3.4 Conservation of biodiversity Flashcards
What are some “ethical” reasons for preserving species and habitats?
- Intrinsic - the right to live
- Human rights (indigenous tribes)
- Protect environment for future generations
What are some “aesthetic” reasons for preserving species and habitats?
- Some animals are important to specific cultures (peacock in India)
- Inspiration in art, literature, music…
- Beauty (subjective)
What are some “economic” reasons for preserving species and habitats?
- Many plant species are important in the production of medicine (25% of all medicine used currently is derived from plants)
- Plants can be useful in medical research and development of new medicine
- Provides eco-tourism opportunities (provides employment… can return as much as 95% of earnings into local economy)
- Amazon rainforest is the largest producer of natural rubber in the world
- Carbon sink - reduce the rate of global warming –> Global warming has huge global economic costs, so preserving could help reduce those
What are some “ecological” reasons for preserving species and habitats?
- High diversity leads to stability
- Loss of species diversity can have impact on food chain
- Can provide a more diverse planet for future populations
What are some “social” reasons for preserving species and habitats?
- Loss of natural ecosystem causes loss of peoples homes
- Important cultural aspects
What are some “social” reasons for preserving species and habitats?
- Loss of natural ecosystem causes loss of peoples homes
- Important cultural aspects
What is an “NGO”?
Organisations that are not run nor funded or influenced by governments. Usually not for profit and funded by donations and subscriptions.
What is an “Intergovernmental Organisation”?
Bodies established through international agreements to protect the environment and bring together governments to work together internationally.
What is a “Governmental Organisation”?
Part of or funded by a national government. They carry out research, regulation, monitoring and control activities - can be VERY bureaucratic.
Give an example of an intergovernmental organisation:
UNEP = United Nations Environment Programme
- Branch of the UN founded in 1972
- Compromised of 58 countries
- Works with governments to promote environmentally sound development
- Involved in data collection, providing expertise and monitoring programmes
- Inputs to policies e.g. CITES 1975 and Convention on Biological Diversity 1992
What are some differences between IGO and NGO’s in terms of “use of media”?
IGO = controls media
NGO = gains media attention by using footage of variety of protest activities
What are some differences between IGO and NGO’s in terms of “speed of response”?
IGO = bureaucratic, takes time (different views..)
NGO = often rapid, members usually have the same views hence why the joined the organisation
What are some differences between IGO and NGO’s in terms of “political pressures”?
IGO = decision making is driven by politics rather than the best strategy for conservation
NGO = unaffected by politics
What are some differences between IGO and NGO’s in terms of “enforceability”?
IGO = international agreements and laws can lead to prosecution
NGO = no power to enforce laws, have to persuade the public opinion to influence governments
What is the COP 15 and when did it take place?
Council of parties,
December 2022 governments from around the world met in Montreal, Canada, to set new goals to guide global action through 2030
What are some major threats to biodiversity? (COP 15)
- hunting
- mining
- logging
- climate change
- pollution
- invasive species
What’s happened to our biodiversity? (COP 15)
- 65% of land surface has been significantly altered
- +85% of wetland areas have been lost
- Rapid declines in insect populations globally
What has been agreed at COP 15?
- 30% of land and 30% of oceans will be protected by 2030
- restore 30% of degraded lands
- 23 environmental targets
- Ensure big businesses disclose biodiversity risks
What are common characteristics of successful protected areas?
- All currently partially or completely funded and ran by governments
- Education programs to inform local people
- Attract many visitors (numbers are controlled)
- Management programmers are actively looked after
- Contains high profile animals (bengal tigers.. giant pandas.. black bears..)
What is a “flagship” species?
These are instantly recognisable, charismatic, popular and can capture the imagination of the public.
What is an “umbrella” species?
These are species that if conserved, it leads to the conservation of other species in the habitat.
What is a “Keystone” species?
These are species that are vital for the continuing functioning of the ecosystem. Without them it may collapse. Some species have a bigger impact on their environment than others. They behave like the keystone in an arch, holding it together.
What are the two approaches to conservation?
- Habitat based approach
- Species based approach
What is the difference between habitat-based and species-based conservation approaches?
Species based focuses on a single species, whereas habitat based focuses on protecting the entire ecosystem rather than a single species found within it
What are some strengths of a “species-based” approach?
- Simpler to focus on one species at a time
- Tends to focus on high profile species with high aesthetic value, especially by the media
- Easier to focus on one species for research
- Focuses on genetic and species diversity
- Easier to involve people in identification and protection of attractive species
What are some weaknesses of a “species-based” approach?
- Not ecologically sound - species do not exist in isolation
- Only focuses on endangered attractive species. Media does not work with obscure or aesthetically unappealing species
- Research needs context of the whole environment/ niche
- Ignores community and ecosystem biodiversity
- Led by public opinion not ecological value
