Why is biodiversity important?

Biodiversity provides the raw ingredients for our quality of life, our food and clothing, health and relaxation. We don`t yet know the full value of some species, for example some plants may have potential for treating cancer and others may have agricultural importance. Research has shown that a rich and natural environment is important to promote human health both physically and psychologically.

Biodiversity is an important element of sustainable development. If development harms or reduces biodiversity we will be handing to our children an environment that is poorer than the one we were fortunate enough to inherit.