Biodiversity
What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity (= biological diversity) is at once both a simple and yet a difficult and complex concept to grasp. Simply stated, biodiversity is a measure of the variability among all living organisms and the ecosystems that they form through their interactions with the environment and with each other. Biological variability includes not just gross differences among species but also subtle differences within species - i.e. differences at the DNA or chromosomal level - that result in variations in size, appearance, taste, disease tolerance, productivity, behaviour, etc. Ecosystems are included in the definition and they can be thought of as the infrastructure and processes required to support life. Ecosystems also produce goods (measurable physical outputs such as grains, timber, meat) and services (processes such as pollination, water purification, carbon storage, oxygen production). The difficulty in understanding biodiversity comes when we attempt to measure, compare and evaluate it. One question that is very difficult to answer is 'how much biodiversity is enough, desired or too much'. And, an often forgotten component of this system is how humans interact with and make use of biodiversity. Not only are there direct and indirect economic benefits but there may also be important cultural, religious, traditional and recreational aspects.
Canada and Biodiversity
Despite the complexity, we know that when biodiversity declines, very real losses in ecosystem function, economic productivity and standard of living results. In 1992, 190 countries convened at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro and created the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. The main goals of the Convention are to lay the framework to conserve biodiversity worldwide and to provide for the sustainable use of biological resources and the equitable sharing genetic resources. Canada was the first industrialized country to sign and ratify the Convention. Canada's official response to the Convention was the creation of the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy which outlines how Canada will implement the Convention.
A Biodiversity Outcome Framework For Canada
A blueprint for the conservation and sustainable use of Canada's living resources.
Agriculture and Biodiversity
Agriculture relies heavily on biodiversity for crop and livestock productivity, sources of genetic advancement (e.g. disease resistance) and ecosystem services (e.g. soil building). At the same time agriculture can have a significant impact on the local environment and biodiversity levels. However, economic sustainability is not incompatible with conserving biodiversity in agricultural production systems. In keeping with both the Convention and Canada's Biodiversity Strategy, AAFC has included sustainable use of biological resources and conservation of biodiversity as key components of its Agriculture Policy Framework. Under the framework, a number of programs include incentives for conserving or enhancing biodiversity at the farm level such as the National Farm Stewardship Program, Environmental Farm Planning, Prairie Shelterbelt Program, and Greencover Canada. Set to expire in 2008, AAFC is currently developing the next generation of agriculture and agri-food policies in consultation with the provinces, the ag-sector, key stakeholders and the general public.
Healthy and Diverse Ecosystems
Productive resilient, diverse ecosystems
Viable Populations of Species
Native species, species at risk
Genetic Resources and Adaptive Potential
New food varieties, pharmaceuticals, bioenergy, resistance to pests and disease
Sustainable Use of Biological Resources
Healthy, prosperous communities, sustainable livelihoods, traditional lifestyles