deposited far • In-situ Conservation
from their initial source as they drift with the dominant air currents. • Ex-situ Conservation

5. Global Climate Change: According to many climatologists, the In-situ Conservation

greenhouse effect will probably cause global temperatures to rise by 2°C In-situ conservation of biodiversity is the conservation of species within
by 2030, which will cause sea levels to rise by 30 to 50 cm by then. their natural habitat. In this method, the natural ecosystem is maintained
Additional losses in biological diversity are expected as a result of and protected.
resource depletion, population growth, and global warming. Large
swathes of the planet will be submerged, killing people and damaging The in-situ conservation has several advantages. Following are the
ecosystems. important advantages of in-situ conservation:
1. It is a cost-effective and convenient method of conserving
6. Population Growth and Over-consumption: Our species has grown from biodiversity.
one billion members at the start of the 19th century to over six billion 2. A large number of living organisms can be conserved
today. Because of this quick population expansion, natural resources like simultaneously.
food, water, and minerals are being used more and more quickly. It is 3. Since the organisms are in a natural ecosystem, they can evolve
evident that the current level of resource exploitation is unsustainable, better and can easily adjust to different environmental conditions.
notwithstanding indications that the rate of population expansion may be
Certain protected areas where in-situ conservation takes place include 3. Unique ecosystems should be preserved first.
national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves. 4. The resources should be utilized efficiently.
• National Parks 5. Poaching and hunting of wild animals should be prevented.
These are small reserves maintained by the government. Its 6. The reserves and protected areas should be developed carefully.
boundaries are well demarcated and human activities such as 7. The levels of pollutants should be reduced in the environment.
grazing, forestry, habitat and cultivation are prohibited. For eg., 8. Deforestation should be strictly prohibited.
Kanha National Park, and Bandipur National Park. 9. Environmental laws should be followed strictly.
• Wildlife Sanctuaries 10. The useful and endangered species of plants and animals should
These are the regions where only wild animals are found. Human be conserved in their nature as well as artificial habitats.
activities such as timber harvesting, cultivation, collection of 11. Public awareness should be created regarding biodiversity
woods and other forest products are allowed here as long as they conservation and its importance.
do not interfere with the conservation project. Also, tourists visit
these places for recreation. Why should you conserve Biodiversity?
• Biosphere Reserves It is believed that an area with higher species abundance has a
Biosphere reserves are multi-purpose protected areas where the more stable environment compared to an area with lower species
wildlife, traditional lifestyle of the inhabitants and domesticated abundance. We can further claim the necessity of biodiversity by
plants and animals are protected. Tourist and research activities considering our degree of dependency on the environment. We depend
are permitted here. directly on various species of plants for our various needs. Similarly, we
depend on various species of animals and microbes for different reasons.
Ex-situ Conservation
Ex-situ conservation of biodiversity involves the breeding and Biodiversity is being lost due to the loss of habitat, over-
maintenance of endangered species in artificial ecosystems such as zoos, exploitation of resources, climatic changes, pollution, invasive exotic
nurseries, botanical gardens, gene banks, etc. There is less competition species, diseases, hunting, etc. Since it provides us with several economic
for food, water and space among the organisms. and ethical benefits and adds aesthetic value, it is very important to
Ex-situ conservation has the following advantages: conserve biodiversity.
1. The animals are provided with a longer time and breeding activity.
2. The species bred in captivity can be reintroduced in the wild.
