The concern for genetic diversity: raising awareness for the loss of global biological diversity

The maintenance of biological diversity is a pervasive concern for many environmental groups and others interested in technological applications of genetic resources. The concept of biological diversity was first formally defined in the conservation literature by Elliott Norse and Roger McManus in the 1980 Council on Environmental Quality Annual Report. The term was immediately adopted by groups who perceived that their interests would be impacted by the loss of variety of animal and plant life. The definition of biological diversity would ultimately evolve to consist of three levels: genetic diversity, species diversity; and ecosystem diversity. Of those three levels in the immediate years following the term's introduction, it was the concern over genetic diversity which received the most attention. The first conference held on the topic was dominated by groups interested in the use and conservation of genetic resources. In the mid-1980s, several articles published in the technology journals (such as Issues in Science and Technology) helped to launch the concept of biological diversity towards its present popularity, largely because of the concern over diminishing genetic reservoirs in natural areas. In summary, efforts by those interested in the technological applications of genetic diversity played a significant role in disseminating and advancing awareness of the issues surrounding the loss of biological diversity.