Habitat Diversity C.2.1, C.2.1, C.2.7 C.3.2 – C.3.5

Factors that Lead to Loss of Diversity Natural Hazards (volcanoes, drought) Global catastrophic events (ice age, meteor impact Indroduction of non- native & genetically modified species Pollution Hunting, collecting, harvesting

Why should we care about loss of biodiversity? Use Value (Instrumental) Goods & services Ecological services Recreation Scientific information “Use in the future” Non-use value (intrinsic) Existence value Aesthetics Bequest (will be used in the future)

Value of Tropical Rainforests More than ½ of all species of plants & animals Carbon Absorption Flood Attenuation Water Cycle (Transpiration)

Vulnerability of Tropical Rainforests Population Growth Poverty (Subsistence farmers) Harmful Government Subsidies Debts to Developed countries Failure to value Ecological Services

Rate of degradation PSU study- Brazil’s Rainforest will disappear in years All Tropical forests estimated to lose or degrade in years

Can we Reduce Tropical Deforestation? Sustainable Agriculture & forestry Sustainable Harvest Debt-for nature swaps Certifying Sustainably produced Tropical timber

Agencies Preserving Ecosystems United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – governmental organization World Wildlife Fund (WWF) – non- governmental organization Greenpeace - non-governmental organization

UNEP Founded in 1972 after the Stockholm Conference (UN conference on environment) 58 countries Works with governments to promote environmentally sound development “To provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of the future generations”

UNEP (cont’d) Global Resource Information Database (GRID) International Registry of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (IRPTC) World Conservation and Monitoring Centre - biodiversity assessment

WWF Founded in 1961 by wildlife enthusiasts World’s largest private (i.e. non- governmental) international conservation organization Headquarters in Switzerland ~50 offices around the world Promotes awareness of conservation issues and raises money for protection of species and habitats Through research, education, lobbying, campaigns, support of other organizations

WWF (cont’d) – 6 global issues Climate change Living waters Forests for Life Endangered Seas Species Toxics

Greenpeace Founded in 1971 by a small group protesting against nuclear testing in AK NGO 40 countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific Research, education, lobbying, campaigns, peaceful acts of civil disobedience

Greenpeace campaigns to… Stop climate change Protect ancient forests Save the oceans Stop whaling Say no to genetic engineering Stop the nuclear threat Eliminate toxic chemicals Encourage sustainable trade

World Conservation Strategy Proposed by IUCN, UNEP, WWF in 1980 Signed by 30 countries Now referred to as “Caring for the Earth: A Strategy for Sustainable Living” Objectives: Maintain ecological processes and life support systems Preserve genetic diversity Sustainable utilization of species and ecosystems

Desirable Characteristics of Reserves (Protected Areas) Large enough for viable populations (including large carnivores) In one block - not too spread out or fragmented Minimize edge:area ratio (↓ edge effects) Corridors to connect smaller areas Legislation or purchase to protect it Variety of habitat Community support Financial support