Although the term biodiversity is a relatively new one, the value of maintaining biodiversity is unquestionable. This is because biodiversity, at the genetic level, species level and ecosystem level, sustains all life on earth and is the reason why we are able to survive. The diversity of life on earth is essential to maintaining the basic ecological processes on which all life, including human life, depends. As well as providing us with fresh air, water, and food, the diversity of life on earth provides medicines and industrial products. In this way, biodiversity supports commercial human activities such as forestry, fisheries, recreation, tourism and agriculture.
Humans also value biodiversity in less commercial ways.
We often get great pleasure from visiting unspoiled places, such as national parks, or even feel good just knowing that they are there. Many humans also have great respect for some of the wildlife with which we share the earth. Although our passion for protecting wildlife is often directed towards charismatic megafauna , such as whales and dolphins, it is clear that humans will go to great lengths to preserve some wildlife. Living things provide humans with a vast range of industrial, agricultural and medicinal products. Biodiversity is considered by many humans to be an important natural and cultural resource, to be saved for future generations.