Biological diversity - the nine million or so species of animal and plant that make up the world's ecosystems - are vital to sustaining human existence, providing us with food, clothing, medicines and much more. But the Earth's life support systems, from its forests, rivers, flowers and ice caps are under ever increasing pressure from human activity and changing climate patterns.

The Living Planet Report, published by WWF, in association with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and the Global Footprint Network in October 2008, warns of an impending "ecological credit crunch". The report found that around 50 countries are now facing water stress and the number of people suffering from year-round or seasonal water shortages is expected to increase as a result of climate change.

The Living Planet Index, compiled by ZSL and released in May 2008, which looked at nearly 5,000 measured populations of 1,686 species shows a decline of almost 30 per cent since 1970.

Dramatic losses in natural heritage are being driven by deforestation and commercial land use, which is affecting terrestrial species and the impact of dams, diversions and climate change on freshwater species. Meanwhile, pollution and over-fishing in marine and coastal environments are affecting sealife.

Four years ago, at the World Summit on Sustainable Development, world leaders agreed that by 2010 they would achieve "a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss at global, regional and national levels as a contribution to poverty alleviation and to the benefit of all life on earth".

Biodiversity is a fundamental part of the Earth's life support system. It supports many basic natural "services" for humans, such as fresh water, fertile soil and clean air and helps pollinate our flowers and crops, clean up waste and grow our food. Human activity is putting such strain on the Earth's ecosystems that their ability to sustain future generations can no longer be taken for granted.

In the UK alone, we have lost over 100 species during the last century, while many more species and habitats are under threat.

The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) published its first full review of its priority species and habitats in 2007, revising its 1994 list to include 1,149 species and 65 habitats as priorities for conservation action. The governments of all four UK administrations have adopted the recommendations. During 2008 a major review was conducted of the UK BAP. The results will determine whether the UK is meeting its 2010 pledge to reduce biodiversity decline.

Looking ahead, the UK Marine and Coastal Access Bill and Marine (Scotland) Bill will be part of the legislative programme for the current sessions of parliament in London and Edinburgh. The proposed Act, designed to protect Britain's marine environment and promote sustainable use of the seas, will apply to the whole of the UK's offshore waters, including areas of continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from the coast.

It includes the provision to create Marine Conservation Zones in offshore waters and the development of a planning system, enabling a more strategic approach to managing human activities in the marine environment.

Rupert Steele, Impact Leader