Biodiversity and cultural diversity Philosophy Comenius 2010 –2012 Liceo Scientifico Le filandiere di San Vito al Tagliamento

Biodiversity  is a contraction of the phrase “ biological diversity ”;  is a complex topic, covering many aspects of biological variation;  in popular usage, the word biodiversity is often used to describe all the species living in a particular area;  if we consider this area at its largest scale – the entire world – then biodiversity can be summarized “life on Earth”

Biodiversity  Is defined as: the variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes to ecosystem, and the ecological and evolutionary process that sustains it.  There are many scientific definitions of biodiversity. The definion written above is very simple.

Cultural diversity  is the common heritage of humanity  is a factor of development  strengthens capacities of creation and dissemination worldwide  needs democracy and pluralism

Culture  Should be regarded as the set of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features of society or a social group, and that it encompasses, in addition to art and literature, lifestyles, way of living together, value system, tradition and belief (DEF. UNESCO)

Biocultural diversity  is a term that describes the link between the cultural and biological diversity on the planet  linguistic diversity is often used as an indicator of cultural diversity and studies have shown that decline of linguistic diversity is even faster than the decline of biological diversity

Unesco  U nited  N ation  E ducation  S cience  C ulture  O rganization

Universal Declaration of Cultural Diversity (UNESCO)  Art.1  Cultural diversity: the common heritage of humanity Cultures take diverse forms across time and space: this diversity is embodied in the uniqueness and plurality of the identities of the groups and societies making up humankind. As a source of exchange, innovation and creativity, cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature. In this sense, it is the common heritage of humanity and should be recognized and affirmed for the benefit of present and future generations.

….continue  Art.2  From cultural diversity to cultural pluralism In our increasingly different societies, it is essential to ensure harmonious interactions among people and groups with plural, varied and dynamic cultural identities as well as their willingness to live together.  Social cohesion Vitality of civil society Peace

And now it is time to think….  ….about life in your town and in your nation  ….about differences between European cultures  ….about similarities between European cultures  …..about what… do you usually eat?