3. Genetic techniques can be used for the preservation of CONTEMPORARY WORLD ETHICAL LIFE ISSUES
endangered species.
Traditional issues like abortion and euthanasia are frequently at the
Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation center of ethical debates. Although these issues remain prominent, a
Following are the important strategies for biodiversity conservation: plethora of new moral dilemmas have emerged in recent times. Conflicts
1. All the varieties of food, timber plants, livestock, microbes and over morality and politics are today just as likely to center on issues of
agricultural animals should be conserved. gender and sexuality as they are on immigration, refugee status, border
2. All the economically important organisms should be identified policies, social media ethics, safe spaces, disability, and robo-ethics.
and conserved.
Ableism: The discrimination and social prejudice towards those with DEBT: is an obligation. Anyone who has borrowed things or money from
mental or physical disability is known as ableism. People who are defined someone else is obligated to pay back the loan, generally with interest, and
by their disabilities are characterized as ableists, and those who are has created a debt. Governments' need to borrow in order to fund budget
disabled are viewed as less valuable than those who are not. Disability deficits has resulted in the growth of numerous types of national debt.
Discrimination: Individuals with impairments are less likely to be taken
seriously by authorities and are more likely to experience physical threats Euthanasia: The practice of ending a patient's life in order to lessen their
and discrimination. suffering is known as euthanasia. The patient in question is usually very
sick, either terminally ill or in excruciating agony. The Greek terms "eu"
Ageism: is the bias, discrimination, or bullying of people or groups based (good) and "thanatos" (death) are the source of the word "euthanasia"
only on their age. Based on the language of racism and sexism, Robert Neil itself.
Butler invented the word in 1969 to characterize prejudice toward the
elderly. In vitro fertilization (IVF): The process of combining a man's sperm and a
woman's egg in a lab dish is known as in vitro fertilization (IVF). In vitro
Abortion: when a pregnancy is terminated to prevent childbirth, this is refers to being outside the body. The process of fertilization is the sperm
known as an abortion. 'Termination of pregnancy' is another title for it adhering to and entering the egg. Normally, a woman's body is used to
occasionally. Medication abortion and in-clinic procedures are the two fertilize an egg and sperm. A baby is born approximately nine months after
primary types of abortion alternatives available. Depending on the stage fertilization if the fertilized egg sticks to the uterine lining and grows
of pregnancy and the provider select, the options may change. further. This method is known as unaided or natural conception. Robotic
surgery raises serious concerns about patient safety; the benefits must be
Animal rights: The philosophy of animal rights holds that many, if not all, balanced against the possibility of harm or death during the procedure.
sentient animals have moral value regardless of how useful they are to Liability: Surgeons employing surgical robots run the same risk of
people and that their most basic goals, such avoiding suffering, should be negligence and liability as with any medical operation.
given the same weight as human interests of a similar nature.
Homelessness: or houselessness being without a permanent, secure, and
Cryonics: use cryopreservation, or temperatures below -130 °C, to try and functional place to live sometimes described as being unhoused or
preserve enough brain tissue to allow for the cryopreserved person's unsheltered. A multitude of underlying economic and social issues,
eventual resuscitation. Freezing, freezing with cryoprotectant to minimize including poverty, a lack of affordable housing, poor physical and mental
ice damage, or vitrification to prevent ice damage are the three methods health, addictions, and broken families and communities, contribute to the
used in cryopreservation. complex societal problem of homelessness.

