ARGUMENTS TO PRESERVE BIODIVERSITY

Question 1

Arguments to Preserve Biodiversity

Answer 1

Can be aesthetic, ecological, economic, ethical and social

Question 2

Aesthetic

Answer 2

Species and habitats are pleasant to look at and provide beauty and inspiration.

Question 3

Ecological

Answer 3

Preserve a healthy ecosystem for life-support service value e.g. stable climate and pollination
Preserve species because some are keystone species, which if removed from the ecosystem can lead to many other species becoming extinct
May contain endemic species that require specific habitats, they must be preserved.
Higher biodiversity = more resilience & stability = continued ecosystem services in future

Question 4

Economical

Answer 4

Species and habitat are direct natural capital, e.g. ecotourism
Unknown value in the potential of the species for agriculture, medicine, genetic diversity and biotechnology.
Species should be preserved to maintain genetic diversity, so that genetic resources will be available in the future for: commercial resources or can help with the imporvment of crops.

Question 5

Ethical

Answer 5

Intrinsic value of a species - all have a right to survive
The idea of good stewardship (looking after the environment) and sustainable development for the good of future generations

Question 6

Social

Answer 6

Many natural ecosystems provide places to live for indigenous people. Loss of these areas would mean loss of these peoples’ homes, source of livelihood, and culture.
In addition, many areas of great biodiversity provide an income for locals, such as tourism and wildlife protection.