Publisher's Synopsis
"The principal objective of this book is to bring about a better scientific understanding of biodiversity, which is an essential prerequisite for its efficient and rational use. This is one of the key concerns of the Convention on Biological Diversity, adopted by the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The book consists of edited papers from an International Forum held in September 1994 in Paris organized by IUBS. The scientific issues discussed are derived from the conceptual framework of Diversitas, the IUBS-SCOPE-UNESCO programme on Biological Diversity. This emphasises the ecosystem function of biodiversity, its origins, maintenance and loss, as well as its transformation over both space and time. Different levels of organization, from the molecular and cellular to the population and ecosystem, are covered, as is global diversity inventorying and monitoring. Aspects of biodiversity management in the context of agriculture, forestry, fisheries, industry, urban environments and society, are also addressed. Furthermore, the prospects of biodiversity as a building block of development are promoted. Consisting of 61 papers and written by international experts, the book represents a major review and synthesis of current thinking on biodiversity for scientists and policy-makers.".