Capital Punishment: The state-sanctioned practice of killing someone as Social issues in information technology: Any issue relating to the usage
a punishment for a crime is known as capital punishment, also known as and advancement of technology that negatively impacts the health or well-
the death penalty or judicial homicide. Typically, this process involves being of a person, a community, or society at large is considered a social
determining that the victim is at fault for breaking laws that call for the issue in the field of information technology. Identifying and taking
death penalty. advantage of digital divisions, unprotected access to personal data,
absence of safety requirements for data processing, and online DIGITAL ECONOMY
harassment and cyberbullying are a few examples.
Broad Scope in Digitalized Economy
Racial discrimination: Any form of discrimination against a person based ➢ E-Business: refers to the utilization of digital technologies to
on their race, ethnic background, or skin color is known as racial conduct various business processes, including communication,
discrimination. People can practice discrimination against members of a collaboration, and transactions, to enhance efficiency and
certain group by declining to interact, transact business, or share effectiveness.
resources with them. When someone is treated differently or denied the ➢ E-Commerce: involves the buying and selling of goods and
same opportunities as others in a comparable circumstance due to their services over the internet, encompassing online retail, electronic
race, nationality, ethnic origin, or skin tone, this is known as racial payments, and digital marketplaces, transforming traditional
discrimination. commerce into a digital landscape.
➢ Industry 4.0: or the fourth industrial revolution, integrates
advanced digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT),
Same-sex marriage: between partners who identify as the same sex or
artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics into manufacturing
gender is known as same-sex marriage. For instance, a union of two males
processes to create smart, interconnected, and automated
or two women. The only major distinction in the legal treatment of same- systems. Including Japan’s entertainment robots and smart
sex and heterosexual partnerships worldwide is the ability to marry. Even factories. These smart factories are equipped with advanced
though same-sex marriage is still debatable, public and political opinion sensors, embedded software, and robotics that collect and
has changed, and the topic will probably be on the political agenda. A fixed analyze data and allow for better decision-making.
marriage, sometimes referred to as an arranged marriage, is a kind of ➢ Precision Agriculture: utilizes digital technologies, including
marriage in which the partners are not the ones choosing the other person; sensors, GPS, and data analytics, to optimize farming practices by
rather, it is their families or a matchmaker. precisely managing resources such as water, fertilizers, and
pesticides, leading to enhanced productivity and sustainability.
Violence: is defined as the application of physical force to inflict pain, ➢ Algorithm Economy: involves the growing importance of
injury, death, damage, or destruction on humans, animals, or property. algorithms in decision-making processes, ranging from
Intimate partner violence, often known as domestic violence, is personalized recommendations in e-commerce to advanced
analytics driving business strategies, highlighting the value of
characterized by a pattern of coercive and assaultive behaviors, including
algorithms in the digital era. Including machine learning, artificial
physical, sexual, and psychological abuse.
intelligence, and other processes where software evolves beyond
the limits of its original programming through the use of smart
algorithm design.
E-Business ➢ Share Economy: also known as the sharing or collaborative
E-Commerce economy, involves peer-to-peer sharing of resources facilitated by
Industry 4.0 Hardware
Digital Services digital platforms, transforming how goods and services are
Precision Agriculture Software
Platform Economy
Algorithm Economy ICT/IT consumed and disrupting traditional business models.
Share Economy
B. Narrow Scope in Digitalized Economy: B. Digital Education: enhance and facilitate the learning process. It
encompasses online learning platforms, educational apps, and digital
➢ Digital Services or Service: encompasses a wide range of online tools that transform traditional teaching methods, providing accessible
or technology-enabled services, including software as a service
and interactive educational experiences.
(SaaS), cloud computing, and other digital solutions that enhance
efficiency, accessibility, and scalability.
➢ Platform Economy: revolves around digital platforms that connect C. E-Governance: signifies the use of digital technologies in government
producers and consumers, enabling the exchange of goods, processes to enhance efficiency, transparency, and citizen engagement. It
services, or information, with examples ranging from e-commerce includes the implementation of E-policies and E-services.
platforms to social media networks. ➢ E-policies: refer to digital strategies and guidelines adopted by
governments to regulate and govern activities in the digital realm.
These policies address issues such as cybersecurity, data privacy,
C. Information and Communication Technology (ICT/IT): and digital rights, shaping the legal and regulatory framework for
the digital society. (SSS new policies and agreements)
➢ Hardware: refers to the physical components of computing ➢ E-services: the digital delivery of government services to citizens.
devices, including computers, servers, and devices like This includes online platforms for tasks like tax filing, permit
smartphones, constituting the tangible infrastructure necessary applications, information dissemination, streamlining public
for digital operations. services, and increasing accessibility. (DTI Certificates)
➢ Software: comprises the programs, applications, and operating
systems that enable computers and devices to perform specific D. E-commerce: involves the buying and selling of goods and services over
tasks, emphasizing the role of coded instructions in managing
digital platforms, typically the Internet. It revolutionizes traditional
digital processes.
commerce by facilitating transactions and fostering a global marketplace.
➢ ICT/IT (Information and Communication Technology /
Information Technology): represents the broader field ➢ Cashless Society: characterized by the widespread use of digital
encompassing both hardware and software, emphasizing the use transactions, eliminating or minimizing physical currency. It
of technology for communication, information management, and involves electronic payments, mobile wallets, and digital banking,
data processing in various sectors of the economy. aiming for a more efficient and secure financial system. (Sweden
