Global Biodiversity: Responding to change

Concern over the rate of change in the biosphere, particularly in populations of larger animals and the naturalness of landscapes, dates primarily from the turn of the 20th century. Although some early measures were taken, prompted by pioneering conservation organizations, concerted international effort did not develop until mid-century. Since this period, actions have tended to focus on conservation of individual species or of large areas of habitat, as national parks and other protected areas.
During the 1970s several international agreements aimed at conserving wild species and habitats were agreed and entered into force. During the 1980s the word 'biodiversity' was coined, and a new paradigm formulated, aiming to integrate biodiversity conservation with sustainable human development. In 1992 the pivotal Earth Summit was held in Rio, culminating in agreement on the Convention on Biological Diversity, and Agenda 21 - a plan of action for sustainable human development.
After a decade of planning and implementation, the status of some species and the condition of some ecosystems have improved. In some areas, this has been achieved by restoration of degraded ecosystems, an approach likely to be of increasing importance in the future. However, given future trends in human population growth and development, it seems probable that pressures on biodiversity will continue to intensify in coming decades. In many parts of the world, the most significant challenge to conservation will be to minimise losses of biodiversity while improving the livelihood of human populations, particularly those experiencing severe poverty.