ABSTRACT
Biodiversity is the diversity of different species together with genetic variation within each species in a given area. Myers called it the 'primary source', and it is material vital for sustainable development. Crops, livestock and pharmaceutical products are constantly challenged by a changing environment and evolving pests and diseases, and must satisfy new demands and fashions; biodiversity is needed to meet these challenges. Biodiversity has philosophical and aesthetic value and may inspire new ideas and scientific advances. Currently unexploited reserves and parks which have been little disturbed at any point, or areas once disturbed and recovered from human influence. Gene banks in the form of germplasm: dried seed collections, chilled seed collections or plant tissue in deep freeze or growth medium, deep-frozen animal sperm; Growing collections at dedicated sites: botanic gardens, zoos and arboreta. Some of the funds are invested in conservation and the public gets a positive educational experience.
