copyright 2010 research institute for humanity and nature. all rights reserved. how can we...

Copyright 2010 Research Institute for Humanity and Nature. All Rights Reserved.

How can we sustainably utilize biodiversity?

The Futurability of Biodiversity Chapter 11


Fifty years from now, how will the relationships have changed between human beings and various organisms?

Photo (right): Echigo-Matsunoyama Museum of Natural Science, ‘Kyororo’


Today’s Topics

1. Fundamental ways of thinking about biodiversity problems1. Fundamental ways of thinking about biodiversity problems

2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems

How can we solve various biodiversity problems?How can we solve various biodiversity problems?

What are the key points when we deal with biodiversity problems?What are the key points when we deal with biodiversity problems?


1. Fundamental ways of thinking about biodiversity

What are the key points to consider when dealing with biodiversity problems?

1) Human well-being

2) Global views

3) Cost for solutions


1. Fundamental ways of thinking about biodiversity 1) Human well-being

Ecosystems with high biodiversity bring us a good life.

1) Supply of safe foods

2) Agriculture with low risks of insect pests or diseases

7) Future possibilities for finding new medicines or natural resources

6) Opportunities for sightseeing or recreation

3) Prevention of various disasters

4) Cultural diversity

5) Opportunities for local education



1) Supply of safe foods e.g., oriental stork rice in Toyooka city, Japan

Photo: Toyooka city, Hyogo Prefecture

- Returning oriental storks to the wild means recovery of ecosystems where oriental storks can survive.

- Oriental storks require rice fields with reduced amounts of agricultural chemicals.

Oriental stork rice Oriental stork foraging for food



2) Agriculture with low risks of insect pests or diseases

Parasitic wasp (Braconidae) ovipositing on a leaf beetle (Phratora laticollis)

The relationships between number of parasitic wasps and forest ages

(Maleque et al. 2010)

Number of parasitic wasps varies among various vegetations.



3) Prevention of various disastersPlantation forests consisting of a single species are vulnerable to disasters.

Plantation forest blown down by typhoon (left: Sakhalin fir, right: cedar)

Photo: (left) National institute for Environmental Studies (right) Keizou Hirai (From Chapter 5)



4) Cultural diversity Many organisms are symbolically used in local and/or traditional festivals.

Festivals in Kyoto and organisms

Aoi Festival(corsage)

Asarum caulescens

Cercidiphyllum japonica

Gion Festival(talisman)

Bamboo grass

Fire Festival in Kurama(torch)

Japanese wisteria

Azalea

Cedar

Asarum caulescens

Torch in fire festival



5) Opportunities for local education

- Children learn the local uniqueness through the study of such ecosystems.

Examining plant distribution Presentation about life in the community

- Local ecosystems are useful materials for environmental education of children living there.



Jomon cedar in Yakushima island and people observing the tree

Ecosystems with high and unique biodiversity captivate and attract tourists.

6) Opportunities for sightseeing or recreation



- High biodiversity provides us with a higher possibility of finding useful options in the future.

- Petroleum will be exhausted in the near future.…We will need alternative materials and biofuels.

Primary forest in Lambir Hills National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia

7) Future possibilities for finding new medicines or natural resources


1. Fundamental ways of thinking about biodiversity 2) Global views

Biodiversity problems are international problems.

1) Many animals migrate beyond international borders.1) Many animals migrate beyond international borders.

2) Activities of some countries affect the biodiversity 2) Activities of some countries affect the biodiversity of other countries.of other countries.

4) Sharing the benefits of biodiversity may not be fair 4) Sharing the benefits of biodiversity may not be fair among countries.among countries.

3) It is difficult to achieve a consensus about biodiversity 3) It is difficult to achieve a consensus about biodiversity conservation among countries.conservation among countries.



Some animal species move from one country to another (or others) during their lives.Habitats of some organisms occupy several countries.In such cases, conservation in only one country is not enough for preventing extinction.

Platalea minor Panthera tigris 　Photo: (left) Yasunori Maezawa

1) Many animals migrate beyond international borders.



The more foreign countries import timber or palm oil from Malaysia,the more tropical rainforest disappears.

Forestry roads for logging

2) Activities of some countries affect the biodiversity of other countries.

The more foreign countries import cashmere from Mongolia, the more the goat population increases, resulting in degradation of grasslands.

Huge oil palm plantation



If some countries adopt a production method which emphasizes biodiversity conservation, they may lose the price competition to products made in other countries which do not consider biodiversity conservation.

Biodiversity in paddy field where agrochemicals are reduced.Photo: Yasunori Maezono　　　 Echigo-Matsunoyama Museum of Natural Science, ‘Kyororo’

3) It is difficult to achieve a consensus about biodiversity conservation among countries.