has digital wallets and cards)
➢ Cashless Travel: refers to the adoption of digital payment
methods and technologies in the transportation sector. This
DIGITAL SOCIETY includes contactless payment options for public transport, ride-
sharing services, and ticketless travel experiences.
A. Digital Community: refers to a network of individuals connected ➢ Digital Market: an online platform where buyers and sellers
through digital platforms and technologies, fostering communication, engage in electronic transactions. It includes e-marketplaces,
collaboration, and shared interests in the virtual space. It emphasizes the online retail spaces, and platforms that connect businesses and
integration of technology to create a sense of belonging and interaction consumers in the digital realm, transforming the traditional
among its members. marketplace into a virtual, borderless space. (Online Stores and
Online Marketplaces like Shopee and Lazada)
 Digital World accessible on-demand, changing how people consume and
participate in the creation of entertainment content. Digital
Concepts that Transform in the Digital World: platforms redefine the concept of fan communities and the overall
➢ Brand - In the digital world, a brand undergoes a transformative enjoyment of entertainment.
shift by extending its distinct characteristics beyond physical
appearances to online platforms. Digital branding involves
creating a cohesive online presence through websites, social
media, and digital marketing, enabling global visibility and
engagement with a broader audience.
➢ Support - Digital transformation enhances support systems by
leveraging technology. Emergency services, for instance, can use
digital platforms for faster communication, location tracking, and
data analysis. Online support channels, chatbots, and digital
communication tools redefine the way individuals seek and
receive assistance, offering more immediate and personalized
responses.
➢ Learning - Digital transformation revolutionizes learning by
introducing both synchronous and asynchronous modes.
Synchronous learning, through live online sessions, promotes real-
time interaction, while asynchronous learning allows individuals
to access educational content at their own pace, breaking down
geographical barriers and providing flexibility in learning styles.
➢ Networking - Networking in the digital era is predominantly
facilitated by social media apps. Platforms like Twitter, and
Facebook transcend physical boundaries, connecting individuals
globally for professional, social, or collaborative purposes. These
digital networks redefine how people build relationships, share
information, and engage in various online communities.
➢ Social - The digital world reshapes social dynamics by influencing
political affairs, e-business, and e-commerce. Social media has
become a powerful tool for political engagement and activism. E-
businesses thrive in the online marketplace, reshaping traditional
commerce models. E-commerce platforms revolutionize the way
people buy and sell goods, providing convenience and global
accessibility.
➢ Fan/Fun - The entertainment aspect undergoes a digital
transformation, with the rise of online streaming services, social
media influencers, and interactive digital experiences. Fans
engage with content creators directly, and entertainment is
 GEOGRAPHY ➢ Medical Geography: study the geographic distribution of disease
(including epidemics and pandemics), illness, death and health
Geography is the study of the Earth that focuses on its land, physical care.
features, and atmosphere, as well as human activities and how they are
influenced by the Earth. Geography examines the nature and relative Physical geography strives to understand the dynamics of physical
organization of physical places, locations and human societies throughout landscapes and the environment. Therefore, physical geography studies
the globe. the natural world, including the lithosphere, hydrosphere, pedosphere,
atmosphere and biosphere. Hence, physical geography examines how
➢ GEO means Earth and GRAPH means writings or maps. features in the landscape are formed over time, how physical systems
Two Subdivisions develop, as well as the spatial distribution, movement, and unique
characteristics of flora and fauna.
Human geography focuses on understanding the dynamics and behavior
of humans and how they interact with the physical world around them. It ➢ Meteorology: scientific study of the Earth's atmosphere, focusing
is a branch of geography that studies the patterns and processes on weather patterns, atmospheric conditions, and the processes
responsible for shaping human societies, and focuses on economic, that govern climate.
social, cultural, political and human aspects. Human geography explores ➢ Hydrology: explores the distribution, movement, and properties of
how human beings interact with their environment over time and across water on Earth, encompassing rivers, lakes, groundwater, and their
space. interaction with the landscape.
➢ Climatology: investigates long-term weather patterns and climate
➢ Cultural Geography: investigates how culture, encompassing conditions, studying factors like temperature, precipitation, and
beliefs, customs, language, and traditions, shapes and is shaped atmospheric circulation that influence regional and global
by the spatial distribution of human activities and communities. climates.
➢ Population Geography: often equated with demography but ➢ Biogeography: study the geographic distribution of plants and
population geography is more than just patterns of birth, death, animals on the earth in the subject known as biogeography.
and marriage. Population geographers are concerned with the ➢ Geomorphology: study the landforms of the planet, from their
distribution, migration, and growth of population in geographic development to their disappearance through erosion and other
areas. processes.
➢ Political Geography: investigates all aspects of boundaries, ➢ Glaciology: study of glaciers and ice formations. It investigates
country, state, and national development, international the dynamics of glacial movement, ice accumulation, and the
organizations, diplomacy, internal country subdivisions, voting, impact of glaciers on landscapes.
and more. ➢ Oceanography: delves into the exploration of Earth's oceans,
➢ Economic Geography: examine the distribution of production and encompassing the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of
distribution of goods, the distribution of wealth, and the spatial marine environments. Scrutinizes ocean currents, marine life, and
structure of economic conditions. the geological features of the ocean floor.
➢ Geography of Religions: studies the geographic distribution of
religious groups, their cultures, and built environments. Fluvial = Water; Terrestrial = Land; Aerial = Air
 Science, Technology, and Society Reviewer Three key components of the digital economy.

