 BiodiversityBiodiversity refers to the variety of life forms. It is the primary source of ecosystem services: it provides vital oxygen, food, and contributes to water purification and natural treatment. It plays also a key role inbiogeochemical cycles and climate regulation. Furthermore, biodiversity provides fibres for clothing, wood for energy, heating, housing,and even medicines... For a few decades, a significant decrease in biodiversity has been observed. Most biologists believe that mass extinction is taking place. Although there is disagreement on the actual figures, most scientists believe that the current pace of species extinction is higher than it has ever been in the past. Several studies demonstrate that:
According to most scientists these losses are due to human activities, causing the destruction of natural ecosystems and wildlife habitat. In general, preservation of biodiversity requires the preservation of ecological balance, at any scale: habitat, forest, region, world...  |
