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Conservation of Biodiversity

Conservation of Biodiversity. Conservation of Biodiversity. International Organizations International Agreements National organizations and laws Protected areas Protected species. International Organizations. World Conservation Union (IUCN) Founded in 1948

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Conservation of Biodiversity

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  1. Conservation of Biodiversity

  2. Conservation of Biodiversity • International Organizations • International Agreements • National organizations and laws • Protected areas • Protected species

  3. International Organizations • World Conservation Union (IUCN) • Founded in 1948 • Over 980 members in 140 countries • Governments and NGO’sHeadquarters: Switzerland • “To influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable.”

  4. 6 Commissions of IUCN • World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) • Species Survival Commission (SSC) • Environmental Economic & Social Policy (CEESP) • Ecosystem Management (CEM) • Education & Communication (CEC) • Environmental Law (CEL)

  5. United Nations Environment Programme (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”

  6. UNEP continued • Information programmes: • Global Resource Information Database (GRID) • International Registry of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (IRPTC) • World Conservation and Monitoring Centre - biodiversity assessment

  7. World Wildlife Fund for Nature (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

  8. Six Global Issues (WWF) • Climate change • Living waters • Forests for Life • Endangered Seas • Species • Toxics

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. How do governmental organizations and NGO’s differ in their approaches,speed of response, use of the media, diplomatic constraints and enforceability?

  12. International Agreements • Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) • Drafted in 1963 by IUCN members • 80 countries agreed in 1973 • Now 160 countries have implemented the convention • varying degrees of protection to more than 30,000 species of animals (5,000) and plants (25,000) • Not one species protected by CITES has become extinct as a result of trade since the Convention • Banned trade of ivory in 1990

  13. Convention on Biological Diversity • Result of 1992 Earth Summit in Rio - over 100 countries signed • Ratified in 1993 • Heavily criticized for being weak ® many countries have developed their own national strategies • Requirements of signatories: • Adopt national action plan and strategy • Establish protected areas • Restore habitats • Protect threatened species • Respect and preserve knowledge of indigenous peoples

  14. 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

  15. Protected Areas • Desirable characteristics of reserves • 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 habitats • Community support • Financial support

  16. Protected Species • Name theadvantages and disadvantages to species-based approach to conservation

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