2010 is International Year of Biodiversity.  Biodiversity simply put is the variety of life on earth.  As the slogan for International Year of Biodiversity states, “biodiversity is life, biodiversity is our life.”  Unfortunately, humans are threatening the world’s biodiversity.  Some experts put the degradation of biodiversity due to human activity at 1000 times its natural progression (UNEP Press Release, 1 Jan 2010).  Humans have the potential to destroy, but we also have the potential to save.

The Conservation and Fisheries Department would like to spread the word about the importance of preserving our unique biodiversity. As Norman Myers best describes it, "Without knowing it, we utilize hundreds of products each day that owe their origin to wild animals and plants. Indeed our welfare is intimately tied up with the welfare of wildlife… by saving the lives of wild species, we may be saving our own.”

What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity has been described as the ‘web of life’, ‘the variety of living things’ or ‘the different plants, animals and micro-organisms, their genes and ecosystems of which they are a part’.
Biodiversity includes every living thing that exists on our planet and the environment in which they live. From the smallest flea to the  biggest tree.  From the depths of the ocean to the tallest peaks, biodiversity forms part of a delicate and integral part of life.

Why is biodiversity important?

Biodiversity is critical for our survival.  Human beings depend on it for their sustenance, health, well-being and enjoyment of life.  Biodiversity is the basis for much of our recreation and tourism, and includes the ecosystems which provide us with many services such as clean water The Conservation and Fisheries Department has long dedicated its effort for the betterment of the environment through public awareness and education.  The community will join us on our prestige showcases through-out the month of June 2010.  The unique efforts to successfully sustain the environment will commence on the fourth day of the month through-out the entire month.  Each scheduled activity was strategically designed to take the community and supporters to a new level of sustenance, control and efficiency.