The Value of Ecosystems BIODIVERSITY UNDER THREAT Learning intention: To identify the various uses of ecosystems Be able to distinguish between the economic, environmental and cultural values

How many can you come up with? Uses of an ecosystem

Ecosystem value When talking about the value of ecosystems and biodiversity we are not just talking about financial value, although this does need to be considered Values can be categorised into Direct-use values Indirect-use values

Ecosystem value Direct-use values are those where humans are putting biodiversity to use E.g.

Ecosystem value Indirect-use values include the services that biodiversity provides E.g.

Ecosystem value The role which biodiversity plays can also be broken down into the categories of: Ecological Economic Cultural/aesthetic I would like you to sort the cards into these 3 categories

Ecosystem value Ecological Values Economic Values Cultural Values

Case Study – Coral Reefs Using the hand out I would like you to create a mind map of all the ways which coral reefs are important

Threats to biodiversity BIODIVERSITY UNDER THREAT Learning intention: To understand the threats affecting biodiversity To be able to examine each threat and decide upon its extent

What can you think of? What do you think are the main threats to biodiversity?

WRI Six threats The World Resources Institute has identified six main threats I would like you to rate the six threats suggested by the WRI in order of importance 1= Most important 6= Least important Be prepared to justify your choice

WRI Six Threats Do you think these threats identified by the WRI cover all the threats biodiversity faces? What is missing?

What are the threats to biodiversity? Extinction is a natural event BUT human activity is threatening species and ecosystems on a scale that is unprecedented It is predicted that up to 60 000 plant species could become extinct by 2050 if the current trend continues An increasing global population, rising consumption and economic activity, and globalisation are all playing a part

Threats facing biodiversity What does this show? What is the biggest threat that biodiversity is facing? Is this the same in all regions? How has this changed over time?

Why are these the biggest threats? Using the fish book (pg103-104) and your own knowledge I would like you to create a detailed mind map of the threats facing biodiversity

How to mind map

Food for thought Why worry about a few species becoming extinct when there are millions more waiting to be discovered?