Biodiversity is the foundation of life on Earth. From the tiniest microbes to towering forests, and from pollinating insects to migratory whales, the diversity of life forms sustains the health of ecosystems and the well-being of people everywhere.
As human activity accelerates, protecting biodiversity has never been more urgent — and more full of possibility.
What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of species, genes, and ecosystems that exist in a given area. It goes beyond counting the number of species and includes the genetic differences within them and the interactions that connect them.
This interconnected web is what keeps ecosystems stable and resilient. Every species — no matter how small — plays a role in maintaining balance.
The Economics of Nature
The natural world is more than beautiful, it is economically invaluable. According to a World Wildlife Fund report, ecosystem services provided by biodiversity contribute an estimated USD 125 trillion annually to the global economy.
These services include:
- 🌍 Climate regulation
- 💧 Water purification
- 🌱 Nutrient cycling
- 🐝 Pollination
- 🏖️ Coastal protection
- 🌳 Recreation and tourism
Without them, societies and economies would face costs that are nearly impossible to replace.
Food Security and Pollinators
Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds are essential to agriculture. They enable the production of around 35% of the world’s food crops, from fruits and vegetables to nuts and seeds.
Losing these species would directly threaten global food security and the livelihoods of millions of farmers.
Nature’s Role in Global GDP
Half of the world’s GDP depends on healthy ecosystems.
Sectors such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and tourism are directly tied to nature’s services. Degrading biodiversity means jeopardizing jobs, markets, and community well-being.
Coastal and Climate Protection
A study from 2020 estimated that mangroves alone reduce risk to over 15 million people and prevent more than USD 65 billion in property damages every year.
This is a much larger number and only for mangroves.
Forests and natural habitats also absorb carbon dioxide, slowing climate change and reducing the financial and human costs of its impacts.
Medicine and Bioprospecting
Nature is also a pharmacy.
More than 50,000 medical treatments are derived from biodiversity, many rooted in the traditional knowledge of Indigenous communities.
Bioprospecting — the search for new medicines in nature — has the potential to spark major scientific breakthroughs while encouraging the protection of biodiversity-rich regions.
Forests and Freshwater
Forests provide livelihoods for 1.6 billion people worldwide, including Indigenous groups who rely on them for food, shelter, and cultural identity.
Freshwater ecosystems, from rivers to wetlands, deliver services valued at USD 4.9 trillion per year by regulating flows, purifying water, and supporting agriculture and industry. Protecting watersheds reduces the cost of water scarcity and treatment infrastructure.
The Threats to Biodiversity
Despite its value, biodiversity is under severe threat. Drivers include:
- Habitat destruction and deforestation
- Climate change
- Pollution
- Overexploitation of resources
- Invasive species
Each of these pressures destabilizes ecosystems and increases the risk of species extinction. The loss not only erodes nature’s beauty but also undermines human survival.
Frequently Asked Questions About Biodiversity
What does biodiversity mean?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, including species, genetic differences, and ecosystems. It covers everything from microorganisms to forests and oceans, with each species playing a role in keeping ecosystems balanced and healthy.
Why is biodiversity important for the economy?
Nature contributes an estimated USD 125 trillion each year to the global economy through ecosystem services. These include pollination, water purification, climate regulation, and coastal protection. About 50% of the world’s GDP depends directly on nature.
How does biodiversity affect food security?
Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds help produce about 35% of global food crops. Without them, many fruits, vegetables, and nuts would become scarce, putting food supply and agricultural livelihoods at risk.
What threats are endangering biodiversity today?
Human activities are the biggest drivers of biodiversity loss. Habitat destruction, deforestation, overfishing, pollution, invasive species, and climate change all disrupt ecosystems and increase species extinction rates.
How can we protect biodiversity?
We can support biodiversity by conserving natural habitats, reducing waste and pollution, planting trees, supporting sustainable agriculture, and advocating for stronger environmental policies. On a personal level, making sustainable lifestyle choices and supporting conservation initiatives helps preserve ecosystems for future generations.
