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Biodiversity

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Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem. It is necessary for life to thrive on Earth.

Aldo Leopold, one of the great thinkers of conservation, observed more than half a century ago the importance of protecting species. "To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering," he wrote. Losing species is like throwing away one by one the engine parts of an airplane while flying.

Biodiversity is a major initiative of Conservation International.

Biodiversity conservation provides substantial benefits to meet immediate human needs, such as those for clean, consistent water flows; protection from floods and storms; and a stable climate. 

Curated by mokiethecat

Saving Life On Earth: A Discussion on Saving Endangered Plants
September 11, 2020

Plants are essential for life, yet their critical importance is often overlooked. Globally, nearly 16,000 plant species face extinction, with only 11% assessed. In the U.S. alone, over 900 plants are endangered, and 70 more await protection.

The Center actively works to protect imperiled plants across the country, from deserts to rainforests and swamps. Join our upcoming webinar to learn about our vital efforts to save endangered plants and discover how you can contribute.

The presentation will feature Hawaii Director Maxx Phillips and Senior Scientist Ileene Anderson. For more on Hawaii's plant extinction crisis, watch this Great Big Story video: https://youtu.be/XFAQeyUfiAc