4) Sharing the benefits of biodiversity may not be fair among countries.

Tropical tree Tropical fungus

Developed countries gain profits from new medicines whose resources are taken from the forests of developing countries. The profits should be fairly shared with developing countries which conserve biodiversity of their forests.


1. Fundamental ways of thinking about biodiversity 3) Cost for solutions

Economic estimation for solution of biodiversity problems

The economics of Climate Change (Stern review)- Concerned with climate change’s effects on the economy- Submitted by Dr. Stern to the UK’s Ministry of Finance

Economic loss in the event we take no measures now:5 to 20% of GDP

Cost for measures we

take now:c. 1% of GDP

»Effects of climate change on the economy (agriculture, infrastructures, industry, etc.)(year, based on the total GDP in the world)

As for measures against global warming, early action lessens economic loss.

http://www.uknow.or.jp/be/environment/ 　


1. Fundamental ways of thinking about biodiversity 3) Cost for solutions

TEEB (The Economics of Ecosystems & Biodiversity)

Biodiversity version of Stern review

- Edited by UN special adviser Pavan Sukhdev (Deutsche Bank AG).- Interim report was released at COP9.- Attempted to estimate the cost of degradation of biodiversity.

TEEB’s final report will be released at COP10.

ex. The multiple values of coral reefs:Recreation value US$184 per visit globallyEcological service (protection of coastal areas in many islands of Southeast Asia) US$55 - $1,100 per hectare per year

- Advanced attempts to conserve biodiversity by introducing progressive use of market mechanisms.


Summary 1. Fundamental ways of thinking about biodiversity

Preserving ecosystems whose biodiversity is high brings us

better lives not only monetarily but also spiritually and

culturally.

For solutions to biodiversity problems, international

cooperation is essential.

Interim report of TEEB reveals the vast costs of

degradation of biodiversity. Final report of TEEB will be

released at COP10.


2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems

How can we solve various biodiversity problems?

1) Certification systems

2) Harnessing market mechanisms

3) Establishment of new social institutions

4) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

5) Reconsideration of our ways of thinking

2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems 1) Certification systems

Distinguishing products produced with respect for the sustainable use of biodiversity

Ex.

- Forest certification system (FSC)

- Fair trade certification system (FLO)

- Aquatic products certification system (MSC)

ProblemLabeled products do not sell if customers do not take into account the conservation of biodiversity.

In cases where products are taken or grown using methods which degrade biodiversity as little as possible, they are certified and labeled.

- Oil palm plantation certification system (RSOP)


2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems 2) Harnessing market mechanisms

http://www.foejapan.org/forest/sink/redd_01.html#05

- Creating a financial value for the carbon stored in forests, offering incentives for developing countries to reduce emissions from forested lands and invest in low-carbon paths to sustainable development. - One of the forms of emissions trading, but also plays an important role in the conservation of tropical rainforests.

1) UN-REDD (Program on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries)

Development of a new market which deals with biodiversity



DiscussionMeasure Report Verify (MRV), Benefit sharing, definition of deforestation, Participation of indigenous communities

Pilot Projects: 750,000 hectares of forest in Indonesia’s Aceh province. Objective: Reduce 85% of future reduction (10 million CO2 tons in 30 years)Merrill Lynch (US securities company) declares they will invest US$9 million for 4 years

Concept of REDD

Ca

rbon

em

issi

on

s d

ue

to d

ecr

ea

se o

f for

est

2010 2015

Actual emissions(measured by monitoring)

time

Baseline(estimated by past trends)

Reduced carbon emissions(Developing countries can sell the right to emit CO2)

http://www.foejapan.org/forest/sink/redd_01.html#05



2) No net loss of biodiversity (Biodiversity Offsets)

Development of new market which deals with biodiversity

When a habitat is developed, we try to reduce negative impacts on the habitat by avoidance or minimization. In cases where some ill effects still remain, we compensate for them by conserving alternative habitats.

(Modified Tanaka 1996)

Negative impacts on ecosystem

Avoidance

The order of priority

Remaining impacts

Minimization Remaining impacts

Compensation by alternative habitat

No net lossBiodiversity Offsets



BBOP (Business and Biodiversity Offset Programme)- Partnerships between conservation organizations, governments, companies, financial institutions, etc. supporting biodiversity- Biodiversity offsets of BBOP not only compensate habitats but also improve the quality of habitats, conserve habitats and settle negative impacts thoroughly.

http://bbop.forest-trends.org/guidelines/index.phpc



3) PES (Payment for Ecosystem Services)Development of a new market which deals with biodiversity

- Paying for various ecosystem services (provisioning, regulating, cultural and supporting) .

