The importance of healthy natural environments for the future of human societies For recreation and adventure – we need places for relaxation, and things to challenge all our senses. Potential loss - result in some destructive risk-taking behaviours, increased levels of stress for individuals

For inspiration and creativity provides a stimulus for art, which has both a cultural value, in helping understand our society and economic value. Potential loss - result in boredom and financial loss.

For education - as a medium for learning We need places to learn about nature as we are dependant on nature, and we need places to learn about ourselves. Potential loss – less experience based learning, no learn by doing, limited understanding of nature and self.

For Scientific Values/Studies Allows us to monitor change within our living conditions e.g. salinity, pollution and can provide new drugs or medicines. Potential loss – decrease standards of living as less food production, profit, fall in life expectancy

For Prevention of Greenhouse and Pollution Trees, forests, vegetation consume CO2, filter air and water. Potential loss – decrease quality of life, air and water pollution, loss of homelands for some, increase population pressures on viable land.

For Economic Values including Eco-tourism One of the largest industries in Australia providing jobs and financial gain. Potential loss – loss of jobs, loss of money

For use as a Resource Provides for human needs, e.g clean water, timber, tourism, electricity, minerals Potential loss – polluted waters, less viable agricultural land, decrease in areas where tourism can occur.

For providing areas for Therapy We need areas to take people who have had difficulties dealing with the problems created by our modern society. Potential loss – limited places to rehabilitate troubled members of society.

For the Intrinsic Values of natural areas Every living thing has value, it contributes something to nature, a tree is recycling biomass, providing oxygen, sheltering small animals, building soils etc Potential loss – limited places to appreciate for self worth.

The importance of the Natural Environment for Biodiversity Biodiversity needed to ensure sustainability of our society. Natural environments ensure that biodiversity can be preserved outside of human-made environments which often result in a loss of biodiversity.

The effect of the loss of natural environments on Biodiversity. Increase risk of disease in plants and animals, resulting in less food production. Increases in pest numbers. Over use of area by one species resulting in environmental degradation e.g Cane Toad

Loss of Biodiversity. associated problems. ·Problems arising due to loss of biodiversity. These include: •Destruction and loss of plant and animal diversity. •Soil and river degradation and erosion. •Other associated soil problems – including salinity •Economic problems – damage to farming soils/crops. •Loss of native species – possible extinction. •Health of coastlines & fisheries/water bodies all damaged •Loss of potential medicine