DIGITAL WORLD ➢ E-Business Infrastructure: This refers to the electronic systems

that businesses use to conduct their operations. This includes the
The DIGITAL WORLD is the availability and use of digital tools to hardware, software, networks, and data storage systems.
communicate on the Internet, digital devices, smart devices and other ➢ E-Business: It is the conduct of business activities through the
technologies. The term "digital world" emphasizes that the living use of electronic systems. This includes the processes of buying
conditions of humans in the digital information age will be shaped by and selling and the marketing, production, and delivery of goods
digital technologies in an overriding and comprehensive way. The concept and services digitally.
of a "digital world" is based on the expectation that the systems and ➢ E-Commerce: This is the buying and selling of goods and services
structures that shape the world and life on earth will not only be permeated through electronic systems. This includes exchanging money,
by digital technologies, but that they will be dominated by them. goods, and services between businesses and consumers.
The DIGITAL ECONOMY is the economy resulting from the digital
Advantages of the Digital Society
transformation of traditional economic activities powered by the internet,
electronic means, and data. ➢ Increased productivity: The digital economy has increased the
productivity of businesses as they can now use technology to
In simple terms, it's the economy that exists when the traditional economy automate their operations and processes.
capitalizes on technological change leading to the exchange of new ➢ Increased competitiveness: Businesses today are able to use the
offerings and the creation of new business models and markets. internet to reach new markets and customers. Moreover, they can also
The digital economy is the result of billions of daily connections between use technology to improve their products and services. This has
people, businesses, devices, and data. It's a global, interconnected increased the competitiveness of businesses.
economy that's not limited by geographical boundaries ➢ Increased employment opportunities: The digital economy has
generated new job opportunities as new businesses are springing up.
➢ The Internet - The internet has taken over the world and It has also created new job roles spread all over the world.
transformed how we live, work, and play. It's created a global ➢ Improved living standards: Today, digitized businesses can offer their
market for goods and services and made it possible for customers better products and services at lower prices. Moreover,
businesses to reach new markets and customers. offerings are now available on-demand, which has improved people's
➢ Electronic means - The digital economy is powered by electronic living standards.
means such as computers, smartphones, and other digital ➢ Better quality of life: The digital economy has made it possible for
devices like smart TVs, wearable devices, and so on. people to work from anywhere in the world. This has improved the
➢ Data - Data is the lifeblood of the digital economy. It's used to quality of life of people as they can now balance their work and
create new products and services, make decisions, target personal life. On the consumer front, the digital economy has made it
customers, and much more. possible for people to access a wide range of products and services
with just a few clicks. Not just products and services, but people can
also now access information and knowledge and connect with others
with the help of the internet.
➢ Reduced costs: Digitization has helped businesses replace manual Disadvantages of Digital Society
tasks with automated processes. This has reduced the costs of
businesses and has led to lower prices of products and services for ➢ The digital divide: One of the biggest disadvantages of the digital
consumers. economy is the digital divide. This is the gap between those who have
access to technology and those who don't. This divide exists not just
➢ Faster transactions: The digital economy has made it possible for
between countries but also within countries. This has created a new
businesses to conduct transactions faster as they can now use online
form of inequality in the world.
payment methods. This is not just restricted to businesses but
➢ Cybercrime: The increased use of technology has also led to an
extends to individuals as well, who can now transfer money online with
just a few clicks. increase in cybercrime. This is because criminals can now use
➢ Improved efficiency: Digitization of processes has helped businesses technology to commit crimes like identity theft, fraud, and money
become more efficient by removing error-prone manual tasks. laundering.
Moreover, businesses now have access to better tools and ➢ Data security: With businesses collecting more and more data about
technologies that help them get the best results. their customers, there is a risk of this data being leaked or stolen. This
➢ Innovation: The digitization of businesses and business processes can lead to a loss of trust between businesses and their customers.
leads to innovation with respect to not just offerings but also the way ➢ Unemployment: The digitization of the economy has led to job losses
businesses operate. in some sectors as businesses have replaced human workers with
➢ More personalization: As more data is collected about customers, technology. This has increased unemployment in these sectors.
businesses are now able to offer them more personalized products ➢ Privacy concerns: As businesses collect more data about their
and services. customers, there are concerns about the misuse of this data.
➢ Heavy investments: The digitization of businesses requires heavy
➢ Greater convenience: Customers today can buy products and services
investments in technology. This is a challenge for small businesses
from the comfort of their homes. New business models like e-
which might not have the resources to invest in technology.
commerce and m-commerce have made it possible for customers to
➢ Monopoly: The digitization of the economy has led to the rise of a few
shop anytime, anywhere.
➢ Increased transparency: The digital economy has increased the big companies which have become very powerful. This has created a
transparency of businesses as they can now use technology to share monopoly in some sectors.
information with their customers. ➢ Addictive nature: The digital economy is very addictive in nature. This
➢ Improved communication: Increased connectedness in the digital is because it is designed to keep people hooked on their devices. This
economy has made it possible for businesses to communicate with can lead to a number of problems like addiction, anxiety, and
their customers more effectively. They now have a number of channels depression.
through which they can reach their customers including social media, ➢ Potential environmental impact: The increased use of technology in
email, and SMS. the digital economy has led to an increase in the number of e-waste
and heavy carbon footprint. This is a concern as it can have a negative
impact on the environment.
 WEB PORTAL Most people with access to technology are familiar with the concept
of a web portal but are unaware of the types of portals and that they exist
What is a Web Portal and Why Do You need one? in a separate format from that of a website. The following segment will
walk you through the defining features of each.
A web portal is a web-centric platform that gathers information from
multiple sources and combines it into a single user interface. Web portals 1. Customer Portal
are also popular as web gateways, portal websites, or portal sites. They A customer portal refers to a self-service web platform that helps
represent an organization’s digital capabilities, be it internal or external. your customer with a single point of personalized access to organizational
data that is applicable to them. This includes invoices, policies, orders,
What began as simple web portals in the early 90s have today deliveries, and online payments. You can use customer portals 24/7, 365
emerged as platforms supporting digitized customer experience days a year, on your desktop or mobile device.
initiatives. A web portal provides at least one or many of these four
essential services: For instance: Clinked is one of the examples of web portals with a
• Search engine business platform that enables focus team collaboration and knowledge
• Links to other related sites sharing.
• Personalized content
• Email Features to Integrate with Customer Portal

