Biological diversity or biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life on earth. Biodiversity is expressed at 3 levels on earth; genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity. Its direct and indirect services are crucial for the sustenance of life on this planet.

Biodiversity ensures food, fuel, shelter, medicines and other resources vital for our survival. Most of the crop pests are controlled by a variety of other organisms, including insects, birds and fungi; certainly quite superior natural pesticides than their chemical equivalents, the latter being harmful to human beings and the environment. Many flowering plants rely on animal species such as insects, bats and birds for pollination and seed dispersal. Biodiversity, more importantly, offers a wide range of resources and services for any location at any specific time and thus provides people with a variety of option to make it possible to switch over from one resource to another if the first becomes scarce, or if market demand changes. Access to diverse species enables diversification of livelihood sources through, for example, planting multiple crops, and thus enabling food production throughout the year, or engaging in alternative income-generating activities. The availability of diverse resources also allows different genders, cultural or age groups to engage in and benefit from these resources.

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