What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of all living organisms on Earth, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, as well as the ecosystems they form. It encompasses genetic diversity within species, species diversity within ecosystems, and the diversity of different ecosystems themselves. Essentially, biodiversity represents the richness of life in all its forms and interactions. Biodiversity is important for several reasons. First, it supports ecosystem stability and resilience, enabling natural systems to withstand and recover from environmental changes or disturbances. Diverse ecosystems provide essential services such as clean air and water, fertile soil, pollination of crops, and climate regulation. Additionally, biodiversity is vital for human well-being, supplying food, medicine, and raw materials. It also has cultural, recreational, and aesthetic value, enriching our lives in many ways. Protecting biodiversity ensures the health of the planet and the sustainability of resources that future generations depend on. Loss of biodiversity can disrupt ecosystems, reduce natural services, and increase vulnerability to environmental threats, highlighting why conserving it is a global priority.

Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth. It includes the diversity of species (plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms), genetic differences within those species, and the variety of ecosystems they form, such as forests, oceans, grasslands, and wetlands. Essentially, biodiversity encompasses all living organisms and the complex relationships they share with one another and their environments. Biodiversity is important for several reasons. Ecologically, diverse ecosystems are more resilient and better able to withstand environmental changes and disturbances, such as climate change or disease outbreaks. This resilience helps maintain ecosystem services that humans rely on, including clean air and water, pollination of crops, soil fertility, and climate regulation. Additionally, biodiversity has cultural, recreational, and economic value; many medicines are derived from natural compounds found in diverse species, and natural areas provide opportunities for tourism and spiritual enrichment. Protecting biodiversity ensures the health and stability of the planet, ultimately supporting life—including human well-being—now and in the future.