Ten principles for conserving biodiversity | World Resources Institute

Ten principles for conserving biodiversity

Elements of biodiversity conservation

Slowing the loss of biodiversity requires greater understanding of its role in ecosystems and its importance for human life. Conversely, to increase understanding of biodiversity, representative and viable samples of ecosystems, species, and populations must be maintained.

Greater incentives will exist to slow the loss of biodiversity if its immediate value to humanity is increased. Conversely, the many current and potential benefits that biodiversity can provide to humanity cannot be sustained unless the biological resource base is maintained.

Developing sustainable uses of biodiversity requires the application of both traditional and modern knowledge of biodiversity and biological resources. Conversely, users needs should help set biodiversity research priorities.

Ten principles for conserving biodiversity

These ten principles have guided the individuals and institutions involved in development of the Global Biodiversity Strategy.
1	Every form of life is unique, and warrants respect from humanity.
2	Biodiversity conservation is an investment that yields substantial local, national, and global benefits.
3	The costs and benefits of biodiversity conservation should be shared more equitably among nations and among people within nations.
4	As part of the larger effort to achieve sustainable development, conserving biodiversity requires fundamental changes in patterns and practices of economic development worldwide.
5	Increased funding for biodiversity conservation will not, by itself, slow biodiversity loss. Policy and institutional reforms are needed to create the conditions under which increased funding can be effective.
6	Priorities for biodiversity conservation differ when viewed from local, national, and global perspectives; all are legitimate, and should be taken into account. All countries and communities also have a vested interest in conserving their biodiversity; the focus should not be exclusively on a few species-rich ecosystems or countries.
7	Biodiversity conservation can be sustained only if public awareness and concern are substantially heightened, and if policy-makers have access to reliable information upon which to base policy choices.
8	Action to conserve biodiversity must be planned and implemented at a scale determined by ecological and social criteria. The focus of activity must be where people live and work, as well as in protected wildland areas.
9	Cultural diversity is closely linked to biodiversity. Humanity's collective knowledge of biodiversity and its use and management rests in cultural diversity; conversely, conserving biodiversity often helps strengthen cultural integrity and values.
10	Increased public participation, respect for basic human rights, improved popular access to education and information, and greater institutional accountability are essential elements of biodiversity conservation.