BIODIVERSITY

Biological diversity is the variation of organisms and their complex role in ecosystems on planet Earth. Biodiversity encompasses a wide spectrum of species, which offer substantial contributions to the productivity of an ecosystem (i.e. deserts, rain forests and coral reefs).Ecosystems are some of the most complicated networks on Earth. Biodiversity increases the spectrum of life and ensures sustainability for the entire ecosystem, and thus, our world. 

When quantifying the economic gain of biodiversity conservation in 2006, we can see $240 billion dollars from pharmaceutical industries, $70 billion from biotechnology, $30 billion from agriculture and $65 billion from personal care, botanical and food & beverage industries. (The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity for National and International Policy Makers 2009 , p.17)

Conserving biodiversity is extremely important and currently receiving a resurgence of attention because of biological engineering or biodiversity prospecting. Biodiversity prospecting is the process of searching for naturally-occurring organisms that may be able to be used as a pharmaceutical or other beneficial innovation. Such innovations have been the PCR test (Taq enzyme), plants to treat Leukemia (Madagascar Rose Periwinkle) or snake venom used for treating cancers. 

Unfortunately, much of the general population does not typically grasp the concept of biodiversity conservation and it’s importance without an economic incentive. There are considerable challenges to the conservation of biodiversity. Some well-known threats are pollution, climate change, over hunting, invasion of non-native species and habitat loss. To sum it up, the richer the diversity of life, the greater the opportunity for medical discoveries, economic development, and adaptive responses to such new challenges as climate change.