2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity

The UNO has declared 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity. The term "biodiversity" denotes the variety of animal and plant species that are part of both the natural and cultural environment.

The reduction of biodiversity, i.e. the variety of life forms, is one of the most serious global issues of today. The cause is primarily the disturbance and destruction of the natural environment, climate change, and spreading of invasive species. The International Year of Biodiversity is intended to point out the causes for the extinction of plants and animals and try stopping it or at least slowing it down.

From the Report on the State of Nature and Landscape in the Czech Republic by the Ministry of Environment of 30 November 2009:

The most serious problems for Czech nature include urbanization, fragmentation, and unification. Developed areas are increasing and the construction of roads divides the landscape into smaller areas, as a result of which the room for life and migration of animals and plants is diminishing. Landscape covered in concrete is less resistant to torrential rains and increases flood hazard. The landscape is becoming unified and diversity is diminishing.

The Report on the State of Nature and Landscape in the Czech Republic states that 80 thousands species are currently known to be present on the territory of the Czech Republic (3,500 vascular plants, 886 moss plants, 40,000 fungus species, 24,000 insect species, 8,000 of other invertebrates, and 711 vertebrates). One-third of them have been rated as endangered by IUCN classification (the Red List of Threatened Species).