ESS topic 3.3 Conservation and regeneration - new syllabus

Why is biodiveristy preserved?

Aesthetic reasons, Ecological reasons, Economic reasons, Ethical reasons, Social reasons

Economic Reasons for Preserving Biodiversity

• Ecotourism generates revenue and jobs for local economies

• Natural ecosystems provide resources like timber and clean water

• Essential for long-term economic prosperity and resource sustainability

Aesthetic Reasons for Preserving Biodiversity

• Joy from nature's beauty

• Inspiration for art, photography, poetry, and music

• Aesthetic benefits enhance human well-being

Ecological Reasons for Preserving Biodiversity

• Essential for ecological processes like pollination, climate regulation, and soil fertility

• A diverse ecosystem is more stable and resilient

• Keystone species (e.g., bush elephants) help maintain ecosystem balance and increase biodiversity

Social Reasons for Preserving Biodiversity

• Natural spaces promote recreational activities (e.g., birdwatching, hiking)

• Access to nature improves mental and physical health

• Loss of biodiversity can reduce social benefits derived from nature

Ethical Reasons for Preserving Biodiversity

• Species and habitats have intrinsic value

• Moral obligation to prevent loss of biodiversity

• Responsibility to protect organisms for future generations

what is species-based conservation (3.3.2)

Species-based conservation focuses on protecting individual species, especially those that are endangered.

This often involves ex situ strategies. → This means conservation actions are taken outside the natural habitat of the species

what is habitat-based conservation (3.3.2)

Habitat-based conservation focuses on protecting and restoring habitats to support the species that live there.

This is often involves in situ strategies:
This means conservation actions are taken within the natural habitat of the species

Ex situ conservation (3.3.2) + ways its done??

Preservation of species outside their natural habitat in zoos, botanic gardens and seed banks.
Botanic gardens: Botanic gardens are specially designed areas where a wide variety of plants are grown for scientific, educational and ornamental purposes
Zoos: Zoos keep and breed animals in captivity, often focusing on endangered species. They play a role in education, research and breeding programmes to reintroduce species into the wild
Seed banks: Seed banks are places where seeds of different plant species are stored to preserve genetic diversity

Examples: Botanic Gardens

In situ conservation (3.3.2) + ways its done??

Conservation of species within their natural habitat through protected areas and reserves.

National parks:National parks protect large areas of natural habitat, preserving the ecosystems and species within them + also provide opportunities for research, tourism and education

reserves and sanctuaries: Wildlife reserves and sanctuaries are areas set aside for the protection of particular species and their habitats

Examples: Yellowstone National Park → e USA protects a variety of ecosystems and species, including grizzly bears and wolves

What are mixed conservation approaches?

combines species-based and habitat-based strategies

This approach often focuses on flagship or keystone species to justify the conservation of entire ecosystems

Flagship species (3.3.3)

Flagship species are charismatic species that are well-known and popular with the public, such as elephants, pandas or tigers. They can be used as symbols for conservation efforts and can help to raise awareness and support for conservation efforts.

Examples: Giant panda

Keystone species (3.3.3)

Keystone species are species that have a disproportionate effect on the structure and function of their ecosystem. Their removal can cause significant changes in the ecosystem, including the loss of other species

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

Habitat management + 2 ways to do it?

• conservation strategies aim to protect species by preserving and managing their natural environments

• This may involve the protection of wild areas or active management

• These strategies are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring the survival of various species

protection of wild areas involves what? why is it important?

• setting aside land that is left in its natural state

• ensuring this land remains free frm significan human interference

it is important becauyse this helps maintain the habitat necessary for the survival of many species. ecosystems—> function naturally

e.g large areas of amazon rainforest are protected to preserve rich biodiveristy

active management is what and what are the methods?

refers to human intervention to maintain orrestore habitats to a desired condition

methods include: controlled burning (manage grasslands and forests, promoting growth), reforestation (planting trees to restore deforestated areas) and invasive species control

When designing the size and shape(2) what are all the factors considered?

• Shape

• Size

• Edge Effects

• Corridors

• Proximity to potential human infleunce

Wildlife corridors (3.3.6)

Corridors are narrow strips of land that connect otherwise isolated areas of habitat.
They can facilitate the movement of organisms and allow for gene flow between populations.
Corridors can also provide additional habitat and increase the effective size of a protected area .
The effectiveness of corridors depends on their width, length and the surrounding land use

Edge effects (3.3.6)+ impact

• Edge effects refer to the changes that occur at the boundary between two different habitats or land-use types, e.g. at the boundary of a protected area

• Protected areas with high edge-to-area ratios can have negative effects on biodiversity due to increased exposure to human disturbances, invasive species and variable microclimates

• Minimising edge effects can be achieved by creating protected areas with simple shapes or using buffer zones around the edges

How do agricultural, urban and industrial areas effect habitat conservations( reserves) ?

Agricultural land: risk of pollution (e.g. via nutrientrunoff), habitatfragmentation and human-wildlife conflicts

Urban areas: higher risk of human disturbance and spread ofinvasive species, but can provide education and recreational opportunities

Industrial areas: potential pollution and habitat destruction

How does the distance from urban centres effect habitat conservation efforts (reserves)?

Close proximity: easier access for management and public education, but higher human pressure and disturbance

Remote locations: less human disturbance, better preservation of natural states, but harderfor conservation workers to access and manage

UNESCO biosphere reserve (3.3.6)

Protected areas balancing conservation with sustainable human use through zonation. Examples: Yellowstone, Great Barrier Reef.

Rewilding (3.3.7) + 4 ways to do it?

Restoration of natural processes and wildlife to degraded ecosystems. Examples: Yellowstone wolf reintroduction.

• species reintroduction → can help bring balance back to the ecosystem(keystone species, apex predators)

• improving habitat connectivity → This involves connecting fragmented habitats to allow free movement of species; which allows wildlife to roam over larger areas, increasing the resources available

• Stopping agriculutre → allows land previously used for farming to return to its natural state. → can multiple plant breeds flourish and increasing biodiversity

• Limiting human influence → Preventing the harvesting of resources, eg: logging or fishing

examples are: Yellostone park and New Zealand

Planetary boundary (3.3.8)

The biodiversity planetary boundary refers to the limits within which humanity can safely operate to maintain the Earth's biodiversity → also know as biosphere integrity.

planetary boundary aims to?

It aims to highlight where action is needed in order to avoid abrupt and irreversible changes

What impacts do the planetary boundary have?

Protecting biosphere integrity means preventing the loss of species (and therefore genetic diversity) and the loss of ecosystem functioning → this is important as biodiversity loss can have significant negative impacts on human life and the planet's health

How can humans contribute to conservation and ecosystem regeneration to reduce decline in biodiversity?

• individual behaviour (recycle, sustainable consumption)

• collective actions (local conservation projects)

• national measures (wildlife reserves and enforcing laws to prevent poaching)

• international efforts (international treaties such a Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD))