Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life forms in a specific area or on Earth as a whole, including the diversity of species, genes, and ecosystems. It is important because it plays a crucial role in supporting ecosystem services that directly and indirectly benefit human well-being, such as providing clean air and water, regulating climate, pollinating crops, and providing food and medicine. Biodiversity also contributes to the resilience and stability of ecosystems, making them better able to adapt to environmental changes and disturbances. In addition, biodiversity has intrinsic value, meaning that it has inherent worth and importance independent of its utility to humans. Loss of biodiversity can have negative impacts on ecosystems and ultimately on human society.
