1. Why Conserve Biodiversity?

2. Why Should We Care About Biodiversity?
Intrinsic value:
Definition: value based on existence, regardless of usefulness to humans.
Protecting Biodiversity on this basis is an ethical decision

3. Instrumental value: economic and ecological services (Human Value)
2 Types:
Use Value:
Jobs, Food, Medicines, Pest control, Nutrient recycling
Nonuse Value :
Existence- satisfaction of knowing it exists
Aesthetics- appreciate nature/beauty
Bequest- protect for future generations

4. The Direct Value of Biodiversity
Food Sources
We eat other species!
Must preserve old varieties in case we need them later
Pests can wipe out non resistant crops
Breeders continue to battel disease etc.
Ex: Wheat, rice, and maize(corn) provide 50% of the world food supply!
Natural Products
Medicines, natural fertilizers, pesticides
Palm Oil is used in all types of products, rubber, honey, beeswax etc.

5. The Indirect Value of Biodiversity
Environmental Services
Soil aeration (worms)
Fertilization/pollination
Recycling of matter
Erosion control
Climate regulation
Breakdown of wastes
Scientific/Education
Biological Control Agents
Invasive species/pests
Gene Pools
Potential genetic engineering
Future Potential Uses
New discoveries = new potential uses
Human Health
First antibiotics obtained from fungi
Treatment of cancer
Treatment for Leukemia

6. The Indirect Value of Biodiversity
Human Rights
Indigenous people rely on biodiversity to continue living in their native lands
Recreation
National Parks, skiing, scuba diving, hiking
Also brings in jobs and money
Ecotourism
People rely on wild places for aesthetic interests and spiritual fulfillment
Ethical/intrinsic Value
Each species has a right to exist!

7. Conservation vs Preservation
Conservation Biology
Sustainable use and management of natural resources
Preservation Biology
Attempts to exclude human activity in areas where humans have not yet encroached

8. IGOs, GOs, and NGOs IGOs GOs NGOs
Composed of and answering to a group of member states
Aka: international organizations
Ex: UN
GOs
part of and funded by a national government
Highly bureaucratic
Research, regulation, monitoring and controlling activities
Ex: EPA
NGOs
Not part of government
Not for profit
Can be international or local
Funded by donations
Volunteers
Ex: Greenpeace