BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY ITS CONSERVATION AND USE FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT |
| The above Working Paper was published by FAO in September 1990, based on the work of Professor Gene Namkoong and prepared under the direction of FAO's Sub-Group on Biological Diversity of the Inter Departemental Working Group on Environment and Sustainable Development. |
| The report explores some of the concepts and issues of biological diversity, suggests cooperative action that may be taken to strengthen the conservation and equitable use of the ressources, and examines the role of FAO in the conservation and management of genetic resources at a global scale. |
| The issues raised and discussed in the paper include: |
| ISSUE ONE - The biotic heritage of humanity is being abused to an extent that the basis of human progress itself is jeopardized. Massive extinctions and ecosystem collapse are predicted, and the evolutionary dynamic that produces the diversity of life on which we depend is threatened. Yet much more than species preservation is required if the biota are to continue evolving and be of benefit to humanity. The conservation and use of biological diversity requires that it be managed, protected, and developed. |
| ISSUE TWO - Biological diversity encompasses variation at the molecular, individual, population, species, and ecosystem levels of biotic organization, and each level has different properties, uses, and management systems. A variety of management tactics can be used to affect the structure and levels of biological diversity including intensive breeding as well as establishing strict nature reserves. However, since all levels of biotic organization are inter-related, management effects must be coordinated. |
| ISSUE THREE - The development of species for utilization includes intensive selection, enhancement and other pre-breeding activities, evaluation, and testing, in addition to collection and characterization as critical phases in the development and use of biological diversity. For many species, intensive genetic management is not practised but ecological management can be used to increase biological diversity. Broad programmes of conservation and use of biological diversity are required for the efficient utilization of species and should be systematized. |
| ISSUE FOUR - Biotic effects extend across species and sectoral boundaries, and management effects on one can be beneficial or detrimental to the diversity of other species, sectors, and levels of organization. |
| ISSUE FIVE - FAO's mandate to ensure the full utility of the global biotic endowment requires it to assist in developing a globally coordinated programme to halt the erosion of biological diversity, to ensure its continuing evolution, and to ensure that biotic productivity is enhanced for the benefit of all people. International cooperation and supra-national organizations are needed within sectors to effectively share techniques, and to fairly allocate costs and benefits of the effective management of biological diversity. |
| The Working Paper (available in English only) can be obtained by writing to: |
| Environment and Energy Programmes Coordinating Centre (AGRE), FAO, Via delle Terme di Caracalla, I-00100, Rome, Italy. |
