Biodiversity — Its Levels and Relevance for Nature Conservation in Germany

Abstract

Since the ratification of the “International Convention of the United Nations on Biodiversity”, a lot of activities have been initiated to incorporate biodiversity concepts in nature conservation on national level. While nature conservation in earlier times mainly focused on species conservation, modern strategies are based on the conservation of biodiversity as a whole. This new orientation process is reflected by the “Habitats Directive of the European Union” and the “Biodiversity Convention” itself. Relevance and evaluation of biodiversity, as well as the possibilities for its maintenance are discussed in detail with reference to its main levels of hierarchy: genetic diversity, species diversity, and diversity of habitats or biotopes. The latter includes functional and dynamic aspects of biotopes, biotope complexes and landscape units.

Conservation and management of nature should focus on typical or representative variants of biotopes and ecosystems; this is just as important as protecting rare or threatened species. A Red Data Book of endangered biotopes including a comprehensive list of biotope types occurring in Germany has been compiled. In order to preserve biodiversity, definitions and general guidelines for nature conservation at a regional level must be formulated. Rigid concepts of preserving distinct sites are not sufficient to guarantee the preservation of biodiversity, as dynamic processes and local variability of biotic conditions play an important role. Thus at the same time clear guidelines have to be drawn up for landusers, especially agriculture, forestry and infrastructure.