Biodiversiteti

Biodiversiteti refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth, including the diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems. It encompasses genetic diversity within populations, species diversity in communities, and the variety of habitats and ecological processes that sustain them. Biodiversiteti provides the foundation for ecosystem services that are essential for human well-being, such as food and medicine, clean water, pollination, climate regulation, flood protection, and cultural and recreational values.

Genetic diversity enables populations to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Species diversity reflects the multitude of organisms in an area, contributing to resilience and functioning of ecosystems. Ecosystem diversity covers the range of habitats, from forests and oceans to wetlands and grasslands, and the processes that connect them.

Biodiversiteti is under threat from multiple drivers, including habitat destruction and fragmentation, climate change, overexploitation of resources, pollution, invasive species, and unsustainable land-use practices. These pressures can reduce species richness, alter ecosystem structure, and diminish resilience to disturbances.

Monitoring biodiversity involves inventories, genetic analyses, and ecosystem assessments, with indicators such as species richness, evenness, genetic diversity measures, and the extent of protected or restored habitats. International frameworks and national policies guide conservation and sustainable use.

Conservation strategies include the establishment of protected areas, sustainable management of natural resources, ecological restoration, and ex-situ approaches such as seed banks and captive breeding. The aim is to maintain the three levels of biodiversity and the services they provide for current and future generations.