Feature Description
Web portals are the main hub for communication and information.
There are different types of web portals that provide users with the most
relevant information for their context. Below we will look at 9 The secure and easy sign-in option is a basic
different types of web portals. Single and customer portal feature. Once the user signs in, the
Secure Sign-In portal can provide a customized dashboard for all
Different Types of Web Portals other personalized functions.

This feature allows customers to easily go online,

Knowledge
search for their issues, and read related information
Base
to solve their problems.

This is where your customers connect with one

another and your business. Having custom web
Forums
portal services like forums makes customers use
your portal more.

Multi-Language With businesses having a global presence, having

Support multi-language support is essential for your
 enterprise to grow and allow people from multiple For instance: SharePoint is a Microsoft-based platform for building web
backgrounds to connect with your brand. applications. The most valuable features of SharePoint Online are content
management and document management. With its wide range of
Another important feature that allows you to send capabilities like collaborating data, managing documents, and files,
Real-Time
timely notifications about any new features, videos creating websites, managing social networking solutions, and automating
Notifications
shared, articles shared, or new service times. workflow, even non-tech users can easily navigate the system.

Online payments are the new normal. Adding Features to Integrate with Corporate Portal
Payment multiple payment modules to your web portal Feature Description
Module facilitates the customer with multiple paying
options.
This feature allows your organization to match
Customization services and information with the authorized
2. Corporate Portal users based on their profile and user rights.
A corportal or corporate portal is a website within the organization
that is used for passing information internally to employees, customers, In this feature, corporate portals not only
and partners. The web-based platform, an enterprise portal, is used for Integration integrate information from different sources
internal training, knowledge gateway, collaboration on business Flexibility but can also merge multiple portals and portal
processes, team engagement, and sharing interfaces. If you are looking to pages.
create a corporate portal for your business, tap into expertise of the top
web portal development company in Canada who has experience to create
custom web portals. Analytics and This feature helps managers in tracking user
Reporting behavior and peruse audit logs.

This feature allows you to personalize things

Personalization on enterprise portals based on roles and job
functions.

Features like two-factor authentication, single

sign-on (SSO), and VPN capabilities help in
Access Controls
strengthening the secure access of the
corporate online platform.

