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Biodiversity
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Biodiversity – the bedrock of sustainable development
Over the last 20 years or so, the term "biodiversity" has become firmly established in scientific and political debate as shorthand for the wealth of living natural resources on our planet: biodiversity encompasses the diversity of animal and plant species, the diversity of ecosystems and also genetic diversity. We, as human beings, are also part of that diversity.
The diversity of life on Earth is one of the natural resources on which our very existence depends. It provides the vast wealth of plant and animal species that surrounds us. What is more, the food we eat, the materials we build with, the sources of energy we use and the world's many different natural habitats all form part of that biodiversity.
Biodiversity is in rapid decline
Today's biological diversity has emerged over millions of years. Added to this is the agricultural biodiversity that has been created over thousands of years by farmers and fishers. This entire spectrum of biodiversity – encompassing both the diversity of species and that of ecosystems – is vital in maintaining the balance of the natural environment and the agricultural sector.
Yet for several decades, biodiversity has been in decline. The number of species of animals and plants is falling rapidly as natural habitats are destroyed. Not only are we witnessing the extinction of some wild animals and plants, but ancient breeds of domestic animal and cultivated plants are also disappearing because they no longer meet the demands of modern farming. If this process continues unchecked, it could end up threatening world food supplies. That threat is compounded by the impacts of climate change.
Exploitation of resources
Some 80 per cent of all the Earth's biological and genetic resources are to be found in developing countries. Many of the people there depend on them as a source of food and medication. In these countries, agriculture and forestry are often the main sources of income. If those sources dry up, people are deprived of their only means of survival. Already, poverty is forcing many people to overexploit their natural resources beyond the bounds of sustainability. This further compounds environmental degradation and the erosion of biological diversity. Economic opportunities are lost and ecological systems are tipped into imbalance.
Sustainable development
This decline in biodiversity is not only striking at the economic, social and cultural foundations of developing countries but is also compromising the development opportunities of future generations across the entire world.
Protecting and conserving biodiversity is therefore a vital aspect of sustainable development. Biodiversity helps to fight poverty, guarantee long-term food security, protect water resources and soils, improve human health, and meet the now unavoidable challenges of adapting to climate change.
Developing and developed countries have a shared responsibility for the conservation of biodiversity. The general public, policy-makers, the private sector and the international community must engage in collective efforts over the long term in order to prevent the very foundations of life on Earth from being destroyed.
Publications
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Biological Diversity
Strategies 166
(PDF 450 KB, accessible) -
Biosphere Reserves
Model Regions for a Green Economy
(PDF 2.3 MB, accessible) -
Combating Desertification
Leaflet
(PDF 1 MB, accessible) -
German Development Cooperation in the Forest Sector
(PDF 249 KB, accessible) -
FLEGT – Combating illegal logging as a contribution towards sustainable development
Topics 180
(PDF 964 KB, accessible)
