Biodiversity is the variability among Earth’s terrestrial, freshwater, and marine organisms, as well as the ecosystems of which they are part. Biodiversity is crucial to the future of all life on the planet, and is also the foundation for the ecosystem goods and services that enable human societies to thrive. Biodiversity provides us with food, water, and materials, as well as services such as climate regulation, pollination, disaster protection, and nutrient cycling.  

Biodiversity thus is an indispensable asset that makes critical contributions to sustainable development. Managing this asset requires full engagement of governments at all levels, civil society organizations, the private sector, indigenous peoples and local communities, and others.