The protection of environments at risk at the local or regional scale: needs, measures and outcomes. Flashcards
Definition and examples of ‘environments at risk’?
Definition: Areas under threat from natural or human-induced factors, such as deforestation, pollution, urbanization, or climate change.
Examples: Wetlands, rainforests, coral reefs, and fragile arid regions.
Why do we need to protect environments at risk?
Biodiversity Conservation: To safeguard plant and animal species.
Ecosystem Services: Maintain water cycles, carbon storage, and soil fertility.
Cultural Value: Preserve areas of historical and cultural significance.
Mitigation of Climate Change: Protect carbon sinks like forests and wetlands.
What are the key measures to protect environments at risk?
Legislation and Policies: Protected areas, wildlife conservation laws, and pollution controls.
Community Involvement: Engaging local people in sustainable practices and conservation projects.
Sustainable Development: Promoting renewable energy, eco-tourism, and sustainable agriculture.
Restoration Efforts: Reforestation, wetland restoration, and coral reef regeneration.
Example, measures and outcome of a local-scale initiative?
Example: Mangrove restoration projects in coastal regions to prevent erosion and support fisheries.
Measures: Planting mangrove saplings, creating buffer zones, and involving local communities.
Outcome: Reduced coastal erosion, improved biodiversity, and increased fish stocks.
Example, measures and outcome of a regional-scale initiative?
Example: The Amazon Region Protected Areas Program (ARPA).
Measures: Creation of protected areas, sustainable resource use, and monitoring deforestation.
Outcome: Over 50 million hectares protected, reduced deforestation, and enhanced carbon storage.
How does education support environmental protection?
Awareness Campaigns: Informing people about threats and sustainable practices.
Training Programs: Equipping locals with skills for eco-friendly livelihoods.
Environmental Education: Incorporating conservation topics into school curricula.
What are the outcomes of effective protection measures?
Environmental: Recovery of ecosystems, increased biodiversity, and stabilized climate conditions.
Economic: Growth in eco-tourism, sustainable fisheries, and agriculture.
Social: Improved livelihoods and community well-being.
What are some challenges in protecting environments at risk?
Funding: Limited financial resources for large-scale projects.
Conflicting Interests: Economic development vs. conservation priorities.
Enforcement Issues: Weak implementation of policies and regulations.
Climate Change: Accelerates environmental degradation and increases risk factors.
What role do international agreements play in protection efforts?
Key Agreements: Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement, and Convention on Biological Diversity.
Role: Provide frameworks for global cooperation on climate action and biodiversity conservation.
Impact: Encourage funding, data sharing, and unified action plans.
How does sustainable resource use aid in protection?
Principle: Using resources without depleting or damaging ecosystems.
Examples: Selective logging, agroforestry, and regulated fishing.
Outcome: Long-term availability of resources and reduced environmental stress.
