Ecosystems & biodiversity Shireen, shannon & adele

Protection of ecosytems & biodiversity Establishment of reserve systems: Land (or waters) set aside for protection from any development or disturbances Legislation provides a legal framework to ensure the protection of the land (or waters) Made so that land (or waters) with rich biodiversity can be protected E.g. National parks, reserves, etc. Yosemite National Park, US

Protection of ecosytems & biodiversity Restrictions on hunting Hunting restrictions may still give hunters the opportunity to kill species which threaten the ecosystems (e.g. pests), but not those who are endangered These restrictions also give opportunity for reproduction to sustain species E.g. restricting the number of animals allowed to be hunted, open and closed seasons (often closed during their breeding season), banning of hunting for specific species

Protection of ecosytems & biodiversity Development restrictions Stops humans from destroying important ecosystems and areas of rich biodiversity The amount of development in an area with a fragile ecosystem may be restricted or prohibited all together Logging restrictions ensure than ecosystems are protected E.g. Endangered species act, land clearing rules, requiring EPA for approval of certain plans

conservation of ecosytems & biodiversity “Restoring” ecosystems Rehabilitation work Weed and pest control Erosion control Replanting Fences Introduction of pollinators Fire

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS ON BIODIVERSITY IUCN – World Conservation Union 1. Maintaining ecological processes 2. Preserving genetic diversity 3. Using species and ecosystems in a sustainable fashion - Established World Conservation Strategy (WCS); with UNEP and WWF (combined NGO/GO) - Each country prepare own national strategy  - This developing plan – conservation of natural resources (for humans; anthropocentric)

The role of countries i. Countries are divided in what they do, but can be fair because tailored specifically to country’s ability and relative contribution, tailored to what a country can/can’t do. - Takes into account LEDCs, MEDCs and their respective effects towards biodiversity - They have to act differently in accordance to their country’s situation

Anthropocentric conservation ii. Anthropocentric; conservation leads to long-term human welfare benefit – incentive FUNDAMENTAL ISSUE; STEWARDSHIP - Emphasis; importance on making the users of natural resources their guardians i. Ties into religion; Aboriginal people as well ii. Needs support/understanding of local community (they are the people that control the management of natural resources) iii. Incentive; benefits of sharing resources sustainably in a population

COMPARISON OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS COMPARISON OF THE STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF GOs AND NGOs   GOs (e.g. UNEP) NGOs (e.g. WWF, Greenpeace) Use of media Professional media liaison officers prepare statements. International news clips and informative videos released. Advertise on popular channels, using footage of own protest activities. Leaflets and events such as “Earth Hour”. Produce press packs. Speed of response Fairly slow – many countries are involved in reaching a consensus. -Must meet legal requirements in many countries. Can be rapid and regular. Organisations are independent and can make own decisions.

Continued GOs (e.g. UNEP) NGOs (e.g. WWF, Greenpeace) Diplomatic constraints Cannot give opinion without consulting lawyers and other countries because they represent many nations. International disagreements can cause serious constraints. Relationships are with international non-profit-making companies and generally unaffected by politics. Activities may be illegal although this is generally discouraged. Political influence Great - direct access to the governments of many countries. No direct political influence but Green politics may establish environmental concerns as part of the political process.

Continued GOs (e.g. UNEP) NGOs (e.g. WWF, Greenpeace) Enforceability Through international agreements and laws (e.g. UNEP can pass laws within Europe to address environmental issues). Rely on public pressure rather than legal power to influence governments; no power to enforce laws.