Table of Contents

Foreword; Preface; Acknowledgements; Executive summary; 1. Introduction V. H. Heywood and I. Baste; 2. Characterization of biodiversity F. A. Bisby; 3. Magnitude and distribution of biodiversity D. L. Hawkesworth and M. T. Kalin-Arroyo; 4. Generation, maintenance and loss of biodiversity R. Barbault and S. D. Sastrapradja; 5. Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning: basic principles H. A. Mooney, J. Lubchenco, R. Dirzo and O. E. Sala; 6. Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning: ecosystem analyses H. A. Mooney, J. Lubchenco, R. Dirzo and O. E. Sala; 7. Inventorying and monitoring of biodiversity N. E. Stork and M. J. Samways; 8. The resource base for biodiversity assessments D. L. Hawkesworth; 9. Data and information management and communication S. Olivieri, J. Harrison and J. R. Busby; 10. Biotechnology B. Barlow and G. T. Tzotzos; 11. Human influences on biodiversity J. A. McNeely, M Gadgil, C Leveque, C Padoch and K Redford; 12. Economic values of biodiversity C. Perrings; 13. Measures for conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of its components K. Miller, M. H. Allegretti, N. Johnson and B. Jonsson; Annex 1. Organization of the Global Biodiversity Assessment; Annex 2. Institutions and staff involved in the GBA project; Annex 3. Venues, dates and participants in GBA meetings and workshops; Annex 4. Contributors to the GBA; Annex 5. List of peer reviewers of the GBA; Annex 6. Glossary; Annex 7. List of acronyms.

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An unparalleled attempt to provide a scientific analysis of the main factors affecting biological diversity.

Reviews

'The enormous value of this book is in drawing all this information together and in providing an assessment of the current state of knowledge … there is much to be gained here by everyone.' A. R. Watkinson, Journal of Applied Ecology

'… contains much valuable information and insight into the study and evaluation of biodiversity.' John Akeroyd and Hugh Synge, Plant Talk

'… an authoritative and comprehensive treatise on the subject. It has long-lasting value.' Brij Gopal and Usha Goel, International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences

'… a fine assemblage of documentation on an array of topics subsumed under the title of biodiversity. It is a splendid depository of what many people have known for years.' Norman Myers, The Times Higher Education Supplement

'There are few books in conservation that are absolutely essential, but I am sure this is one of them … I thoroughly recommend this compendium of knowledge to anyone interested in conservation.' D. Callaghan, Wildfowl and Wetlands

'… stimulating … comprehensively disciplinary … a welcome addition to my bookshelves.' D. McL. Roberts, Biodiversity and Conservation

'For the practising ecologist or conservation biologist, the book is excellent value … buy two copies and donate one to your local school or public library … Maybe, even, buy three copies and throw one at your local politician.' Andy Dobson, Trends in Ecology and Evolution