This document discusses the biodiversity of the Mediterranean Basin hotspot, noting that it contains over 22,500 endemic plant species, 500 bird species including 25 endemics, 220 mammal species with 25 endemics, 225 reptile species with 80 endemics, 80 amphibian species with 30 endemics, and 220 fish species including 60 endemics. However, the region has faced significant human pressures like deforestation, grazing, fires and development over the last 8,000 years that have threatened its biodiversity, which is at further risk from the rapid population growth of 300 million people in the area.