Threat of biodiversity loss 'is often ignored'

Abu Dhabi: Though a major threat to humanity, loss of biodiversity is not considered a serious environmental problem by many, revealed an online report.

Many respondents from various walks of life who participated in a discussion in an online Abu Dhabi "State of the Environment Report 2008" ignored the threat to biodiversity, though they listed all other issues such as air and water pollution, green house gas and carbon emissions, and plastic menace.

Youths and teachers were the only two out of the 10 stakeholders from various walks of life who considered extinction of flora and fauna as a threat.

Officials from the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi said habitat fragmentation and species loss due to development projects are a major threat to humanity.

This happens due to a lack of awareness on the crucial role of biodiversity, lack of adequate planning and lack of compliance and enforcement of laws for environment protection, said the officials.

Gulf News reported on April 24 that the world risks wiping out a huge amount of future antibiotics and disease cures if it fails to reverse the rapid extinction of thousands of plant and animal.