Biodiversity has a fundamental value to humans because we are so dependent on it for our cultural, economic, and environmental well-being. Some argue that it is our moral responsibility to preserve the Earth's incredible diversity for the next generation. Others simply like knowing that nature's great diversity exists and that the opportunity to utilize it later, if need be, is secure. Scientists value biodiversity because it offers clues about natural systems that we are still trying to understand. Arguably, the greatest value to humans, however, comes from the ?ecosystem services? it provides.
Biodiversity forms the backbone of viable ecosystems on which we depend on for basic necessities, security, and health. By breaking down plant and animal matter, for example, insects and other invertebrates make nutrients available to plants and are integral to the carbon and nitrogen cycles. Other species pollinate crops, an essential service for farmers. Healthy ecosystems can mitigate or prevent flooding, erosion, and other natural disasters. These ecosystem services also play a hand in the functioning of our climate and in both air and water quality.
Elements of biodiversity can contribute to cultural identity, and many ecosystem characteristics are frequently incorporated into cultural traditions. For example, in folklore, local animals are used to symbolize societal values or to explain unusual events. Indigenous cultures sometimes recognize biodiversity's value in religious traditions based on honoring the Earth. Proximity to nature has also been shown to enhance emotional and spiritual well-being. Following along those lines, many simply believe that there is great value in the beauty of nature's diversity.
Other facets of human well-being, such as health and economic and political security, can influence the value of biodiversity. Many arguments to increase efforts to conserve diversity often emphasize the value of the "un-mined riches" that has yet to be discovered. These include potential sources of new foods, medicines, and energy which can further fuel economic activity, as well as a healthier population. Biodiversity has proven to hold enormous value when adapted for use in health, agricultural, or industrial applications. In the field of medicine alone, approximately 50% of current prescription medicines are derived from or modeled on natural substances. The health and diversity of ecosystems can have a significant effect on the overall stability of nearby communities.
Updated by Skyler Treat & Nicole Barone Callahan
Importance of Biodiversity The Quebec Biodiversity Website examines different arguments used in discussions over conserving biodiversity, explaining both intrisic value and ecosystem services.
The Value of Biodiversity Biodiversity and Human Health, an educational website from representatives of several NGOs and science education organizations, is a collection of resources on the benefits supplied to human societies by natural ecosystems.
From Species Values to Biodiversity Values This segment of the "Biodiversity" entry from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy discusses the different philosophical arguments for the intrinsic value of species and biodiversity.
Ecosystem Services: A Primer The Ecological Society of America's Action Bioscience website for students includes this primer examining different ecosystem services, what they are worth, and the threats humans pose.
The Great Plant Escape This curriculum from the University of Illinois Extension Service is a six week lesson plan designed to help students understand how and why plants are important. [Grades 4-5]