Biodiversity is the variety of all forms of life, and ecosystems. It is threatened by pollution, economic development, industrial farming and fishing. The E.U. has committed itself to the goal of halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010. Numerous states, governmental agencies and NGOs are involved in Countdown 2010. The project relies on more and more companies that have recognised biodiversity as a central issue in their sustainable development strategy.

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ON THE ALERT !

• Over the past three decades, the natural richness of our planet has been reduced by 30%, with forests losing 12 % of their biological diversity and marine ecosystems losing nearly 30%.
• According to the World Conservation Union (IUCN), there are currently 16000 animal and plant endangered species, with one bird out of eight and one mammal out of four in danger of becoming extinct.
• On the whole European continent, 42% of the mammals, 15% of the birds and 52% of the fresh water fish could soon become extinct.