Benefits of Biodiversity Resistance to Catastrophe: More biodiversity helps control the spread of certain diseases because diseases then need to adapt with every new species.  The more species there are the better chance of survival there is in case of a tragic event.  Food and Drink: About 80 percent of our food supply comes from just 20 kinds of plants.  There is vast untapped potential for increasing the range of food products suitable for human consumption, as well as increasing the resistance to catastrophe for food production.  By protecting biodiversity we are able to preserve that untapped potential and possibly find a new source of food or improve on our previous supply. Medicines: A significant proportion of drugs are derived, directly or indirectly, from biological sources. By preserving biodiversity we are increasing the chances of finding new medicines and possible cures to diseases. Industrial Materials: A wide range of industrial materials are derived directly from God’s creation. There is enormous potential for further research into sustainably utilizing materials from a wider diversity of organisms. Respect for Creation: If we believe that it is our call as stewards to care for creation, then it is our goal to preserve and protect it.  Acting in accordance with God’s will is our end goal. By having greater biodiversity we have accomplished our goal as stewards and we are also privileged to have more of God’s creation to admire and learn about. Pollution Breakdown and Absorption: Ecosystems and ecological processes play an important role in the breakdown and absorption of pollutants. These wastes such as sewage, garbage and oil spills are broken down and absorbed by various components of ecosystems from bacteria to higher life forms. Soil Formation and Protection: Biological diversity helps in the formation and maintenance of soil structure and the preservation of moisture and nutrient levels. The loss of biological diversity through clearing of vegetation has contributed to the increased levels of salt in soils, loss of nutrients, heavy loss of minerals, and accelerated erosion of topsoil, reducing the land's productivity and integrity. NCC Biodiversity Home