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German Presidency briefing on international biodiversity policy for the Environment Council on 20 February 2007

Biological diversity is an indispensable foundation for life on earth and for global economic development. The production of natural raw materials through farming, forestry and fishing, stable natural water cycles, fertile soils, a balanced climate and a wealth of other environmental advantages which are essential for survival can only be secured in the long term by conserving biological diversity and using it sustainably. An estimated 40 % of world trade is based on biological products or procedures and biological diversity provides the people of the world – especially the poor – with food, medicine, building materials, bio-energy and protection from natural disasters. Biodiversity is a "treasure house" into which the world economy can delve, a priceless and still largely untapped source of innovative products and procedures.

Further Information:

• G8 Environment Ministers Meeting: Potsdam Chair’s conclusions
• www.biodiv.org
• German Clearing-House Mechanism (CHM)