Mechanisms of PES in Costa Rica

Public or privateinstitutions

Fuel taxProfit from

credit

MOE* Forest agencyFONAFIFO**

Landowners

Payment for ecosystem services

ReforestationForest conservationForest management

Credit

OCIC***Foreign

countries

* the Ministry of the Environment** Fondo Nacional de Financiamiento Forestal*** Oficina Costamicense de Implementacion Conjunta

Modified from http://www.nikkei.co.jp/biod/columns/Original figures by Response Ability, Inc.


2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems3) Establishment of new social institutions

Ex. Environmental TaxCitizens pay environmental tax such as forest tax, carbon tax, headwater conservation tax, etc.…People who receive the benefits of biodiversity should pay the expenses for conservation of biodiversity.

Present social institutions

Convention on Biological Diversity

Establishment of protected areas or protected species

+ new social institutions

Development of social institutions for biodiversity


2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems3) Establishment of new social institutionsExamples of Environmental taxGermany

Environmental tax was introduced from 1999, and tax rate was increased in five steps.- In the case of primary energy, environmental tax was set as a fuel tax.- Electricity tax was newly established as environmental tax. - Biofuels and electricity from renewable energy are tax-free.

Use Taxable fuels Oil-related tax Environmental tax

- Electricity (ct*/kwh) - 2.05

Fuel for a vehicle Gasoline (ct/l) 50.11 15.34

Fuel for a vehicle Diesel (ct/l) 31.70 15.34

Fuel for a vehicle Natural gas (ct/l) 6.00 2.00

Fuel for a vehicle LPG (ct/l) 6.00 2.00

Fuel for heating Diesel (ct/l) 4.09 2.05

Fuel for heating Heavy oil (ct/l) 1.53 0.97

Fuel for heating LPG (ct/kwh) 0.18 0.37

http://www.german-consulate.or.jp/*ct: euro cent


2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems3) Establishment of new social institutions

Examples of Environmental tax

The United KingdomClimate Change Levy (CCL) was introduced from 2001.

Tax rate (/kwh)

LPGGas or coal

Electricity

0.07 pence0.15 pence

0.43 pence

Both countries (UK & Germany) succeeded in reducing consumption of fossil fuels, and environmental taxes concerned with biodiversity conservation are likely to be effective.


2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems4) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Corporations should have a responsibility to conserve social and natural environments for building a sustainable society.

Concept of CSR

http://panasonic.co.jp/csr/environment/case/05.htmlhttp://sfc.jp/english/information/csr_rinen/

Panasonic Corporation - Financial support of the Arctic circle project of WWF- Tree planting at schools in the world (700,000 trees in 2008)

Sumitomo Forestry CO. LTD- Making available an appropriate and stable supply of sustainable forest resources while placing importance on biodiversity- As a business leader instigating growth in the forestry industry, establish a sound model for both preserving and utilizing our forests.

Biodiversity conservation in CSR


2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems5) Reconsideration of our way of thinking

Recognition of the value of biodiversity

Conservation of biodiversity means supporting our well-being.

Biodiversity plays important role for education of feelings.

Photo: (right) Echigo-Matsunoyama Museum of Natural Science, ‘Kyororo’

Children get unique ways of thinking or fertile creativity from mechanisms of organisms or ecosystems.



Ten things to do for the conservation of biodiversity

3. Let children play in the field.

5. Participate in traditional events in your community.

2. Pay attention to nature around you when you walk.

4. Eat foods in season.

For recognizing the value of biodiversity…

1. Count the number of species which are used in your daily life.



6. Choose the products or services of corporations which work on the conservation of biodiversity.

7. Don’t abandon foreign pets.

For sustainable use of biodiversity…

8. Eat various foods as much as possible.

9. Choose crops which are dealt with by fair trade.

10. Don’t take rare species, but take their picture instead.

Ten things to do for conservation of biodiversity


Summary 2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems

As for economic solutions, we should construct new economic

mechanisms which enable us to choose products considering

sustainable uses of biodiversity. Also, a new market which

deals with biodiversity should be developed.

As for social institutions, new ones such as environmental

taxes would be effective for conserving biodiversity.

Biodiversity conservation by CSR should be developed.

We should realize our daily lives are supported by

biodiversity.


Summary of Today’s Topics

1. 1. When we think about biodiversity problems, we should consider When we think about biodiversity problems, we should consider

the following three points: biodiversity supports human well-the following three points: biodiversity supports human well-

being, international corporation is essential for the solution of being, international corporation is essential for the solution of

biodiversity problems, and early solutions lessen economical biodiversity problems, and early solutions lessen economical

losses.losses.

