Why 2010 is the year of biodiversity

Some scientists believe that there are actually about 13 million species, though estimates range from three to million. The loss of biodiversity threatens food supplies, opportunities for recreation and tourism, and sources of wood, medicines and energy. It also interferes with essential ecological functions.

The assembly also invited the secretariat to work with other UN bodies, environmental agreements, and organizations to bringing greater international attention to the continued loss of biodiversity.

Various partners have committed to actively participating in or organizing activities and projects for this year-long event. A host of symbolic iconographic elements are included within the design to depict the scope of biodiversity, which includes marine, flora and fauna aspects.

Scientists reckon that there are actually about 13 million species, though estimates range from three to million. Biodiversity also includes genetic differences within each species - for example, between varieties of crops and breeds of livestock. Chromosomes, genes, and DNA-the building blocks of life-determine the uniqueness of each individual and each species.

Why we are losing biodiversity. When most people think of the dangers besetting the natural world, they think of the threat to other creatures.

Declines in the numbers of such charismatic animals as pandas, tigers, elephants, whales, and various species of birds, have drawn world attention to the problem of species at risk. Based on current trends, an estimated 34, plant and 5, animal species, including one in eight of the world's bird species, face extinction.

Over animal species are threatened with extinction, including over birds and nations have clearly missed their goal of significantly slowing down the loss of biodiversity by According to data released by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature IUCN , about one fourth of the world's mammal species, one eighth of its bird species and one third of all amphibian species are endangered. It serves as a reference point throughout the year, providing useful information and highlighting important dates of interests for the IYB.

During IYB, the CMS will enhance efforts to tackle threats to sharks, albatrosses, marine mammals, migratory birds and bats.