Successes Flashcards
What are the challenges in combating deforestation and funding conservation efforts?
- 154 million hectares converted between 1980-2012 (Gibbs et al., 2010).
- Governance plays a major role; policy changes in Brazil have caused rises and falls in deforestation rates.
- Conservation funding requires $76 billion/year, but less than 10% of this is currently being spent.
- Annual spending on soft drinks, military, and fossil fuels surpasses conservation budgets.
What % of the world’s terrestrial environments are PAs?
17% in 2020
Do protected areas effectively reduce habitat loss?
- Beresford et al., 2013.
- Compared habitat loss in PA and unprotected important bird areas (IBAs) in Africa
- Found PAs sig reduced forest loss, compared to UPAS
- Habitat loss was greatest at the edges of PAs but well-controlled inside
What are the strengths of the EU Birds Directive in conservation?
- Science-basedapproach
- Applies to all bird species, not just endangered ones.
- Enforced as a binding law, even during economic development projects.
- Results show increases in both rare and non-rare species populations since its introduction.
- Represents a large-scale success, which is rare, as conservation is often driven by individuals rather than large governing bodies.
How were key bird species in Mauritius recovered from near extinction?
Species on the Brink:
Kestrel: 4 birds in 1974.
Parakeet: 10 birds in 1980.
Pink pigeon: 10 birds in 1991.
Jones Recovery Project (1979):
- All species increased significantly and are now not endangered!
- But pink pigeons face a long-term risk of extinction due to genetic issues from a small founding population
Outcomes:
Effective conservation methods averted extinction, though some populations remain at risk due to genetic bottlenecks.
What is the Rainforest Alliance, and what does it aim to achieve?
- International, non-profit conservation and development organization.
- Aims to protect biodiversity and livelihoods.
- Focuses on: Land use, business practices, consumer behavior.
- Works across the entire value chain with businesses, governments, and consumers.
- Impacted around 90 nations.
- Mixed results but overall positive impact.
What does the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) do to promote understanding and action on climate issues?
- Simplifies scientific papers for broader accessibility.
- Supports understanding for UK government and policy makers.
- Produces reports, books, and scientific articles.
- Advocates for underrepresented regions at climate negotiations.
- Engages through blogs, social media, and public outreach.
How have efforts to protect mountain gorillas been successful?
- Dian Fossey conducted long-term studies in Rwanda; founded a research center in 1967.
- Created a fund: Anti-poaching patrols; Adjusted park boundaries.
- Managed by local groups, not dominated by external forces.
- Sustainable Ecotourism: Visits cost ~$1,000, funding research, local rangers, and conservation efforts.
Challenges:
- 170 rangers killed in protection efforts.
- Gorilla population remains under 1,000 (2020).
What is the Climate Action 100+ program, and what are its goals?
- A positive, action-driven program focused on climate action.
- Led by passionate individuals committed to conserving wildlife.
- Multiple approaches to effecting conservation.
- Despite challenges, optimistic about success, though overall progress is slow.
Describe how Jane Goodalls work has aided Chimp conservation.
- Revealed chimpanzee tool use & complex social behavior, increasing global interest in their protection.
- Advocated for habitat conservation, leading to greater PA protections for Gombe and beyond.
- Founded TACARE, a community-based program promoting sustainable farming, education, and reforestation.
- Established the Jane Goodall Institute & Roots & Shoots, inspiring global conservation efforts.
- Shifted conservation focus to include local communities, ensuring long-term sustainability.
