Biodiversity is the differences and variety among the living organisms of all sources, which includes marine, terrestrial, aquatic, and other different ecosystems and ecological complexes.

‘Biological diversity’ means the variability among the living organisms from all sources including, among other things, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystem and the ecological complexes of which they are part, that includes diversity within species and of ecosystem.

Principles of Biodiversity

No net loss

Additional Conservation Outcomes

Adherence to the mitigation hierarchy

Limits to what can be offset

Landscape context

Stakeholder participation

Equity

Long term outcomes

Transparency

Science and Traditional Knowledge

 

Agrobiodiversity

The variety and variability of animals, plants and microorganisms that are used directly or indirectly for food and agriculture, including crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries. It comprises the diversity of genetic resources (Varieties, breeds) and species used for food, fodder, fibre, fuel and pharmaceuticals. It also includes the diversity of non-harvested species that support the production (soil microorganisms, predators, pollinators) and those in the wider environment that support agro ecosystem (agricultural, pastoral, forest and aquatic) as well as the diversity of the agroecosystem.

 

Dimensions of Agrobiodiversity

There are four dimensions of agrobiodiversity. They are:

Genetic resources for food and agriculture

Components of biodiversity that support the ecosystem services

Abiotic Factors and Socio Economic, cultural Dimension

 

Importance of Agrobiodiversity

·      Ensure the production of Goods (food, fibre, fuel, fodder, medicine)

·      Maintain other ecosystem services

·      Allowadaptation to changing conditions - including climate change

·      Sustain rural peoples' livelihoods

 

Role of AgroBiodiversity

·      Increase productivity, food security, and economic returns

·      Make farming systems more stable, robust, and sustainable

·      Contribute to sound pest and disease management

·      Conserve soil and increase natural soil fertility and health

·      Contribute to sustainable intensification

·      Diversify products and income opportunities

·      Help maximize effective use of resources and the environment

·      Reduce dependency on external inputs

·      Improve human nutrition and provide sources of medicines and vitamins, and

·      Conserve ecosystem structure and stability of species diversity.

    Reference: http://www.biodiversitya-z.org/content/biodiversity