Facts on Forests and Forestry

6. What is biodiversity and why is it important?

     6.1. What is biodiversity?
     6.2. Is there a debate about the extent of the loss in biodiversity?
     6.3. What is bioprospecting and who benefits from it?
     

6.1. What is biodiversity?

Forest biological diversity is the variability not only of living organisms but also of ecological processes. It is important because forests are particularly rich ecosystems that provide us with products and services, jobs, and aesthetic and cultural values.

Tropical forests losses are a major concern because they have the highest levels of biodiversity but also of deforestation. Fragmentation of forests can lead to the isolation of small groups and eventual extinction of the species.

At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, over 150 governments signed a Convention on Biological Diversity. The goal was to integrate biodiversity conservation into sustainable development strategies. More...

6.2. Is there a debate about the extent of the loss in biodiversity?

The exact number of species on earth is unknown, making it difficult to quantify losses or even define changes in biodiversity. There is a consensus that conserving forest genetic diversity is important. It is needed not only for present-day species adaptability but also for future species evolution. More...

6.3. What is bioprospecting and who benefits from it?

6.3.1. Bioprospecting is the exploration of wild plants and animals for valuable genetic and biochemical resources. It is an important business that can lead to the production of pharmaceuticals, pesticides and other industrial products. The rich biodiversity of tropical forest systems has attracted a ‘gene rush’ in countries like Brazil. More...

6.3.2. Developed countries have most of the capital and technology, but developing countries have most of the biodiversity. Therefore, the Convention on Biological Diversity aims to create policies on bioprospecting that assist in conserving biological diversity and protecting the interests of people who live in biodiversity hotspots. More...