ESS topic 3.3 Conservation and regeneration - new syllabus

Species-based conservation (3.3.2)

Conservation focused on individual species through ex situ strategies. Examples: Panda breeding programs, Seed banks, Captive breeding of whooping cranes

Habitat-based conservation (3.3.2)

Conservation through protecting natural environments and ecosystems. Examples: Serengeti National Park, Danum Valley Conservation Area, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

Ex situ conservation (3.3.2)

Preservation of species outside their natural habitat in zoos, botanic gardens and seed banks. Examples: Chengdu Panda Base, Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Royal Botanic Gardens

In situ conservation (3.3.2)

Conservation of species within their natural habitat through protected areas and reserves. Examples: Yellowstone National Park, Galapagos Islands, Kruger National Park

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (3.3.4)

UN treaty addressing species and habitat conservation, promoting sustainable use of biodiversity. Examples: Protected marine areas, Genetic resource sharing, Conservation strategies

Nagoya Protocol (3.3.4)

CBD agreement promoting fair sharing of genetic resources and traditional knowledge. Examples: Benefit-sharing agreements, Indigenous knowledge protection, Genetic resource access

Wildlife corridors (3.3.6)

Protected pathways connecting habitats allowing animal movement and gene flow. Examples: Jaguar corridor in Costa Rica, Yellowstone to Yukon corridor, European Green Belt

Edge effects (3.3.6)

Environmental changes at habitat boundaries affecting species composition and ecosystem processes. Examples: Forest fragments, Wetland margins, Desert-grassland transitions

UNESCO biosphere reserve (3.3.6)

Protected areas balancing conservation with sustainable human use through zonation. Examples: Yellowstone, Galapagos Islands, Serengeti-Ngorongoro

Rewilding (3.3.7)

Restoration of natural processes and wildlife to degraded ecosystems. Examples: Oostvaardersplassen Netherlands, Yellowstone wolf reintroduction, Hinewai Reserve New Zealand

Planetary boundary (3.3.8)

Environmental limits within which humanity can safely operate. Examples: Climate change, Biodiversity loss, Nitrogen cycle disruption

Traditional indigenous land management (3.2.11)

Sustainable practices developed by indigenous peoples over generations. Examples: Aboriginal fire management, Maasai pastoralism, Native American forest management

Environmental justice (3.2.12)

Fair treatment of all people regarding environmental benefits and burdens. Examples: Equitable park access, Fair resource distribution, Clean air/water access

Planetary boundary "loss of biosphere integrity" (3.2.13)

Critical threshold of biodiversity loss threatening Earth system stability. Examples: Species extinction rates, Ecosystem collapse, Genetic diversity loss

Flagship species (3.3.3)

Charismatic species used to promote conservation awareness and support. Examples: Giant pandas, Tigers, Elephants

Keystone species (3.3.3)

Species with disproportionate effects on ecosystem function relative to abundance. Examples: Sea otters, Wolves, Prairie dogs

Positive feedback loops (3.3.11)

Self-reinforcing cycles enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Examples: Predator-prey relationships, Plant-pollinator interactions, Nutrient cycling

Alternative stable states (3.3.11)

Different self-sustaining ecosystem conditions possible under similar environmental conditions. Examples: Coral/algal reefs, Forest/grassland, Clear/turbid lakes

Ecotourism (3.3.14)

Nature-based tourism promoting conservation and local community benefits. Examples: Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Kenyan wildlife safaris, Galapagos tours