Biological diversity (or biodiversity) is defined in the UN Convention on Biological Diversity as: "the variability among living organisms from all sources, including, 'inter alia', terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems, and the ecological complexes of which they are part: this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.

UNEP, 1992, Convention on Biological Diversity. United Nations Environment Programme.

Source category: International Organisations

Biodiversity, a contraction of biological diversity, refers to the number, variety and variability of living organisms, including mankind, within a given area. A reduction or 'loss' of biodiversity undermines not only the natural environment, but also the economic and social goals of human societies, as mankind depends on natural resources for the food, energy, raw materials, clean air and clean water making life possible. The importance of preserving biodiversity, and the possible consequences of not doing so, has made it an international issue.

Eurostat b, Glossary, accessed 14 October 2016

Source category: EC Technical Documents