National biodiversity index

Considerably unknown and ill-protected biodiversity

Humans often feel like they have already thoroughly studied their planet. However, there is still much to be discovered. All species combined, from bacteria to whales, biologists have catalogued around 1.7 million species. Plausible estimates put the figure of total species at around 50 to 100 million. In other words, we have only studied some 2 to 3% of life forms on Earth.

In view of economic and demographic pressures, it will no longer possible to preserve all species. But it is important to identify the most viable efforts in order to set up the most practical and coherent conservation policies. Undiscovered species harbour the discoveries of tomorrow, in the fields of medicine or of boosting the productivity of existing plant cultures.

In relation to this, a UN-backed scientific work group established after the ratification of the Biodiversity Convention in 1994 has developed the National Biodiversity Index (NBI). The NBI is based on estimates of richness and endemism in various countries, on a scale of 0.000 (Greenland) to 1.000 (Indonesia). In view of what was previously stated, however, these values must be viewed with extreme caution.

Hot, humid regions are richer in biodiversity due to the high number of species living in these ecosystems, notably, in tropical and equatorial forests. Indonesia, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, Ecuador, Venezuela score high on the index, between 1.000 and 0.850. That said, even small countries such as Panama or Brunei also score high, and as do large countries with several biomes, or those with special climates, such as China (0.839) and South Africa (0.714). However, the relatively low scores of tropical Africa give cause for question; they seem to betray a lack of research rather than a lack of biodiversity. Desert and cold regions tend to score lowest on the index: Qatar (0.189), Canada (0.299). However, that does not mean that their species or ecosystems are any less valuable.

Whatever the case, the question is how best to conserve this biodiversity, and how to pay for it. Countries often jealously guard their national prerogatives and fear that other countries offering financing are mainly drawn by prospects of claiming the next lucrative discovery. As for OECD countries, they appear to defend biodiversity more by speech than by concrete action.