3.4_Conservation_of_biodiversity_IB-_ESS_23-24

3.4 Conservation of Biodiversity

Related Topics

• Unit 1.1

• Unit 1.4

• Unit 2.2

• Unit 3

Objectives

• Learn the different criteria in order to design and manage effective conservation areas.

• Understand and evaluate various approaches to protecting biodiversity in ecological frameworks.

Page 2: Contents

• Significant Ideas, Applications and Skills

  • The crucial value of biodiversity and its role in maintaining ecosystem integrity.

  • Distinction between conservation and preservation to clarify rights and responsibilities.

  • Overview of international conventions aimed at biodiversity protection.

  • Diverse approaches to conservation, including challenges and opportunities inherent in each.

Page 3: Significant Ideas, Applications and Skills

Significant Ideas

• The declining levels of biodiversity drive urgent conservation efforts, emphasizing the interconnectedness of species and ecosystems.

• Arguments for conservation are grounded in various environmental value systems, which influence public perception and policy formulation.

• Multiple approaches to biodiversity conservation exist, each characterized by unique strengths and limitations; understanding these is key to effective environmental management.

Applications and Skills

• Define and explain the criteria for designing and managing protected areas, ensuring biodiversity is cultivated and sustained.

• Evaluate the success and ecological health of a specific protected area, considering both ecological outcomes and socio-economic impacts.

• Assess and compare different approaches to biodiversity protection, identifying best practices and areas for improvement.

Page 4: The Value of Biodiversity

Understanding the intrinsic and extrinsic benefits offered by biodiversity, including its role in ecosystem functioning and human welfare.

Page 5: Questions about Species

• Do humans fundamentally need other species? Explore interdependencies in ecosystems and the role of biodiversity in human survival.

• Are other species merely existing for human use, or do they hold intrinsic value?

• Do all species have an inherent right to exist, and how does this influence conservation ethics?

• Should the rights of certain species take precedence over others? Examine species hierarchies in the context of ecological importance and human interests.

Page 6: Arguments for Preserving Biodiversity

• The quantifiable value of biodiversity is complex, combining economic worth (e.g., livestock vs. pollinators) with ecological and cultural significance.

• Environmental Value Systems (EVS) greatly influence how biodiversity preservation is viewed and prioritized across different societies.

Page 7: Importance of Conserving Biodiversity

Direct Values

• Food Sources:

  • The pivotal role of various plants and animals as direct food sources for humans.

  • The significance of genetic diversity in crops, which enhances resilience to diseases, pests, and environmental changes, ensuring food security.

• Natural Products:

  • Derived from natural resources, key pharmaceuticals, agricultural inputs, and other essential products like oils, fibers, and cosmetics are all dependent on biodiversity.

Indirect Values

• Ecosystem Services:

  • Vital services provided by ecosystems, including nutrient cycling, pollination, carbon capture, and oxygen production, all of which sustain human life.

  • Water regulation and climate stabilization contribute to both environmental health and human welfare.

• Scientific and Educational Value:

  • Recognizing the importance of conserving species and habitats for long-term environmental stability and research understanding.

Additional Indirect Values

• Biological Control Agents: Pest control provided by various species, reducing reliance on harmful chemicals in agriculture.

• Genetic Pool: The conservation of genetic diversity is crucial for adaptation and survival in changing environmental conditions.

• Future Potential Uses: Biodiversity can serve as indicators for environmental health and future developments in medicine and technology.

• Human Health: Nature-derived antibiotics and remedies highlight the essential connections between biodiversity and healthcare.

More Indirect Values

• Human Rights: Many indigenous communities depend on local biodiversity for their cultural identity and survival.

• Recreation: Biodiversity enhances tourism and provides aesthetic experiences, contributing to local economies.

• Intrinsic Ethical Value and Bio-Rights: Every species possesses an inherent right to exist, which influences conservation ethics and policy decisions.

Page 11: Conservation vs Preservation

Understanding the philosophical and practical differences between conservation (sustainable management with human interaction) and preservation (protection free from human impact) is essential for effective environmental stewardship.

Page 12: Definitions and Values

• Conservation: Sustainable management strategies aimed at optimizing ecosystem health while allowing reasonable human interaction.

