Treasuring Biological Diversity Biodiversity as a concept is
both simple and challenging. We are familiar with the wide range
of animals and plants that share our planet but are less
familiar with the vital role biodiversity plays in maintaining
our mutual life support system, and in both the physical and
mental aspects of our well-being. It is now widely recognized
that we need to improve the way our societies and economies
account for ecosystem services. We often take these services for
granted, such as the ability of the forest to filter water or
produce oxygen. Forests can provide multiple benefits to society
as long as they are not overexploited. The concept of
sustainable use of biodiversity is essential in this regard: it
means that forest species, ecosystems and genes are used in a
way and at a rate that does not lead to the long-term decline of
biodiversity, thereby maintaining its potential to meet the
needs and aspirations of present and future generations. UNESCO
contributes in a multidisciplinary