Week 6 Wrap Up Biodiversity, Ecosystem Capital (Use & Restoration), Production & Distribution of Food

Wild Species and Biodiversity The Value of Wild Species and Biodiversity Biodiversity and Its Decline Saving Wild Species Protecting Biodiversity Internationally □

The Value of Wild Species Biological wealth Two kinds of value (Instrumental & Intrinsic) Sources for agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, and animal husbandry Sources for medicine Recreational, aesthetic, and scientific value Value for their own sake □

Two Kinds of Value Instrumental: beneficial to humans Sources for agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, and animal husbandry Recreational, aesthetic, and scientific value Sources of medicine Intrinsic: value for its own sake □

Value for Their Own Sake Spiritual: giving divine recognition to selected species Religious: association between wild things and a creator Cultural: animal rights, American Indians □

Acts Protecting Endangered Species Lacey Act: forbids interstate commerce of illegally killed wildlife (Year 1900) Endangered Species Act (1973, 1988): protects endangered and threatened species (Table 6-3 next slide) endangeredTotal endangered U.S. species = 1,049 (449 animals, 600 plants) ThreatenedThreatened U.S. species = 309 (163 animals, 146 plants) □

Strengths or Weaknesses of Endangered Species Act? The need for official recognition Control over commercial exploitation of endangered species Government controls on development in critical habitats Recovery programs Habitat conservation plan (HCP) □

Fig. 6-5 The State of U.S. Species

Causes of Animal Extinctions

International Steps to Protect Biodiversity “Red List of Threatened Species” 16,928 species of plant and animals in 2008 Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Focuses on trade in wildlife and wildlife parts Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) □

Biodiversity Hotspots 60% of the biodiversity is located on just 1.4% of the Earth’s land surface.

Ecosystem Capital: Use and Restoration Ecosystem Capital Conservation, Preservation, Restoration Biomes and Ecosystems Under Pressure Public and Private Lands in the United States □

Services from various types of ecosystems

Conservation Versus Preservation Conservation: managing or regulating use so that it does not exceed the capacity of the species or system to renew itself Preservation: ensure species or ecosystem continuity regardless of their potential utility – often precludes any human usage □

Consumptive Use of Wild Game

Productive Use of Forests

Fig. 7-6 Maximum Sustainable Yield

Tragedy of the Commons

Begins with unregulated access to a resource owned by no one. Examples? Harvest based on largest amount over the shortest period of time No thought given to sustainable harvests Usually ends with no resource for anyone □

Sustainable Forest Management Manage for sustainable outcomes Teach others Protect the health of the forest Recognize and protect unique forest ecosystems Strive to be better forest managers □

Ocean Ecosystems An international commons? 75% of the Earth’s surface

Public and Private Lands in the United States National parks and national wildlife refuges National forests Protecting nonfederal lands Final thoughts □

New Forestry = Ecosystem Management Cut trees less frequently Leave wider buffer zones along waterways Leave dead logs and debris Protect broader landscapes Build no new roads until damage to old ones is addressed □

The Production and Distribution of Food Crops and Animals: Major Patterns of Food Production From Green Revolution to Gene Revolution Food Distribution and Trade Hunger, Malnutrition, and Famine □

Fig U.S. Crop Yields

Major Patterns of Food Production: Past 40 Years and Next 40 Years?

Substituting new genetic varieties Rotating crops Growing many different kinds of crops Recycling animal wastes Grain crops over animal production □

Prospects for Increasing Food Production Over last 30 years, food production has surpassed population growth World food consumption to increase 50% by 2020 Agricultural sustainability is highly dependent on soil and water conservation Global climate changes □

40% Increase in Food Production Needed Over Next Two Decades Eat lower on the food chain, less meat Convert cash crops to food Eat less Increase crop yields Double Green Revolution! □

From Green Revolution to Gene Revolution The promise The problems Policies □

The Objectives of Genomics Disease resistance Drought tolerance Improved nutritional value Incorporate human vaccines □

The Problems with Genomics Environmental concerns Not considered safe by all consumers Not affordable in all countries Major player in the future of agriculture Might keep food production in pace with population growth □

Hunger, Malnutrition, and Famine Nutrition vs. hunger Extent and consequences of hunger Root cause of hunger Famine Hunger hot spots Food aid Closing thoughts on hunger □

Going into Week 7 Objectives/Learning Outcomes: At the end of this week, you will: Understand a Sustainable Future Economics Public Policy Communities Lifestyles Activities and Assignments: Week 7 Reading Week 7 PowerPoints (2, 23) Week 7 Discussion Board Final Project is Due by Friday evening Test #3 is due by Sunday evening. See Activities and Assignments Folder. (will be available Thursday)