• Preservation: Strategies focused on protecting ecosystems from human influence to maintain their natural state.

Page 13: Preservation vs Conservation in U.S. National Parks

• It is crucial to adopt regenerative and protective strategies in national parks to ensure ecosystem health and biodiversity.

Page 14: Preserving Biodiversity in Different Ecosystems

• Certain ecosystems, such as forests with high biodiversity, are often prioritized for preservation due to their ecological significance; however, other ecosystems like tundra and deserts also require equal attention.

Page 15: Aesthetic and Ecological Reasons for Preservation

• The aesthetic value of preserving natural beauty is significant (e.g., iconic species like pandas or pristine virgin forests).

• Conservation efforts must also focus on safeguarding specific habitats for the survival of endemic and endangered species.

• Example: The removal of apex predators like lobsters in North America has led to significant food chain imbalances, showcasing ecological interdependencies.

Page 16: Economic, Ethical, and Social Reasons for Preservation

Economic Reasons

• Sustainable practices in conservation can provide ongoing income through ecotourism and wildlife conservation zones.

Ethical Reasons

• Protecting diverse ecosystems ensures resources are available for future generations, with ecocentric philosophies advocating for the interests of all life.

Social Reasons

• Conservation of vital ecosystems is critical for indigenous populations, maintaining their culture, survival, and identity.

Page 17: Advocacy for Indigenous Populations - Case Study Example

• A detailed discussion on the Senegalese community, exploring case studies that illustrate conservation challenges and successes related to indigenous rights and biodiversity management.

Page 18: Organizations in Conservation

Types of Organizations

• Governmental Organizations (GOs): Funded by national governments; focus on regulatory frameworks and monitoring wildlife populations.

• Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs): Composed of multiple member countries; aim to tackle international conservation issues collaboratively (e.g., UN, IPCC).

• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Independent bodies that work on various environmental advocacy and conservation projects while remaining funded by private donations.

Page 19: Comparison of Organizations

• Media Interaction: GOs/IGOs typically utilize formal media channels, while NGOs may adopt activism and protest strategies.

• Speed of Response: GOs/IGOs generally experience slower response times due to bureaucratic nature; NGOs can often react swiftly.

• Political Influence: GOs/IGOs face substantial political pressure that can affect decision-making, while NGOs frequently operate independently from government influences.

Page 20: Public Image and Legislation

Characteristics

• GOs/IGOs maintain a professional image, while NGOs may use more radical methods to draw attention to issues.

• Legislative powers of GOs/IGOs can enforce protective measures, whereas NGOs often play an oversight role, ensuring accountability.

Page 21: Funding and Monitoring

• GOs and IGOs receive public funding from government budgets; NGOs rely heavily on private donations and grants.

• Both types of organizations actively monitor conservation trends, reporting successes and challenges at global and local levels.

Page 22: Effectiveness Comparison of GOs and NGOs

Comparison Table

Page 24: Notable NGOs

• Greenpeace: A key player in environmental activism focusing on global issues.

• Planet Indonesia: An organization dedicated to ecosystem preservation and community engagement in Indonesia.

Page 27: International Conventions

Timeline of Significant Conventions

• 1948: Creation of the UN and IUCN to address international environmental issues.

• 1973: Formation of CITES to regulate international trade of endangered species.

• 1992: Adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) aimed at conserving biodiversity and sustainable use of its components.

Page 29: Important Measures and Results from IUCN

• Red List (1966): A critical assessment tool for identifying the conservation status of species globally.

• World Conservation Strategy (WCS) (1980): Detailed objectives for global conservation efforts, addressing ecosystem decline.

Page 30: Key Definitions

• Edge Effect: Refers to environmental changes occurring at the boundaries of reserves, often leading to biodiversity loss.

• IUCN: Focused on advocating for biodiversity considerations in global climate issues.

• WCS: A framework prioritizing ecosystem protection and restoration efforts.

• CITES: Functions to regulate international trade to safeguard endangered species.

Page 31: In Situ vs. Ex Situ Conservation

• In Situ Conservation: Practicing conservation within natural habitats (e.g., protecting panda habitats amid habitat destruction).

