Conservation Approaches and Biodiversity Insights
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of land and marine conservation?

The primary goal is to conserve wildlife, biodiversity, and natural ecosystems by regulating human use and promoting sustainable development.

Name two approaches to conservation discussed in the course.

State-driven approaches and market-driven approaches.

What role do stakeholders play in conservation efforts?

Stakeholders include various actors and institutions that influence and implement conservation strategies.

Why is geographical space significant in conservation?

<p>Geographical space impacts the distribution of ecosystems and the effectiveness of conservation strategies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one challenge in putting a price on nature within ecosystem services?

<p>One challenge is accurately valuing ecological benefits that are often intangible and complex.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary components of biodiversity?

<p>Genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do indigenous approaches influence conservation strategies?

<p>Indigenous approaches integrate traditional knowledge and land management practices to enhance conservation efforts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is conservation in urban areas centered around?

<p>It's centered around social justice and biodiversity conservation within urban settings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key historical reason for the origin of national parks?

<p>National parks originated as a response to industrialization and the need to preserve natural spaces.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenges do national parks face in modern conservation?

<p>National parks face challenges like climate change, habitat loss, and human encroachment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to address the biodiversity crisis today?

<p>Addressing the biodiversity crisis is crucial to maintain ecosystem stability and service functions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does understanding socially constructed concepts of nature affect conservation?

<p>It helps shape policies and practices that reflect diverse values and perspectives regarding nature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many species are estimated to exist in Scotland?

<p>Estimates suggest that there are approximately 50,000 species in Scotland.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of UK species are currently in decline?

<p>Over 40%</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many mammal species are reported in Scotland?

<p>Over 60 mammal species</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Scottish Breeding Bird Indicator used for?

<p>It serves as a good indicator of overall ecosystem health.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the implications of the 'windshield phenomenon'?

<p>It suggests people may not notice gradual declines in wildlife populations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What main environmental issue contributes to bird decline in the UK?

<p>Changing land-use practices resulting in habitat loss.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many flowering plant species are found in Scotland?

<p>Around 2000 flowering plant species</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the moral duty regarding the protection of nature mentioned in the content?

<p>It emphasizes our responsibility towards preserving the environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has happened to more than 40 million birds in the UK over the past 50 years?

<p>They have been lost from our skies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of terrestrial environments have been altered by human activities?

<p>75%</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is overexploitation in the context of environmental conservation?

<p>Overexploitation refers to harvesting a renewable resource to the point of diminishing returns.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are urban green spaces often considered biodiversity deserts?

<p>They are maintained to look 'tidy', which disregards diverse natural habitats.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factors have contributed to the decline of hedgehog populations since 2000?

<p>Changing landscapes, farming practices, and private garden designs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the background extinction rate for mammals?

<p>2 mammal extinctions per 10,000 species per 100 years.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much species diversity has been lost in the past 100 years compared to previous rates?

<p>We've lost as many species as over 800 to 10,000 years of natural background rates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does climate change play in biodiversity loss?

<p>Climate change alters habitats and can lead to species extinction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What negative impacts can pollution have on habitats?

<p>Pollution can degrade habitat quality and harm various species within that ecosystem.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) aim to protect?

<p>AONBs aim to identify and protect landscapes of exceptional scenery and natural beauty from inappropriate development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was established under the Planning (Scotland) Act 2006?

<p>The National Scenic Areas (NSAs) were given a statutory basis under the Planning (Scotland) Act 2006.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) emphasize?

<p>The CBD emphasizes the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable resource use, and equitable benefit sharing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the Nagoya Protocol?

<p>The Nagoya Protocol aims to ensure fair access to genetic resources and equitable sharing of benefits derived from their use.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are National Scenic Areas (NSAs) characterized in comparison to AONBs?

<p>NSAs are broadly equivalent to AONBs but specifically relate to areas in Scotland with exceptional beauty.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What proportional coverage do Scotland's National Scenic Areas provide?

