 Harvard professor and Pulitzer-prize winner
Edward O. Wilson defines biodiversity as the variety of organisms
considered at all levels, from genetic variants belonging to the
same species through arrays of species to arrays of genera,
families, and still higher levels of organization. A sustainability
plan for maintaining biodiversity must address genetic diversity,
the number and variety of species in the City, the variety and
quality of the City's ecosystems, and the ecological and
evolutionary processes that sustain biodiversity.
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Biodiversity maintains the integrity
of life known on earth
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Through medicine, agriculture and
economics, biodiversity provides a range of genetic, biochemical,
and physical properties of plant and animal life that are
advantageous to human welfare
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Biodiversity is worthy of
preservation because it represents human kinship through common
living organisms; and
- Biodiversity is a source of national heritage, giving historic
importance to place
 Past and present threats to biodiversity include the introduction
of non-native plants that displace indigenous plants; features of
urban development that have resulted in loss and fragmentation of
habitat; mismanagement of domesticated animals (past grazing
practices decimated native grass species and irresponsible pet
ownership seriously disturbs habitat integrity); and, more
generally, the negative effects of industrial pollution on air,
water, and soil.
City can take actions to preserve its remaining biodiversity and
restore some of what has been lost. Fundamental to this mission is
promoting public understanding of the City's local plants and
animals, and managing natural and landscaped habitats in a way
that enhances the City's biodiversity.
Source: http://www.sustainable-city.org/ |