The internet portal can categorize all

Categorization and
information and allow users to collaborate
Collaboration
irrespective of their physical location.
3. Education Portal
Education or student portals are specially designed websites that This portal feature helps you get information
allows a host with various educational services. Educational Web Portals Integrate with CRM about all registered users, and you can monitor
provide a variety of eBooks, articles, journals, research papers, online your leads in one place.
courses, and other educational resources. Providing a user-specific and
personalized content are some of the core functionalities of the education 4. Informational Portal
portal. If you are looking forward to create an education portal for your Informational portals usually provide information that is attractive to
business, hire web developers to get custom education portal. various recipients. Their workflow management includes providing
internal and external access to public information and focuses primarily
For instance: EDX This education web portal is founded by Harvard on designing possible paths and scenarios of user visits to the website.
University and MIT and is one of the most preferred web portals for
students. Considered top global rankers, it offers high-quality courses For instance: The New Yorker is one of the best examples of an
from the best universities and institutions to learners across the globe. informational portal that has informational sections like news, culture,
books, and technology. It has a number of stories, news, and articles which
Features to Integrate in Education Portal leads to high traffic on day-to-day basis. Inquirer.net is the first news and
Feature Description information website in the Philippines, providing the most comprehensive
and up-to-the-minute coverage of both local and international news. It is
ranked as the top news website in the Philippines by Feedspot.
This entry point feature will help students,
Unique Account
parents, or agents access only relevant Features to Integrate with Informational Portal
Creation
documentation and features.
Feature Description
Custom Field This feature allows you to customize each
Options aspect of your student application fully. This feature provides centralized and easy
access to information and documents. Also helps
Content
Adding multiple payment gateways to your web with quick content search and authorization
Multiple Payment portal facilitates the customer with multiple ability.
Gateways paying options and takes care of your business
needs. This feature is provided to support a specific
Collaboration
piece of work or project.
This feature helps in streamlining the workflow
Additional Student
processes. Also supports another onboarding With the help of this feature, functionality from
Recruitment Tool
process. Integration many portals is brought together into the main
portal.
This feature is essential to streamline
Monitoring
operations and provide optimum customer
Controls
engagement from start to finish.
5. HR Portal
An HR portal is an internal access point for an organization’s retirement plan information, and annual leave
employees to access various HR-related and other information about their procedures, will be given.
workplace. It is also a gateway for potential applicants and external job
applicants. HR portals are usually dynamic and interactive web Links to
applications and do not restrict themselves as access points to sensitive Company News This section will publish all news related to the
data and workplace information. and company and other announcements.
Announcements
For instance: Monday.com is an HR web portal that enables HR teams to
run all the HR processes hassle-free with drag and drop functions. With
this tool, hiring managers can track applicants and record all the relevant 6. eCommerce Portal
contact details easily. If you’re exploring other options, you might be eCommerce portals are business applications where buyers and
interested in checking out some monday.com alternatives that offer sellers trade. Manufacturers and distributors launch commerce portals to
similar functionalities but with their unique features and benefits. route their buyers into an online channel. The web portals streamline the
purchasing process by facilitating bulk orders and enabling volume-centric
Features to Integrate with HR Portal pricing depending on the business needs.

Feature Description For instance: Skullcandy sells earbuds, headphones, and accessories that
connect people to music. Their website makes it easy to see why they’re
This feature can help new employees with so popular. The entire site has its signature black background, contrasted
Onboarding and information on onboarding and other relevant by images full of bright colors.
Introduction details that HR shares with new employees. It can
Packets also be a place for the present employees to
refresh themselves.

This feature can include company values,

Policies and
handbooks, social media policies, forms,
Procedures
grievance procedures, and diversity policies.

This feature employee portal will include

Job Description
information about employee salary and
and Recruitment
performance reviews, organizational charts, and
processes
internal vacancies.

Benefits and A place where all information about benefits,

Entitlements including wellness incentives, insurance,
Features to Integrate with eCommerce Portal 7. Government Portal
Government portals help in easy interaction between citizens,
Feature Description enterprises, and the government. These web portals are knowledge
management portals that offer multiple contents, such as information on
This feature will help with automated pricing payment for bills and parking tickets and other personalized information
Pricing and
rules, custom catalogs with pricing, and based on the citizen’s address.
Catalog
minimum and maximum order volume by the
Personalization
customer or store. For instance: India.gov.in is an Indian government’s web portal that
provides information and online services from government sources. This
This feature helps with self-administration, website is accessible from a single point and is also known as the National
corporate account hierarchy, user logs and port of India. The Official Gazette is the official journal of the Republic of
Corporate Account the Philippines. It is edited at the Office of the President of the Philippines
permissions, per-user requisition lists, multiple
Management Under Commonwealth Act No. 638. It contains a list of government
lists of quick orders, and shipment to different
locations. websites. The website also provides contact numbers and trunk lines for
further inquiries.
This feature helps in bulk ordering, volume- Features to Integrate with Government Portal
Facilitated based pricing, order export before submission,
Ordering Process and multiple requisition list per customer Feature Description
account.
This feature will include a proper search bar on
A Prominently
This feature includes payment on account, every page of the particular domain, making it quick
Displayed Search
Payment Flexibility check or money order, credit card payments, and easy for the users to find what they are looking
Function
and purchase orders. for.