<p>Scotland's National Scenic Areas cover approximately 13% of the land area.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might areas deemed 'beautiful' lack ecological integrity?

<p>Areas considered 'beautiful' may not possess high ecological importance, meaning aesthetic appeal does not guarantee environmental health.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant challenge is highlighted regarding areas of ecological importance?

<p>Areas not considered 'beautiful' but ecologically important have often remained unprotected.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the overarching goal of the Nagoya Protocol?

<p>To ensure the fair use of biological resources, particularly for indigenous communities and developing nations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant targets does the Global Biodiversity Framework aim to achieve by 2030?

<p>It includes targets to protect 30% of Earth's land and marine areas and halve pollution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much financing is required annually for biodiversity-related projects according to the Global Biodiversity Framework?

<p>At least $200 billion per year.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the 30x30 target within the context of the Global Biodiversity Framework?

<p>To protect and conserve at least 30% of Earth's land and marine areas by 2030.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify a major environmental issue targeted for reduction by the Global Biodiversity Framework.

<p>Plastic pollution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the restoration target entail in the Global Biodiversity Framework?

<p>Restoring at least 30% of degraded ecosystems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What implications does the Nagoya Protocol have for indigenous communities?

<p>It emphasizes their rights and interests in the use of biological resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a major outcome of COP15 held in December 2022?

<p>The adoption of the Global Biodiversity Framework for 2020–2030.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Conservation Definition

The practice of protecting wildlife, biodiversity, and natural ecosystems by controlling human use of resources and promoting sustainable development.

What is covered in this course?

This course explores the 'why' ('why not'), 'what', 'how', 'who', 'where' and 'efficacy' of conservation.

Types of Conservation Approaches

This course explores both state-driven and market-driven approaches to land and marine conservation.

Stakeholders in Conservation

Various actors and institutions, like governments, NGOs, and businesses, all play a role in conservation.

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Marine Spatial Planning

A process of planning for the use of marine space to balance economic activities with conservation goals.

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Biodiversity Crisis

The current rapid decline in the variety of life on Earth, including species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity.

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National Parks

Protected areas set aside for conservation and public use, often with strict regulations to maintain biodiversity and natural processes.

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Genetic Diversity

The variety of genes within a species, contributing to its ability to adapt and evolve.

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Species Diversity

The number and abundance of different species in a given area.

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Ecosystem Diversity

The variety of ecosystems in a region, each with its unique community of organisms and interactions.

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Conservation Movement

A global effort to protect and preserve biodiversity, including species, habitats, and ecosystems.

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Co-management

A partnership approach to managing natural resources, where indigenous communities and government agencies work together.

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Place-based conservation

Conservation efforts focused on specific locations, considering their unique biodiversity and cultural values.

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Habitat Loss

The alteration of natural environments due to human activities, leading to changes in species composition, distribution, and abundance.

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Overexploitation

Harvesting a renewable resource at a rate faster than its ability to replenish, leading to depletion and potential species extinction.

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Aesthetic Preferences and Social Conventions

Human preferences for tidiness and conformity can negatively impact biodiversity, especially in urban green spaces and private gardens.

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Pollution

The release of harmful substances into the environment, impacting water, air and soil, harming organisms and ecosystems.

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Invasive Species

Non-native species introduced to an area, often outcompeting native species and causing ecological imbalances.

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Background Extinction Rate

The natural rate of species extinction, typically estimated at 2 mammal extinctions per 10,000 species per 100 years.

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Accelerated Extinction Rate

The current extinction rate is significantly higher than the background rate, primarily driven by human activities like habitat loss and overexploitation.

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Conservation's Effectiveness

Examining the successes and failures of past conservation efforts to understand challenges and identify effective strategies for future conservation.

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Species Diversity in Scotland

Scotland boasts a rich biodiversity with over 90,000 animal, plant, and microbe species, including over 60 mammal species, around 500 bird species, and about 2000 flowering plant species.