• Ex Situ Conservation: Involves preserving species outside their natural habitats, exemplified through captive breeding programs in zoos.

Page 32: Heart of Borneo Project

• A significant initiative aimed at connecting tropical rainforests to facilitate species migration and maintain overall biodiversity integrity.

Page 33: Edge Effects

• The conditions at the edges of conservation zones can reduce biodiversity through increased competition, habitat alteration, and human encroachment.

Page 36: Corridors

• Biological corridors serve as vital links between reserves, promoting species movement and genetic diversity; however, they must be carefully planned to mitigate challenges associated with human development.

Page 39: Corridor Disadvantages

• While beneficial, corridors can also lead to issues such as increased competition from invasive species and higher risks of poaching.

Page 41: Buffer Zones

• These zones surrounding conservation areas act to soften human impacts and are essential for the effective management of protected zones.

Page 42: Case Study - Malaysian Borneo

• Examines the socio-economic impacts of conservation initiatives on local communities in Sabah, identifying challenges and outlining solutions.

Page 44: Approaches to Conservation

Diving into diverse methodologies aimed at achieving effective conservation outcomes.

Page 45: Definitions

• Extinction: Refers to the complete and irreversible loss of a species.

• Keystone Species: Species whose importance to the ecosystem structure and function is disproportionately large relative to its abundance.

• Flagship Species: Charismatic vertebrates or species that garner public interest and support for conservation efforts.

Page 46: CITES

• The 1973 Convention regulates international trade in endangered species, systematically classifying them into three appendices based on their threat levels and trade restrictions.

Page 47: CITES Operational Details

• Participation in CITES is voluntary, yet signatory countries are obligated to implement trade controls on listed species actively.

Page 49: Protection Levels Under CITES

• Detailed protection protocols are stipulated across three appendices, with varying levels of trade regulation relative to species risk levels.

Page 50: Species-Based Conservation Example

• Highlights the complexities faced by conservationists in captive breeding initiatives and repopulation strategies, illustrating the delicate balance of ecological management.

Page 51: Botanical Gardens and Seed Banks

• Vital centers for conservation efforts, focusing on education, research, and the maintenance of genetic diversity among plant species in controlled environments.

Page 53: Importance of Keystone Species

• Keystone species play an essential role in maintaining the structure and stability of ecosystems; their removal can lead to dramatic changes in community dynamics.

Page 56: Captive Breeding Concerns

• Practices in modern zoos are evolving rapidly to promote enhanced species survival, population management, and ethical treatment of animals in captivity.

Page 59: Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare in Zoos

• Fundamental principles guiding the care and welfare of animals in captivity include access to nutritious food, adequate shelter, necessary health care, social interactions, and space for natural behaviors.

Page 60: Flagship Species Impact on Conservation

• Promoting charismatic species can significantly raise public awareness and funding for conservation initiatives while fostering a connection between the public and ecological preservation efforts.

Page 61: Habitat-Based Conservation Approaches

Protected Area Design Criteria

• Key factors include:

  • Size: Larger areas are generally more effective for sustaining biodiversity.

  • Shape: Rounder designs are preferable to mitigate edge effects.

  • Edge Effect: Understanding environmental changes at the boundaries of protected areas is crucial for ecosystem management.

Page 62: Biological Corridors

• Connective landscapes that facilitate migration, enhance genetic exchange among populations, and reduce human-wildlife conflict are essential for long-term conservation success.

Page 63: SLOSS Debate (Single Large or Several Small)

• A nuanced discussion weighing the pros and cons of single large reserves versus multiple smaller reserves in promoting biodiversity preservation and resilience to disasters.

Page 66: Conclusion

Significant Ideas Recap

• The impact of biodiversity loss propels conservation initiatives forward.

• Environmental value systems significantly shape the narratives surrounding conservation efforts.

• A multitude of diverse approaches to biodiversity conservation exists, each with distinct advantages and challenges.

Applications and Skills Recap

• The criteria for designing and effectively managing protected areas have been explained in detail.

• Evaluations of success in specific protected areas have been performed to assess effectiveness and impact.

• Various approaches to biodiversity protection have been assessed, providing a comprehensive understanding of the current state of conservation efforts.