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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.
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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 http://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 http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/growingschools/downloads/yarner.jpg