SOLUTIONS TO BIODIVERSITY CRISIS (W 11new text):

Transcription

1 SOLUTIONS TO BIODIVERSITY CRISIS (W 11new text): Passenger Pigeon (p ) Conservation Biology (p ) National and International Law: Endangered Species Act, CITES, CBD (p Captive Breeding, Reintroduction, Cloning (p ) Forensics (p ) Umbrella Species, Parks and Protected Areas (p. 307) Economic Strategies, Restoration, Community- Based Conservation (p )

2 Solutions (End of passenger pigeon reading) -Passenger pigeon extinct in Was most common bird, but ate, feathers for pillows, bones for fertilizer, hunting was big business. -Premature extinction due to humans. -Decrease biodiversity as increase population/resource use/land disturbance, -Protect species, better yet, sustain whole ecosystems. -Your solution- help with laws (future EEA?), support sustainable development (solar homes/buildings, straw bale)

3 Why Care? -Utilitarian reasons: food, medicine, ecological services (worth ~36 trillion /year ~= to gross world product), information (genetics), recreation. -Nonutilitarian reasons: existence (value in knowing that exists, even if never see it), aesthetic, bequest (pay to protect natural capital for use by future generations) -Your solutions: buy organic food, shade grown free trade coffee, bequest to non-profit.

4 Conservation Biology -Scientific discipline examining and researching the loss and degradation of species and looking to protect and restore biodiversity -Goal-oriented science -Work at various levels: evolution, extinction, field data, theory, experiments, design, test, implement, mitigate, genetics, species, ecosystems -Your solution- become a conservation biologist, help with laws, support sustainability

5 National Laws: -ESA of with some exceptions, cannot import or trade products made from endangered or threatened species. ID s and lists E and T species. Problems: not protecting enough critical habitat, low fines, not prosecuted. -Your solutions: Be involved in jobs or organizations who work to protect.

6 International Treaties: -CITES= 152 countries have signed CITES (cannot trade some species; monitor and regulate trade) but problems with enforcement fining, exemptions. -CBD= has been ratified by 172 countries (not the U.S.) to reverse the decline of biological diversity through protection/conservation/ restoration/sustainable practices. -Your Solutions: Practice sustainable living daily, promote active CPR.

7 Captive Breeding, Reintroduction, Cloning -Zoos, botanical gardens -Breed, raise, and reintroduce to wild (i.e., California Condor and lead poisoning, gray wolf and Yellowstone, Siberian Tiger and China) -Cloning is not a good response to biodiversity loss -Your solution- help to protect wild habitat, support sustainability

8 Forensics -Analyzing DNA, tusks to detect illegal origin (trade, poaching, smuggling); to enhance enforcement of laws protecting wildlife -Read The Science Behind the Stories (p ) -Your solution- help with government response to illegal activities by writing letters, calling authorities, ing; join an environmental non-profit organization

9 Umbrella Species, Parks and Protected Areas -Protect habitat and conserve communities and ecosystems, landscapes (use umbrella-flagship- species to protect other species- often large, roam long distances) -decrease fragmentation, degradation, or destruction -Your solution- help set aside large areas of land, help write an endangered ecosystem/communities act (not just ESA); join an environmental advocacy organization

10 Economic Strategies, Restoration, Community-Based Conservation -Economic: Debt-for-nature swap (money, debt pay off, reserves, fund environmental education and protected areas); conservation concession (nation gets money and keeps natural resources intact) -Restoration: before degraded or after if must -Community-Based Conservation: preserve ecosystems, engage local people in protecting. Requires hard work, investment, trust. -Your solution- help with ecotourism and support local economies and locally based sustainable management; build sustainable homes, etc. (solar straw, etc.)

11 SOLUTIONS TO BIODIVERSITY CRISIS (W 11new text): Passenger Pigeon (p ) Conservation Biology (p ) National and International Law: Endangered Species Act, CITES, CBD (p Captive Breeding, Reintroduction, Cloning (p ) Forensics (p ) Umbrella Species, Parks and Protected Areas (p. 307) Economic Strategies, Restoration, Community- Based Conservation (p )