Resource information
This issue of environment matters
celebrates the 2010 international year of biodiversity and
describes some of the challenges and opportunities in
protecting biodiversity for the benefit of humankind. From
the world's highest mountain ranges to the lowland
plains, and from the great oceans and coastal wetlands to
agricultural landscapes, nations and communities rely on the
bounty and services of natural ecosystems. Biological
resources and the goods and ecosystem services they provide
underpin every aspect of human life and livelihoods, from
food and water security to general well-being and spiritual
fulfillment. In many countries, it is the poorest of the
poor who are most dependent on these benefits. Yet, as the
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment showed, biodiversity is
under severe threat, as ecosystems are being lost and
degraded more rapidly and extensively than at any comparable
period in our history. Habitat loss and fragmentation,
overexploitation of resources, pollution, invasive alien
species, and, increasingly, climate change will all lead to
further biodiversity loss. One of the key challenges of the
coming decades will be how to reconcile biodiversity
conservation and development if we are to achieve the twin
goals of poverty alleviation and a sustainable future for
all. The World Bank is already a major global funder of
biodiversity initiatives, including support to more than 624
projects in over 122 countries during the last 20 years. It
is actively supporting national actions to safeguard
biodiversity and improve natural resource management. Many
of these projects have supported globally important
protected areas, but efforts have also been made to
mainstream biodiversity conservation in the production
landscape. As well as national efforts, the Bank has
supported numerous partnerships with international
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to promote global and
regional biodiversity initiatives.
