Manila Bulletin, Philippines : Opinion - World Day of Biological Diversity

21/05/2003

World Day of Biological Diversity

OFFICIALLY observed by the United Nations Environment Programme, May 22 is celebrated as World Day of Biological Diversity. This year’s theme is “Forest Biodiversity,” with the aim of sustaining global interest in the importance of forests and the vast richness of the world’s forests, many of them now vanishing or vanished.

Forests, like coral reefs, rivers, oceans, and lands, are complete eco-systems. Numberless flora and fauna live in forests and depend on them for their existence. Each of these eco-systems is interdependent with one another. Altogether, they display the variety and richness of life vital to humanity's existence and future.

Forests provide humanity many things - recreation, leisure, and grounds for relaxation. They serve to enrich human life spiritually and culturally. Forests are thus one critical source for mankind's wellbeing and development.

Observed annually for some years now by scientists, ecologists, and conservationists worldwide, World Day of Biological Diversity seeks to stop the ever-increasing loss of our world's forest resources. The Philippines has been declared as one of the world's biodiversity hot spots. Less than 10 percent of our country's original virgin forests exists today.

Philippine forests host one of the world's richest group plant and animal species. They harbor about 8,000 species of flowering plants; 3,500 species of indigenous trees; 33 species of gymnosperms; 640 species of mosses; 2,400 species of fish; and 240 species of mammals. There are 3,000 species of plants in Philippine forests found nowhere else in the world. Forty-four percent of the world's bird species, and 64 percent of the world's mammals exist only in our country.

Such a treasure trove must be conserved and preserved. Sustainable development means "insuring that development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."