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What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity, or Biological Diversity, is a term used to describe the variety of
life in an ecosystem. This includes all species of animal, plant and
invertebrate life. It can be described at many levels from species diversity
(how many different species there are) to ecosystem diversity (the number
of different ecosystems that exist). The Nile River basin contains a diversity
of ecosystems and habitat types. These ecosystems support a variety of
life, including some organisms not found anywhere else.
Why is biodiversity important?
Diversity of life enables the environment to provide goods and services to its
inhabitants. Ecosystem goods are the everyday benefits we get from the
environment, such as water, food, and wood for fuel and building-materials.
Ecosystems also play roles in our lives that are more of a service.
Examples of this include wetlands that regulate flow in river systems and
plants that stabilize soil, reducing desertification.
The important aspects of biodiversity in this region are:
~ The River Nile
~ Wetlands
~ Nile Delta
~ Large lakes
~ Forest, woodlands and scrub
~ Grasslands and savannah
~ Fish and aquatic life
What are threats to biodiversity?
Ecosystems are often very strong and can withstand significant change. However, if ecosystems experience large
changes, such as major pollution inputs or removal of wetlands, their ability to function or survive can be seriously
affected. This can have serious implications for people who rely on the goods and services. Threats to biodiversity
in the Nile River basin include:
~ Habitat loss and alteration
~ Overexploitation of natural resources
~ Alien species
Biodiversity Facts:
 Current estimates of global biodiversity range from 3 to 30 million species.
 Approximately 1.8 million species have been described and named by scientists.
 The Afromontane biodiversity hot spot supports 2,356 endemic species of plants.
 The lakes, rivers and wetlands of the Nile basin support 545 species of fish.
Contact Details:
Nile Transboundary Environmental Action Project (NTEAP)
Gedion Asfaw: [email protected]
The Nile River Awareness Kit (Nile RAK) project is an educational and awareness raising project
designed to increase knowledge and understanding about the environment and resources of the
Nile River basin. The Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) is a partnership of nine River Nile countries.
For more information about the Nile RAK project visit: www.nileteap.org