The term ‘biodiversity’ – short for ‘biological diversity’ – refers to the totality and variety of life on earth.Biodiversity exists at three levels: ecosystems, species, and genes.
a. An ecosystem is an array of living organisms and the physical and chemical environment with which they interact.
b. The species is the yardstick by which the variety of life has traditionally been measured.
c. A hereditary unit consisting of a sequence of DNA that occupies a specific location on a chromosome and determines a particular characteristic in an organism.
The increasing loss of biodiversity on this planet is an uncontested fact: Populations and species are being eliminated faster than new ones are being discovered; naturally diverse vegetation is being replaced by artificial monocultures, and we lack sufficient knowledge about the species that are being lost. What is being done about it? Is it possible to combat species loss? Is this the best way of addressing the wider problems?
Biodiversity is not just about the number of species and sites within a specific area, nor is it about the list of populations at risk from extinction. The essence of nature is not only diversity but also dynamism, and the interaction between species and habitat is of crucial importance. Biodiversity is threatened not only when species are made extinct, but also when the dynamics are disturbed. Conserving biodiversity is thus a delicate balancing act that many international and national bodies are striving to master.

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