Cultural Diversity

The variety of life on Earth, its biological diversity is generally referred to as biodiversity. The number of species of plants, animals, and microorganisms, the enormous diversity of genes in these species, the different ecosystems on the planet, such as deserts, rainforests and coral reefs are all part of a biologically diverse Earth. Fitting conservation and maintainable development strategies attempt to recognize this as being essential to any approach. Almost all cultures have in some way recognized the importance that nature, and its biological diversity has had upon them and the need to maintain it. Yet, power, greed and politics have affected the risky balance. Greece is the richest country in Europe in relations of its biodiversity, and when it comes to the varieties of its widespread herbs and medicinal plants, on a global scale it is second only to Madagascar. Yet, at the same time, it is last on the list of manufacturers of plants and herbs in Europe and is estimated to import up to 1,400 tons a year for industrial use and consumption. For many decades now Greek agriculture has continued to focus on cash crops including corn, cotton and other supported cultivations, and has failed to use its natural resources. The Greek people felt a cultural identity with one another and they called themselves the Hellenes, because they believed they had a common ancestor Hellen.

Part of Greeces religious beliefs and worship involved local animals taken from their own land. Sacrifice of animals was a normal practice in the temples of ancient Greece. It generally happened at dawn in an altar at the eastern side of the temple. Gods had their preferences, regarding the animal chosen: cows to Hera, pigs to Demeter, dogs

to Hecate, horses to Poseidon. After the animals were killed, part of the animal was burned in the god's honor. Before the construction of marble temples at about the seventh century B.C., people worshiped the gods in the woods, caves or mountaintops. With the construction of these big temples, which were the living place of the gods, their image was placed in the central chamber, called a cella. Though there were no rituals for the image in the temple, it could be taken out in a parade during religious festivals. But not often, gods could share the same temple, which also was a place for sacrifices in their honor. Greece extremely depends on tourism to the temples to keep their culture alive. Of all the architectural designs used by ancient Greeks throughout history, three major systems have withstood the test of time and are today still used. That include the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian styles. Each that has its own state-of-the-art characteristics. These temples have influenced modern day culture and design.

There are environmental issues which would affect the balance of biodiversity being that the rate of biodiversity loss has not been reduced because the 5 principle pressures on biodiversity are determined, even increasing: Habitat loss and degradation, climate change, excessive nutrient load and other forms of pollution, Over-exploitation and unsustainable use and invasive alien species. Extinction risks out way any preservation successes. Amphibians are the most at risk, while corals have had a dramatic increase in risk of extinction in recent years.

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