The course will cover the introduction to main components and levels of biological diversity and its policy processes. The course commences with characteristics of three levels of components of biological diversity: genetic, species and ecosystems diversity. Further different aspects of variability of diversity, like evolutional, geographical and ecological will be explained, and general introduction to biological diversity assessment principles, criteria and methods will be given. Reasons of species extinction in regard of main reasons and results will be studied. This will be followed by an overview of the importance of biological diversity as goods and services for human wellbeing. Biological diversity in agro-ecosystems including sustainable approach to plant protection. Course will be concluded by an overview of main biological diversity policy processes at global, European and Estonian national levels. This includes review of legislative and administrative background, research and monitoring, clearinghouse mechanism and education, different types of modalities, initiatives and partnerships for conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity