Lydia Wright

GCU 114

November 12, 2017

Diversity

The term diversity indicates the presence of a variety of differences between living things. This

concept can be related to biodiversity and cultural diversity, which can directly influence the balance of

the other. Biodiversity indicates the differences between living things down to their genetics, whilst

cultural diversity indicates the ways in which peoples values, morals, traditions, and ways of life differ.

With a decline in biodiversity throughout all countries of the globe due to environmental degradation, a

loss of cultural diversity follows. Meaning, a loss of natural habitats, globalization, industrialization, and

interconnectedness causes the ancient belief systems and languages of diverse peoples must adapt to

the new world, leaving behind their unique culture. In this case, it is important to encourage cultural

diversity, to maintain the variety of characteristics throughout the world. It is a governing bodys duty to

be actively involved in protecting cultural diversity, as much as it has a responsibility to protect the

natural habitats of its borders.

We can see the positive strides made by countries throughout the world working to protect

cultural diversity. Australias extensive diversity which includes 270 ancestries and 400 languages. The

Australian Bureau of Statistics states that, Australia remains a socially stable country, not despite

cultural diversity, but because of the acceptance of it and the firm belief that diversity is one of the

countrys enduring strengths (2010). The Australian government and citizens participate in many

programs which foster growth and recognition for the many culturally diverse peoples. For example, the

Diverse Australia Program provides grants and funding to promote acceptance and understanding for all

backgrounds, along with celebrating community togetherness. Not only this, but the Australian
government works to accept and include refugees and migrants into the country with ease. This includes

the Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy which provides settlement assistance and services.

The government also goes as far as assisting these peoples through language barriers and grant

programs. Through the many programs and initiative in Australia, the governments participation is

essential to the preservation of cultural diversity.

This acknowledgement and acceptance of cultural diversity can be found across the globe from

Australia, in the Eastern European country of Poland. The government of Poland has begun work at the

national level to protect cultural diversity through the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. In a

report written by this organization, the author state that the MKiDN works to improve the museums and

other centers of learning for different cultures. Not only this, but the country participates in countless

cultural festivals which promote the celebration of diversity through community involvement (2017).

Despite Polands less-culturally-diverse population as compared to Australia, the country consciously

makes efforts to acknowledge and accept the people who call Poland home, along with its neighbors

around the globe.

Many people believe that the government should not provide legislation and/or funding for

preserving cultural diversity. For these people, the subject of cultural diversity is the responsibility of the

community alone, and needs to national attention or effort. However, this closed-off mindset harbors

violence and a lack of acceptance throughout the world. With the governments policies, funding

programs, and legislation come direct physical involvement in the preservation of peoples and cultures.

Like biodiversity, the preservation of ecosystems and living things cannot be a purely communal act, but

a nation-wide initiative with strong funding and purpose. With the loss of diversity across the globe,

governing bodies much take a firm position on preserving the differences which make out world unique.
 References

http://en.unesco.org/creativity/monitoring-reporting/periodic-reports/available-reports-8

http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/1301.0Feature+Article32009%E2%80%9310