The natural environment consists of the totality of all living organisms and the physical conditions under which they live. It includes all animals, plants and micro-organisms and the immediate terrestrial, marine and freshwater environments of which they are part. The natural environment is also present in rural and urban environments and is often to a great extent shaped by human activities. One of the principal characteristics of the natural environment is its diversity on the genetic, species, ecosystem and landscape level.
Genetic diversity
Individuals belonging to the same species are not identical. Species are made up of
individuals with different genes and different genetic characteristics. Thus, even if an
endangered species is presently saved from extinction, the chances for long-term survival
can depend on whether it has maintained its original genetic diversity or not as this
influences its capacity to adapt to changes in the environment.
Species diversity
Diversity of the biological world is most frequently considered as the diversity of
living species. However, species diversity is only one component of the evolutionary
processes which result in diversity at the level of genera, families, and higher taxonomic
levels. In total, Europe's fauna and
flora encompasses about 200,000 species of invertebrates, 520 birds, 250 mammals, 230
fish, 200 reptiles, 70 amphibians and 12,500 higher plants.
Ecosystem diversity
An ecosystem is a whole of interdependent living organisms and their abiotic
environment. The living world is organised in a great variety of different ecosystems.
Based on the European Commission's CORINE habitat classification (which recognises 2,500
different habitats), the following ecosystem groups are recognised: forests, scrub and
grasslands, inland waters, wetlands (bogs, fens and marshes), mountains and deserts.
Ecosystem diversity is thus a pre-condition for species diversity.
Landscape diversity
There is a remarkable difference between the landscape types of most parts of Europe.
A strong relationship between nature and land use is characteristic for many European
regions and has resulted in an impressive diversity of landscapes. The maintenance and
restoration of landscapes with both high cultural and ecological qualities can be
considered as a major step on the way to a sustainable future.
European Centre for Nature Conservation
Last modification: 29 October 1997