2.2. As for the solution strategies for biodiversity problems, the As for the solution strategies for biodiversity problems, the

following three measures would be effective: economic following three measures would be effective: economic

mechanisms which give incentives for conservation of mechanisms which give incentives for conservation of

biodiversity, new social institutions which regulate utilization of biodiversity, new social institutions which regulate utilization of

biodiversity, and conservation activities by CSR. However, what biodiversity, and conservation activities by CSR. However, what

is most important is our consciousness.is most important is our consciousness.



Exercises

1. Let’s think about concrete methods for solving biodiversity problems.

3. How should we live with biodiversity? Offer your opinion.

2. When a corporation deals with biodiversity conservation as CSR, what are the benefits for that corporation?

Let’s do the exercises below:


Glossary (1/2)

FSCFSC

Forest Stewardship Council. The biggest certification authority of forest products. Non-profit organization established in Canada in 1993. FSC evaluates whether sustainable use is considered or not in forests or forest products. See Chapter 9 for details.

BiofuelBiofuel

Synthesized fuel such as alcohol which is made from organisms. Major materials are crops such as corn, sugar cane, soybeans, etc.

Fair tradeFair trade

Involving trade which supports producers in developing countries by paying fair prices and making sure that workers have good working conditions and fair pay.


Glossary (2/2)

Wasp which oviposits on the bodies of the other kinds of insects. Hatched larvae live on the insects and eat them, and finally kill them. Parasitic wasp plays an important role as predator of insect pests.

Parasitic waspParasitic wasp

MSCMSC

Marine Stewardship Council. This authority certificates fishery interests which use sustainable methods. In the 1990’s, fishing grounds of the walleye pollock in Canadian waters were heavily damaged by excessive fishing. Taking the opportunity, WWF and Unilever established MSC in1997. In 1999, MSC became independent from the two organizations as a non-profit organization.


References

Maleque, M.A., Maeto, K., Makino, S., Goto, H., Tanaka, H., Hasegawa, M. and Miyamoto A. (2010) A chronosequence of understorey parasitic wasp assemblages in secondary broad-leaved forests in a Japanese 'satoyama' landscape. Insect Conservation and Diversity 3:143-151. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-4598.2010.00087.x

Tanaka A. (1996)The role of mitigation in EIA Systems-Comparison of Japanese and American Experiences-IAIA’96 Conference Proceedings 1:153-158

Maleque, M.A., Maeto, K., Makino, S., Goto, H., Tanaka, H., Hasegawa, M. and Miyamoto A. (2010) A chronosequence of understorey parasitic wasp assemblages in secondary broad-leaved forests in a Japanese 'satoyama' landscape. Insect Conservation and Diversity 3:143-151. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-4598.2010.00087.x

Tanaka A. (1996)The role of mitigation in EIA Systems-Comparison of Japanese and American Experiences-IAIA’96 Conference Proceedings 1:153-158


Cited Websites

Business and Biodiversity Offset Programmehttp://bbop.forest-trends.org/guidelines/index.phpc

Deustches Generalkonsulat Osaka-Kobe, Japanhttp://www.german-consulate.or.jp/

FoE Japanhttp://www.foejapan.org/forest/sink/redd_01.html#05

Nikkei Inc.http://www.nikkei.co.jp/biod/columns/

Panasonic Corporatehttp://panasonic.co.jp/csr/environment/case/05.html

Sumitomo CO. LTD.http://sfc.jp/english/information/csr_rinen/

The British Embassyhttp://www.uknow.or.jp/be/environment/

Business and Biodiversity Offset Programmehttp://bbop.forest-trends.org/guidelines/index.phpc

Deustches Generalkonsulat Osaka-Kobe, Japanhttp://www.german-consulate.or.jp/

FoE Japanhttp://www.foejapan.org/forest/sink/redd_01.html#05

Nikkei Inc.http://www.nikkei.co.jp/biod/columns/

Panasonic Corporatehttp://panasonic.co.jp/csr/environment/case/05.html

Sumitomo CO. LTD.http://sfc.jp/english/information/csr_rinen/

The British Embassyhttp://www.uknow.or.jp/be/environment/


Authors & Credits

The Futurability of Biodiversity Chapter 11

　　　 How can we sustainably utilize biodiversity?

　　　　　　　　　　　　

Authors

Application software

Illustration & design

Photos

Tohru NakashizukaMasahiro IchikawaStewart Wachs

Microsoft PowerPoint®

Be4°TECH

Biodiversity PhotosEchigo-Matsunoyama Museum of Natural Science, ‘Kyororo’Hiromitsu SamejimaKeizo HiraiMasahiro IchikawaNational Institute for Environmental StudiesRyo TsujinoToyooka city, Hyogo prefectureYasunori Maezono

Kaoru MaetoMasahiro Aiba

Tohru NakashizukaWataru Fujita

Aya HatadaSatoshi YamashitaMartin Piddington

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