Topic 3.4

Question 1

types of Justification for biodiversity conservation

Answer 1

• Aesthetic justification
• Ecological justification
• Economic justification
• Ethical justification
• Social justification
• Spiritual justification

Question 2

Environmental Value Systems (EVS) and conservation reasons

Answer 2

• Anthropocentrism: Humans are central, and their needs and well-being take precedence over the environment.
• Ecocentrism: All living organisms and ecosystems have equal value, emphasizing preservation for their intrinsic worth.
• Technocentrism: Technology and human innovation are relied upon to solve environmental problems.

Question 3

Utilitarian and non-utilitarian values of biodiversity

Answer 3

• Utilitarian values of biodiversity refer to its practical and tangible benefits for human well-being, such as food, medicine, and raw materials.
• Non-utilitarian values of biodiversity emphasize its intrinsic worth, cultural significance, and the right of species to exist for their own sake.

Question 4

Roles of Intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in biodiversity conservation

Answer 4

• IGOs, such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), facilitate international cooperation, policy development, and coordination in biodiversity conservation.
• NGOs, like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Greenpeace, play an important role in raising awareness, conducting field projects, lobbying for conservation policies, and implementing on-the-ground initiatives.

Question 5

What are some global agreements and collaborations for biodiversity conservation

Answer 5

• Examples include the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, and the World Heritage Convention.
• These agreements aim to protect specific species, habitats, or ecosystems and promote international cooperation for biodiversity conservation.

Question 6

Keystone species, flagship species, and umbrella species

Answer 6

• Keystone species have a disproportionately large impact on their ecosystems relative to their abundance. Their removal can lead to significant ecological changes.
• Flagship species are charismatic species that are chosen to represent a broader conservation cause, raising public awareness and support.
• Umbrella species are species whose conservation indirectly benefits a wide range of other species sharing the same habitat or ecosystem.

Question 7

Role of CITES in species conservation

Answer 7

CITES is an international agreement regulating the trade of endangered species. It aims to prevent the overexploitation of species by controlling their international trade through permits and restrictions.

Question 8

Role of CITES in species conservation

Answer 8

CITES is an international agreement regulating the trade of endangered species. It aims to prevent the overexploitation of species by controlling their international trade through permits and restrictions.

Question 9

Ex-situ conservation

Answer 9

Ex-situ conservation involves the conservation of species outside their natural habitats. It includes activities such as captive breeding programs and re-introduction programs to restore populations in the wild.

Question 10

Approaches to protecting biodiversity

Answer 10

Approaches include the establishment of protected areas, implementation of sustainable management practices, promotion of sustainable livelihoods, and integration of biodiversity conservation into land-use planning and development.

Question 11

Criteria for designing a protected area

Answer 11

Criteria include:
- Representation of different ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity
- Size
- Involvement of local communities in planning and management.

Question 12

Impact of land use and urban areas near a protected area

Answer 12

• Habitat Fragmentation: Urban development can divide natural habitats, affecting wildlife movement and biodiversity.
• Pollution and Contamination: Urban areas generate pollution that can harm ecosystems and water sources in the protected area.
• Invasive Species: Urban areas can introduce invasive species that disrupt native ecosystems.
• Human Disturbance: Proximity to urban areas can lead to increased human activity, impacting wildlife and causing habitat degradation.
• Resource Extraction and Land Conversion: Urban areas may pressure for resource extraction and land conversion, resulting in habitat loss and biodiversity decline.
• Conservation Opportunities: Urban areas can provide opportunities for conservation initiatives and public awareness.