4.3 Conservation and Biodiversity

ESS 2015

Assessment Statements

• 4.3.1 State the arguments for preserving species and habitats.

• 4.3.2 Compare and contrast the role and activities of intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations in preserving and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity.

• 4.3.3 State and explain the criteria used to design protected areas.

• 4.3.4 Evaluate the success of a named protected area.• 4.3.5 Discuss and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the species-based approach to conservation

4.3.1 State the arguments for preserving species and habitats.

Forests are valuable for: Producing sustainable resources

(timber, food, medicine) Reducing land damage (Soil erosion,

sedimentation, and flooding Maintaining oxygen/carbon dioxide

balance by reducing carbon dioxide therefore reducing global warming

Maintaining biodiversity (habitat complexity, niche availability, and number of species)

Providing freshwater(filtration)

4.3.1 State the arguments for preserving species and habitats.

Biodiversity is valuable for: Ecosystem productivity (ecosystems work

best when diverse) Environmental indicators (help identify

changes in ecosystems) Scientific reasons (Many species

undiscovered) Education (Biodiversity is a wealth of

knowledge) Genetic Diversity (Once a species is lost,

so is its adaptations.) Recreation (Money for local economy) Intrinsic Value Human Rights(Indigenous home)

CONSERVATION STRATEGIES

• Legislation to protect endangered species and conserve habitats (CITES. UNEP, UNESCO)

• Zoos, captive breeding programs and possible release

• Botanic gardens and seed banks• Nature reserves to preserve habitats

and hopefully species

4.3.2 Compare and contrast the role and activities of intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations in preserving and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity.

Non-government organizations are not run by, funded by, or influenced by governments of any country (Greenpeace, World Wildlife Fund for Nature)

Intergovernmental Organizations are bodies established through international agreements to protect the environment and help governments work together on an international scale (United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN))

Comparing organizations that strive to conserve biodiversity.(GO’s vs NGO’s)

• Compare and contrast the role and activities of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), WWF and Greenpeace in preserving and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity.– Use the websites to find the mission statements of each organization

as well as how the organizations operate. – Compare the mission statements. Which are Ecocentric?

Technocentric? Anthropocentric?– Compare in terms of:

• use of the media• speed of response• diplomatic constraints• political influence.

4.3.2 Compare and contrast the role and activities of intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations in preserving and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity.

GOs (UNEP, IUCN): Use of Media- Prepared statements,

international news clips and informative videos

Speed of Response- Fairly slow – many constituents, and legal requirements

Diplomatic constraints- Must consult lawyers for opinions, international disagreements can cause constraints

Political Influence- Great, direct access to governments

Enforceability- Through international agreements and laws.

4.3.2 Compare and contrast the role and activities of intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations in preserving and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity.

IUCN created the World Conservation Strategy in 1980 with the objectives of: Maintain ecological

processes or life support systems

Preserve genetic diversity Ensure sustainable

utilization of species and ecosystems

4.3.2 Compare and contrast the role and activities of intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations in preserving and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity.

NGOs (WWF, Greenpeace): Use of Media- Advertise on TV, video protests, press

packs, leaflets and events Speed of Response- Can be rapid and regular,

independent organizations Diplomatic constraints- work with non-profit outfits,

outside politics – activities may be illegal, often discouraged

Political Influence- No direct influence, but may establish concern

Enforceability- Rely on public pressure

4.3.3 State and explain the criteria used to design protected areas.

Protected Area Criteria: Edge Effects – Edge of protected

area may have different abiotic factors attracting species not found deeper in the reserve.

Size – One Large vs. Several small allows for large populations and biodiversity. Enables protection of large vertebrates/top carnivores. Less edge effects.

Shape – Should be a circle for less edge effects and poaching

Buffer zone – to minimize disturbance.

4.3.3 State and explain the criteria used to design protected areas.

If multiple, should be close together and have corridors to help re-colonize if necessary, allow for movement and migration.

Should not have roads acting as barriers to migration and increase disturbance and edge effects.

However corridors can lead to species breeding outside protected area, invasion of pests or diseases, poachers can easily move about, narrow corridors increase edge effects, corridors can become barriers if protected by fences

4.3.5 Discuss and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the species-based approach to conservation

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – Pros: Does deter trade in these species Cons: Voluntary, and penalties may not

be sufficient

Zoos- Pros: Education, controlled environment,

genetic monitoring, improved reproductive success, higher chance to survive to adulthood, can hold species while habitat restored

Cons: Narrowed gene pool, may be unable to adapt back to the wild, people object to captive animals for profit

4.3.5 Discuss and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the species-based approach to conservation

The species-based approach to conservation involves the conservation of high profile, charismatic species to catch public interest both nationally and internationally. Advantages: saving a named species

means preserving the animal’s habitat and this benefits all other organisms in that habitat.

Disadvantages: it favors charismatic organisms and is less successful in saving small undistinguished species. A species can be preserved in a zoo, while its habitat is not.

Case History-Natural Area

• A. Identify a natural area of biological significance that is threatened by human activities

• B. Identify factors that are causing degradation of the area

• C. Identify the consequences of the destruction of this natural area.