Earth Day 2010: Biodiversity and Development
On Earth Day 2010, USAID recognizes the International Year of Biodiversity by highlighting the critical role that biodiversity conservation plays in reducing poverty, securing rights to natural resources, and creating sustainable income opportunities. Approximately 13 million hectares of the world’s forests are lost each year, an area the size of Greece. And an estimated 80 percent of world fish stocks are fully exploited or overexploited.
For more than 30 years, USAID has supported efforts to conserve species and habitats, working with rural and indigenous communities who have the most at stake. Today, USAID invests $200 million annually in biodiversity conservation activities in 60 countries around the world. Each year these efforts improve the management of about 100 million hectares of biologically significant areas – equal to one-tenth the land area of the United States, and larger than all U.S. National Parks and Forests combined. Administrator Shah’s statement on Earth Day 2010.
The photographs below showcase a few of USAID’s biodiversity and forestry activities around the world. Click on a photo for a larger image and project information.
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