Abstract |
The basic issue that drives all concerns about biodiversity is the accelerating and irreplaceable loss of genes, species, populations, and ecosystems through environmental degradation such as deforestation, strip mining and other developmental projects. Associated with these losses are reduced options for cultural and biological adaptation to an uncertain and ever-changing environment; possible disruption of essential ecological processes and services; and loss of products obtained from nature (presently or potentially). In addition, it has been suggested that species, ecosystems, and other elements of biodiversity are valuable in and of themselves and thus should be protected and enhanced. Biodiversity values can be categorized as human utilitarian; ecological utilitarian; cultural, recreational, and esthetic; and ethical or intrinsic. |