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,

harvestinghttp://www.costumes.org/store/advertisers/amazon/costumes3/designerredvicttourhat.jpeg

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)http://www.ensisjv.com/Portals/0/biodiversity.jpg

Value of Tropical Rainforests

More than ½ of all species of plants & animals

Carbon Absorption Flood Attenuation Water Cycle

(Transpiration)

http://ridge.icu.ac.jp/gen-ed/biogeog-jpgs/tropical-rainforest.JPG

Vulnerability of Tropical Rainforests

Population Growth Poverty (Subsistence

farmers) Harmful Government

Subsidies Debts to Developed

countries Failure to value

Ecological Services http://www.worldproutassembly.org/images/deforestation_bolivia.jpg

Rate of degradation

PSU study- Brazil’s Rainforest will disappear in 40-50 years

All Tropical forests estimated to lose or degrade in 35-117 years

Can we Reduce Tropical Deforestation?

Sustainable Agriculture & forestry

Sustainable Harvest Debt-for nature

swaps Certifying

Sustainably produced Tropical timber

http://images.wildmadagascar.org/pictures/tana-maroantsetra/deforestation_aerial_0066.jpg

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”

http://www.ih-ra.com/advocacy/issues/org_briefs/unep.gif

UNEP (cont’d)

Global Resource Information Database (GRID)

International Registry of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (IRPTC)

World Conservation and Monitoring Centre - biodiversity assessment

http://www.dw-world.de/image/0,,501364_1,00.jpg

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

http://www.ecopacifico.org/picSystem/logoWWF.gif

WWF (cont’d) – 6 global issues

Climate change Living waters Forests for Life Endangered Seas Species Toxics

http://nail.cc/brain/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/wwf_co2_cloud.jpg

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

http://www.myitablet.com/gallery/files/5/2/5/profile_img1_greenpeace.gif

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

http://www.iphonic.tv/iphone_greenpeace-thumb.jpg

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

http://bpsp-neca.brim.ac.cn/books/actpln_uzbek/0-cover.jpg

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

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