This section would showcase reports for This feature is great for disseminating emergency
A Blog and Social
negotiated quotes, sales team performance, information. It also acts as a community portal
Analytics Media Integration
sales reports per various criteria, and balance where the audience can talk back to you easily.
and credit limits per buyer.
This feature is an important aspect of government
Contact web portal development. It will have emergency
Information phone numbers for users to quickly get in touch
with the agency.

This feature will help keep residents updated on

Events Calendar upcoming events and meetings within the agency
and the community.
8. Healthcare Portal 9. Community Portal
A healthcare portal, also known as the patient portal, is an online A community portal is a centralized online platform that engages with
platform for your health care. The online web tools help track selected community members and generates powerful insights based on
prescriptions, health care provider visits, test results, and billing. You can their opinions and feedback on a particular issue. You can achieve this by
also seek information about health-related issues from a healthcare using several quantitative and qualitative market research methods
portal. across different websites, such as idea board, surveys, polls, discussions,
For instance: Regional One Health is one of the best healthcare websites and topics.
that showcases a variety of video storytelling. Through this web portal, the
patients can get facility tours and treatment videos to heal the pain. For instance: MTI is a community platform that empowers members to
connect and engage across different generations. Community users can
Features to Integrate with Healthcare Portal check the content and expertise when they don’t attend personal
meetings. In the Philippines, HelpFromHome.PH is a citizen-organized
Feature Description website launched on 25th March that lists helplines, organizations, and
initiatives that collect and send aid to both hospitals and severely-affected
This feature includes scheduling appointments communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Doctor Visit online, a detailed history view, an upcoming
Arrangement appointments view, and automated Features to Integrate with Community Portal
appointment reminders.
Feature Description
This feature has encrypted and password-
Patient Access to protected login, health history, lab test results, This feature includes user self-registration,
Community
Health Information discharge summaries, treatment, procedures, community membership programs, user profile
Membership
and medication plan view. storage, and rules for automated membership.

In this feature, messaging between a doctor and Under this feature comes personal chats, video
Secure Doctor-Patient Social chats, online blogs, online polls, social media
patient, video consultations, and after-visit
Communication Engagement sharing tools, and topically structured online
patient surveys are all secure.
forums.
Payment and
This feature gives access to bills and online bill This feature includes employee onboarding,
Insurance Knowledge
payments. Also includes an insurance coverage professional development training, partner training
Management for Transfer and
cases list. programs and certifications, and marketing material
Patients Training
for partners.
This feature allows portal access to new users
and helps edit patients’ health and contact Under this feature, there are video streaming
Portal Administration Event
information. Also helps in uploading patient services to hold online events and user personal
Management
information from vendor portals. calendars to schedule event participation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is a web portal useful?
Web portals are essentially websites that provide access to several
applications and information available over the internet in an easy
way.
2. Which are the examples of top web portals?
Examples of top web portals are employee web portals, partner
portals, intranet portals, financial portals, e-commerce portals, and
others.
3. What are the types of web portals?
There are two essentially two types of web portals: Vertical portals
and horizontal portals.
4. What is a partner web portal?
A partner web portal is a custom web portal that organizations create
to engage with their existing partners.
5. Is Google an example of a web portal?
Yes, Google is a service-based portal.
6. What is a vertical portal?
A vertical portal is a unique access point to a specific industry, area of
interest, or niche market.
7. What are employee web portals?
Employee portals as a form of web development include web-based
tools through which employees can access relevant information and
conduct transactions from a central gateway.

Build a Web Portal for Your Business

Not all websites are portals, but all portals are websites. The
benefit of a portal is that it takes care of related tasks all in the same
corner of the internet. A web portal will always help your enterprise
become more professional. You will make it easier for your customers
and partners to have a better business experience if you create a
custom web portal. It becomes simpler for you to organize your site to
enhance your search engine optimization and sales. A custom web
portal enhances SEO, sales, and customer experience by providing
personalized content and services. It also boosts your brand image
and customer loyalty, making it a worthwhile investment.