In 1994 funding was provided to enable a major project to be implemented. Beginning in July, this project concentrates on biodiversity. Biodiversity is a complex concept. Basically it describes the range of linkages between species. If there are plenty of linkages then there will be rich biodiversity.
Biodiversity is an extremely important concept because on a global level it is rapidly decreasing.
Tropical rainforest destruction, urbanisation, over fishing and bad land management are all threats to biodiversity on a global scale. In New Zealand our indigenous flora and fauna have been severely effected by introduced predators and loss of habitats. Since human arrival over 40 species of birds have been made extinct. Many other bird species are endangered. In Christchurch the original habitat has been highly modified by urbanisation and agriculture.