Diversity is our richest resource.
As individuals, as families, as nations, we rejoice in our uniqueness. Every ecosystem, every species, every gene is unique and yet vital in its interaction with other elements for the well-being both of our planet and, ultimately, of humankind. As we enter the new millennium, we are confronted by the enormous impact our forebears, our generation, younger generations and future generations have had and will have on our planet. We have the statistics and charts which demonstrate our irresponsible misuse of all we have mistakenly taken for granted. We can no longer afford simply to reflect on the insufficient advances being made to stem the mounting degradation.