Biodiversity is the variety of all life forms on earth—the different plants, animals and micro-organisms, their genes, and the terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems of which they are a part.

Biodiversity matters. Healthy and well-functioning freshwater, terrestrial and marine ecosystems are important for a productive and healthy environment. Intact, or well-connected, ecosystems provide habitat for native plants and animals, including humans, and provide ecosystem services such as clean water for drinking and fertile soils and oceans for production.

Biodiversity is also closely linked to culture, especially for indigenous people.