THE IMPORTANCE OF BIODIVERSITY: WHY PROTECTING OUR NATURAL WORLD MATTERS. In 1985, the term biodiversity originated as a contraction of “biological diversity.” In broad terms, it refers to all forms of life on Earth, from microorganisms to rainforests, and how species interact with other organisms. It is the framework that keeps the planet itself – and all life on it – together. Biodiversity is essential. It is critical to the