Local threats to biodiversity

How does tourism threaten ecosystems?

• Construction of facilities and infrastructure (roads) can displace local plants and animals.

• Overcrowding can lead to soil erosion, the trampling of vegetation and disturbances to wildlife.

define ecotourism.

Ecotourism - responsible travel that conserves the environment and improves well being for locals.

Provide an example of ecotourism

• The Napo region in Ecuador has around 10,000 tourists per year, which generates $12 million of the local economy (people employed, local goods purchased).

• Eco tourism is much more profitable than forests cleared for pasture and fields, as exemplified in Pantanal Brazil.

How does urbanisation threaten ecosystems?

• Urbanisation can lead to a demand for roads, residential areas and commercial zones, which can result in deforestation.

• Impermeable surfaces cause increased surface runoff, which can disrupt the natural hydrological patterns.

• Rainforests fragmented into isolated patches can disrupt migration routes leading to a decline in biodiversity.

How does pollution threaten ecosystems?

Improper waste disposal of urban sewage and wastewater can introduce contaminants into nearby water bodies, affecting aquatic ecosystems.

Manaus, Brazil Case Study: 1. Where is Manaus located? 2. When was the Free Trade Zone established and why?

1. Capital city of Amazonas and located near the confluence of Rio Negro and Amaszon rivers

2. Free Trade Zone established in 1967 to promote industrialisation and economic growth in the Amazon region.

Manaus, Brazil Case Study: What did the 1967 Free Trade Zone result in?

• Development of factories 

• Population growth to 2.3 million in 2023 

• Urban expansion into the surrounding rainforest

Manaus, Brazil Case Study: 1. What is the growth rate of Manaus?

• 10% higher growth rate than other cities (economic centre so employment pull factors)

Manaus, Brazil Case Study: What have been some issues with urbanisation in Manaus?

• Population growth led to the construction of shanty towns, such as Monte Horebe, home to 5000 people who cleared the rainforest with chainsaws and fire.

• Poor disposal of waste has caused blocked rivers and caused flooding.

• Currently, some forest fragments near Manaus host up to 50% fewer species of birds and mammals compared to continuous forest monitored since 1979

How does farm expansion threaten biodiversity?

• The number one cause of deforestation in tropical rainforests, accounting for 80% of total clearance  

• Responsible for the release of 340 million tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere annually, 3.4% of global total emissions.

• Primarily cattle ranching to meet the global demand for beef.