Life: Brought to You by Biodiversity. Steve Hounsell Biodiversity Education and Awareness Network

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1 Life: Brought to You by Biodiversity Steve Hounsell Biodiversity Education and Awareness Network

2 Biodiversity the variety of life on earth It includes: Ecosystem diversity; Species diversity; Genetic diversity within species; and The ecological and evolutionary processes that keep them functioning, yet ever evolving. 2

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12 Biodiversity More respect is due to the little things that run the world. E.O. Wilson The Creation An Appeal to Save Life on Earth. 12

13 Species and ecosystems Maintain adequate oxygen in the atmosphere Remove from the air CO2 Filter and purify water Pollinate plants Break down waste Transfer nutrients

14 Ecosystem Services Supporting Services nutrient cycling, soil formation, pollination. Regulating Services local climate, water flow, air and water quality and flood attenuation. Provisioning Services food (agriculture and fisheries), timber, biofuels, etc. Social and Cultural Services outdoor recreation. 14

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16 Regulating Services Too easily forgotten is Gaia s need: we have to leave enough natural ecosystems on land and in the ocean for planetary selfregulation. "The natural world outside of our farms and cities is not there as a decoration but serves to regulate the chemistry and climate of the Earth, and the ecosystems are the organs of Gaia that enable her to maintain our habitable planet. From: James Lovelock (2009) The Vanishing Face of Gaia 16

17 Threats to Biodiversity H Habitat loss I Invasive species P Pollution P Population growth O Over-harvesting C - Climate Change 17 17

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19 In Ontario we use 8.5 hectares per person! Pressures on Ontario s Biodiversity Globally there is only 2.1 ha per person. 19

20 Ontario Biodiversity Council Reports State of Ontario s Biodiversity 2010 Report SOBR - Highlights Report Ontario s Biodiversity Strategy Progress Report Ontario s Ecological Footprint Report See: index.php/reports 20

21 The Conservation Imperative The moral imperative surely the rest of life matters. Enlightened self-interest clean air, water, food, and renewable resources. 21

22 The Intrinsic Value of Biodiversity Each life form and ecosystem has its own intrinsic value, apart from any actual or potential usefulness to people

23 Why do we need Biodiversity? Our strongest arguments for a healthy environment are selfish: we want it for ourselves, not for threatened species.jared Diamond Nature is not a place to visit, it is home..gary Snider Bottom Line: Healthy ecosystems sustain healthy people and a healthy economy 23

24 Biodiversity Challenge To co-exist with nature without contributing to the impairment of ecosystem functions, or the loss of species and the habitats upon which they depend. Can we learn to live within the regenerative and waste assimilation capacities of our ecosystems? 24

25 Biodiversity: A Call for Action At the provincial level, we have a renewed 10 year strategic plan, complete with goals, objectives, actions and targets. See: Ontariobiodiversitycouncil.ca 25

26 What can we do as individuals? Be informed - purchase green, sustainable products. The marketplace will respond to consumer demand. Remember: All the progressive efforts by government and industry will be for naught unless we as consumers take the initiative. 26

27 What can we do as individuals? Purchase local, sustainable farm produce. Conserve energy become an energy miser. Minimize waste reduce, reuse and recycle. Become pesticide free and reduce unneeded use of fertilizers. Always consider the 7 th generation hence. 27

28 Reconnect with Nature Get outside and explore nature. Join a naturalist group. Get involved on issues that are threatening nature be informed and have your voice heard. Plant appropriate native trees and nurture them. Naturalize your lawns and gardens with native species make a haven for local wildlife, including butterflies. Be a steward of your local stream. 28

29 A Sense of Wonder I If I had the influence with the good fairy who is supposed to preside over the christening of all children I should ask that her gift to each child in the world be a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life... Rachel Carson, 1956

30 A Sense of Place The lasting pleasure of contact with the natural world are not reserved for scientists, but are available to anyone who will place themselves under the influence of the earth, sea and sky and their amazing life, Rachel Carson

31 BIODIVERSITY: The Tree of Life If every known species on Earth were a leaf on a tree, the tree would have 1,750,000 leaves. Humans count for just one leaf on the Tree of Life

32 Each part of the Tree of Life is important. A problem with one branch, one twig or even just one leaf may affect the whole tree. Perhaps by climbing the Tree of Life and exploring its branches, we will come to better understand our place within the Tree of Life and our impact on it. Rochelle Strauss, Tree of Life; The Incredible Biodiversity of Life on Earth

33 Life, Brought to You by Biodiversity: A Call for Action Surely the rest of life matters. Surely our stewardship is its only hope. We will be wise to listen carefully to the heart, then act with rational intention and all the tools we can gather to bear. Edward O. Wilson (2002). The Future of Life. 33