Biological diversity - An overview

Despite the overwhelming importance of biodiversity and the growing demand for the genes and chemicals, biodiversity is being lost at alarming rates, largely as a result of human action enhancing degradation of biologically r ich ecosystems like tropical rain forests, grassland and coral reefs. A pos itive global change was achieved at the Earth Summit in Rio, 1992, requirin g all nations to take four basic steps: develop national strategies for con servation, establish a system of protected areas, begin to rehabilitate dam aged ecosystems and integrate conservation policy into national decision ma king. The conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use, technology transfer, intellectual property rights, provision of financing and the pri nciple of equitable sharing of benefits were also promoted. On the local scene, Israel is known for its rich natural vegetation and div ersified species which contribute to the biological diversity and plant spe cies population. Beyond the intrinsic value, the diversified plant populati on is an extremely valuable genetic source for improvement of agricultural crops and extraction of new drugs. The Israeli Gene Bank (IGB) was establis hed to preserve the natural endowment, and is responsible for in-situ conse rvation, formation of gene banks and other related activities with emphasis on regional and international cooperation.