Biological diversity—or biodiversity—is the term given to the variety of life on Earth and the natural patterns it forms. The biodiversity we see today is the fruit of billions of years of evolution, shaped by natural processes and, increasingly, by the influence of humans. It forms the web of life of which we are an integral part and upon which we so fully depend.

The ocean, our most-important and least-explored natural resource, is a critical link in this web of life. Its viability as an ecosystem is increasingly threatened by human activities. In 1992, 150 government leaders gathered at the Rio Earth summit and signed on to the Convention on Biological Diversity, making a commitment to sustainable development that protects biodiversity while addressing humanity’s need for food security, medicines, and clean air and water, and a healthy environment in which to live. 

In preparation for this year’s conference of the parties to the convention on biological diversity, OceanX, working alongside partners from Bloomberg Philanthropies Vibrant Oceans Initiative, the Paradise Foundation, and Friends of Ocean Action, is highlighting the importance of the world’s oceans and the opportunity for the private sector to join a multinational, cross-sector collaborative effort to support ocean protection and conservation efforts.