ESS - Biodiversity, 3.3

Aesthetic reasons for preserving biodiversity

-Inspiration for human creativity such as art and music

-Joy and pleasure in nature's beauty

ecological reasons for preserving biodiversity

-Effects on stability and resilience of systems; helps to prevent ecosystem collapse

-Loss of keystone species can have knock on effects like trophic cascade

Economic reasons for preserving biodiversity

-Ecotourism brings revenue to local areas, can be reinvested to further protect organisms (eg paying to see national parks)

-Medicines originate from certain organisms can be sold commerically, like the Himalayan Yew

Ethical reasons for preserving biodiversity

-Nature has inherent value—shouldn't have to serve purpose to humans to exists. As the most dominant and intelligent species on the planet, it's our job to protect rest of nature

Social reasons for preserving biodiversity

-Access to green spaces improves mental and physical health—eg birdwatching, climbing

Ex situ habitat management

Outside natural habitat. Eg botanic gardens, zoos, the Convention on International Trade in

Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and seed banks;

In situ management

Inside natural habitat, E.g national parks, reserves and sanctuaries

Why is mixed approach to conserving biodiversity the best?

-Ex situ may involve small population sizes, can lead to inbreeding

-Animals can lose natural behaviours to survive in wild

Whereas in in situ can be difficult and expensive to enforce over wide area against poaching for example; protected areas may become isolated, dividing remaining populations further.

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Case study of Mixed approach to conserving biodiversity

Chengdu Research base in China:

-Partly in situ due to creating panda valley which mimicks pandas natural habitat

-Partially ex situ as it runs breeding programmes to raise panda populations—a flagship species. Visitors pay to see pandas, highlights importance, further investment back in.

-Successfully increased panda populations; global collaboration aided this

Convention on Biological Diversity and Main aims

UN treaty to promote sustainable development and conserving biodiversity. Addresses both species based and habitat based conservation

-conserve biodiversity

-sustainable use of biodiversity components

-fair and equitable share of genetic resources—through Nagoya protocol.

Problems with Convention on Biological Diversity

-Action may be slow as it only gives suggestions conflict with sustainable development goals

Habitat requiring active management

Fiordland wetlands - introduced species like stoat and rats threatened endemic populations and biodiversity. Controlled trapping and poisoning used to manage introduced species.

Ecosanctuary established with pest excluding fences

Healesville Sanctuary — Australia

Located in Victoria, Australia.

Protects native species such as koalas, kangaroos and platypuses.

Uses fencing and pest control to protect wildlife from introduced predators and other threats.

Animals are conserved in a naturalistic habitat, rather than simply being kept in conventional zoo cages.