Microorganisms and invertebrates
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The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) recognises microorganisms and invertebrates as part of biodiversity and demands their protection, conservation and sustainable use within this context. This obligation relates to the genetic diversity within and between species and to the diversity of ecosystems.
The term of "microorganism" as it is understood here encompasses fungi (e.g. mycorrhizae, edible mushrooms), yeast, microalgae, protozoa, bacteria, archaebacteria, mycoplasmas and viruses. An “invertebrate” is any animal without a backbone. Earthworms, nematodes and insects are referred as invertebrates. Invertebrates include a great number of species that perform valuable functions in agroecosystems.
The improved possibilities of detection of genetic resources help to identify, evaluate and document relevant species, their intraspecific diversity and ecological functions. For a survey the new or further development of databases and common standards for the documentation of microorganisms and invertebrates would be necessary.
A national program of measures for the conservation and sustainable use of microorganisms and invertebrates may contain the areas of agricultural activities, where the sustainable use of microorganisms and invertebrates play a fundamental role (indicative list):
- plant health
- plant breeding
- renewable resources
- pollinators
- animal health
- animal nutrition
- human nutrition
- soil