'Biological diversity' means the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are a part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.

Some of the major values of biodiversity are as follows: 1. Environmental Value 2. Social Value 3. Ecosystem Services 4. Economic Value 5. Consumptive use value 6. Productive Use Value 7. Ethical and Moral Value 8. Aesthetic Value.

Biodiversity is the most precious gift of nature mankind is blessed with. As all the organisms in an ecosystem are interlinked and interdependent, the value of biodiversity in the life of all the organisms including humans is enormous.

The role of biodiversity in providing ecosystem services is twofold.

Firstly, biodiversity is directly used as a source for food, fibre, fuel and other extractable resources. Secondly, biodiversity plays an important role in ecosystem processes providing the regulating, cultural and supporting services.

For example, vegetation cover protects the soil from erosion by binding soil particles and minimizing the effects of water runoff. Likewise, cultivation of crops is to a large extent dependent on the availability of pollinating insects.

Biodiversity has a fundamental value to humans because we are so dependent on it for our cultural, economic, and environmental well-being. Elements of biodiversity can contribute to cultural identity, and many ecosystem characteristics are frequently incorporated into cultural traditions.

Other facts of human well-being, such as health and economic and political security, can influence the value of biodiversity. Many arguments to increase efforts to conserve diversity often emphasize the value of the “un-mined riches” that has yet to be discovered.

These include potential sources of new foods, medicines, and energy which can further fuel economic activity, as well as a healthier population. Biodiversity has proven to hold enormous value when adapted for use in health, agricultural, or industrial applications.

In the field of medicine alone, approximately 50% of current prescription medicines are derived from or modelled on natural substances. The health and diversity of ecosystems can have a significant effect on the overall stability of nearby communities.

1. Environmental Value:

The environmental value of biodiversity can be found by examining each ecosystem process and identifying the ecosystem services that result. For instance, in wetlands the vegetation captures water- carried sediment and the soil organisms break down a range of nutrients and pollutants washed into the area.

These processes provide the ecosystem service of purifying water. Wetlands also act as spawning and nursery grounds for some fish and provide a refuge for animals in times of drought. Some ecosystem services are easy to overlook until the underlying process is impaired.

For instance, dry-land salinity has emerged as a problem following sustained clearance of deep rooted perennial plants over wide areas. Water tables have raised carrying dissolved salts which then concentrate in the soil. Forests regulate the amount of carbon dioxide in the air by releasing oxygen as a by-product during photosynthesis, and control rainfall and soil erosion.

2. Social Value:

The social value of biodiversity includes aesthetic, recreational, cultural and spiritual values. To this can be added health benefits resulting from recreational and other