Biological diversity, or biodiversity, is the variety of the world's organisms, including their genetic diversity and the assemblages they form.

All life on earth is part of one great, interdependent system. It interacts with, and depends on, the non-living components of the planet: atmosphere, oceans, freshwaters, rocks, and soils. Humanity depends totally on this community of life -- this biosphere -- of which we are an integral part. Biological diversity, or biodiversity, is the variety of the world's organisms, including their genetic diversity and the assemblages they form. It is the blanket term for the natural biological wealth that undergirds human life and well-being. The breadth of the concept reflects the interrelatedness of genes, species, and ecosystems.

The basic components and processes of the biosphere are linked to each other and to the goods and services they provide to humanity. These multiple interconnections make it clear that species can't be managed without managing their genetic diversity and the habitats in which they occur and the optimal conservation priorities can't be set unless the connections between biodiversity and human needs are understood. The variety of species and genes found in a nation, and the habitats and ecosystems in which they occur, are critical resources that should be utilized sustainably in each country's development. Whether or not a country is species-rich, the management of the human use of the nation's biological diversity should be a national priority to ensure that people's needs are met and that the nation's global responsiblity is fulfilled.

Since 1984, World Resources Institute has focused extensively on issues supporting the conservation, sustainable use, and equitable distribution of benefits of biodiversity -- the totality of genes, species, and ecosystems -- throughout the world. This site features resources which outline the causes of biodiversity loss and opportunities to prevent biological impoverishment.

Related Publications

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  Global Biodiversity Strategy: Guidelines for action to save, study and use Earth's biotic wealth sustainably and equitably (1992)

  Offers the most systematic and comprehensive plan ever devised to protect the world's total stock of genes, species, and ecosystems.

  World Resources Institute, IUCN-The World Conservation Union, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in consultation with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

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  Keeping Options Alive: The scientific basis for the conservation of biodiversity (1989)

  Not since the Cretaceous era ended some 65 million years ago have losses been so rapid and great. If the trend continues, one quarter of the world's species may be gone by 2050.

  Walter V. Reid and Kenton R. Miller