13.2.1 What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity is a central element of sustainable development that affects the life of every living organism on the earth. It is a term used to describe a variety of genetically distinct populations within species and the natural communities and ecosystems of which they are a part. Ecosystems are defined as "a dynamic complex of plant, animal and micro - organism communities and their non -living environment interacting as a functional unit."1 An incredible diversity of life, ranging from tropical savannah to ice-covered Antarctica with animals and plants of all sizes and shapes, represents an enormous array of biodiversity existing on this planet. Everyone's livelihood depends on biodiversity: the trees help to purify the air we breathe and absorb greenhouse gasses; the diverse species of animals and plants provide people with food and medicine; bees are necessary for pollination, a necessary service for the generation of new plants and fruits; and watersheds supply us with clean drinking water.