Biological
diversity – or biodiversity – is the term given to the variety of life on Earth.
It is the variety within and between all species of plants, animals and
microorganisms and the ecosystems within which they live and interact.
Biodiversity comprises all the millions of different species that live on our
planet, as well as the genetic differences within species. It also refers to
the multitude of different ecosystems in which species form unique communities,
interacting with one another and the air, water and soil. Biodiversity is
explored at three levels: genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem
diversity. It includes diversity in abundance, distribution and behaviour.
Biodiversity also incorporates human cultural diversity, which can both be
affected by the same drivers as biodiversity, and itself has impacts on the
diversity of genes, other species and ecosystems.
THE ABC FOR SUSTAINABLE CITIES
UNEP / UN HABITAT / FIDIC / GI-REC
