In times of rapid economical, social, political and environmental change, research on biodiversity has to encompass a wide range of goals and methods if biological sciences want to adequately describe reality and the factors that determine it. One approach to a more holistic view of biodiversity is presented here with examples from our research in the greater Namib Desert region. The article outlines the concepts and some findings of the various types of biodiversity research conducted by the Cologne research group with the goal of furthering cooperation with similar activities in other arid parts of the world.