4.3 Conservation of biodiversity

Arguments for preserving species Indirect Ethical Aesthetic Genetic Resources Life Support/ecosystem support functions Direct Commercial

Ethical Has intrinsic (essential) value Right to exist Human have stewardship over the Earth

Aesthetic (Visual) Recreation Spiritual Educational

Genetic Resource Diversity of gene pool Ensures future variety of life Needed for stable ecosystems (disease/natural selection)

Life Support Nutrient cycling Water Purification Pollination CO 2 Removal Flood Control

Commercial Food, Industry, lumber, rubber, oil… Medicines ($100 billion/year) Ecotourism

Environmental Organizations Intergovernmental – Agreements between nations – Treaties Non-governmental

UNEP United Nations Environmental Program Intergovernmental group Provide leadership and partnerships worldwide

WWF World Wildlife Fund Independent conservation organization Draw attention to major issues and influence policy and decision making 252 million dollars in 1995 NGO

Greenpeace Independent campaigning organization Non-violent, creative, confrontation Draw attention through issues by “bearing witness” NGO

IUCN The International Union for Conservation of Nature is an international organization made up of both intergovernmental and non- governmental organizations dedicated to finding “pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges”.

Wildlife Corridors An area of habitat connecting wildlife populations separated by human activities of structures CJvn__N5c CJvn__N5c

Criteria used to Design protected areas Size: – How large should area be? – One large or many small areas? – How many individuals must be protected? – Reduce Edge Effect Shape: What is the best shape? Proximity: How close together? Corridors: Reserves Joined or separated?

Wildlife Reserves Design

Key Terms Ecotone- where two habitats meet near a boundary Edge effect- occurs at ecotones because more species are present from the two habitats (increased resources)

Ecotone (marsh/mangrove) Edge Effect: More Species Can Be found here at the ecotone.

CITES Conservation of International trade in endangered species (CITES) Reduced trade in endangered species – Appendix I: cannot be traded threatened with extinction – Appendix II: can be traded but with strict regulation – Appendix III: Included at request of country to help regulate illegal exploitation

Species based approach to conservation StrengthsWeaknesses Focus on 1 at a timeSpecies do not exist in isolation Media- High profile species captures attention Media doesn’t like unglamorous organisms More researchResearch needs the context of whole environment Focus on species diversityIgnores community and ecosystem biodiversity Breeding, reintroduction, zoo programsDoesn’t ensure protection of habitat Only need key speciesHow do you decide on key species?