What is it?
Biodiversity (biological diversity) means 'the variety of all
life forms'.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms
associated with land and water - the different plants, animals and
micro-organisms, the genetic information they contain, and the
ecosystems they form.
Why is it important?
Biodiversity underpins the processes that make life possible. An
intact biodiversity is critical to the functional integrity of all
ecosystems. Healthy ecosystems are necessary for maintaining and
regulating atmospheric quality, climate, fresh water, marine
productivity, soil formation, cycling of nutrients and waste
disposal.
Biodiversity also supports economic activities, with Australian
plants and animals attracting tourists and providing food,
medicines, energy and building materials. Our biodiversity is a
reservoir of resources that remains relatively untapped.
Biodiversity has spiritual and recreational significance for
most people and is central to the cultures of Aboriginal
people.
Biodiversity is of great value within the Dry Tropics region,
although its values and services also extend well beyond the
regional boundary to include national and international
benefits.