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Nature Decline in Scotland

Despite its rich biodiversity, Scotland has not seen a reduction in the net loss of nature, meaning the overall state of nature is not improving.

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Nature Depletion in the UK

The UK is considered one of the most nature-depleted nations worldwide, with over 40% of species in decline, significant bird loss, and many mammals facing extinction.

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Benefits of Nature

Nature provides vital benefits to humans, including connections with the natural world, a sense of moral duty to protect it, resilience to climate change, and a good indicator of overall ecosystem health.

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Bird Indicator Species

Birds are considered good indicators of overall ecosystem health due to their ease of observation, long history of monitoring, and public interest.

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Shifting Baselines

The phenomenon of gradually accepting a degraded state of nature as the 'new normal' due to a lack of historical reference points or memories of a healthier past.

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The 'Windshield Phenomenon'

The gradual decline in the number and variety of animals observed on car windshields, a stark reminder of the shrinking wildlife population.

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Causes of Bird Decline

Bird declines are driven by factors like habitat loss due to changing land-use practices, use of pesticides affecting prey species, and other human-induced pressures.

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Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs)

Designated areas in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland with exceptional landscapes protected for their beauty and character. They are safeguarded from inappropriate development to preserve their natural value.

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National Scenic Areas (NSAs)

Specifically designated areas in Scotland that demonstrate exceptional scenic beauty and natural features, protected by Scottish legislation. They aim to preserve outstanding landscapes and ensure their long-term protection.

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Ecological Importance vs. Aesthetic Value

While areas with exceptional beauty are often protected, ecologically important areas may not always receive the same attention, even if they lack aesthetic appeal. This highlights the importance of considering both environmental and aesthetic value in conservation.

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Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

An international agreement focusing on the conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of biological resources, and equitable sharing of benefits from their use. It aims to protect the variety of life on Earth for present and future generations.

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Nagoya Protocol

A supplementary agreement to the CBD, focused on ensuring fair access to genetic resources and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use. It aims to ensure responsible use and benefit sharing for genetic materials.

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Sustainable Use of Resources

Using resources in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves careful management and conservation practices to ensure resource availability for the long term.

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Fair and Equitable Benefit Sharing

Ensuring that the benefits derived from the use of genetic resources are shared fairly and equitably with the communities and countries where they originate. This promotes responsible development and resource management.

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Conservation of Biodiversity

Protecting and preserving the variety of life on Earth, including species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity. It involves addressing threats to biodiversity and promoting its sustainable use for the benefit of humankind.

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Aichi Biodiversity Targets

A set of 20 targets adopted in 2010 to guide global efforts in halting biodiversity loss by 2020. While ambitious, most targets were not met.

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Global Biodiversity Framework

A new set of 22 targets adopted in 2022 to guide global efforts in halting biodiversity loss by 2030.

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30x30 target

A goal to protect and conserve at least 30% of Earth's land and marine areas by 2030.

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Debt-for-Nature Swap

A financial mechanism where a country's external debt is forgiven in exchange for commitments to conservation efforts.

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Social Impact of Protected Areas

The positive and negative effects of protected areas on local communities, including benefits like conservation and potential downsides like displacement.

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Sustainable Production and Consumption

Integrating biodiversity considerations into sectors like agriculture, forestry, and fisheries to ensure they are environmentally responsible.

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Financing for Biodiversity

Securing enough financial resources to support biodiversity conservation projects and initiatives.

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Study Notes

Course Overview

  • The course covers land and marine conservation
  • It explores the meaning of conservation, the scope of the course, and the key topics
  • The course examines the history and legacy of conservation, including protected areas

Oxford Dictionary Definition of Conservation

  • Conservation involves preserving wildlife, biodiversity, and natural ecosystems
  • It involves regulating human use of ecosystems and natural resources
  • It promotes sustainable development

Course Coverage

  • The what of conservation: understanding the theoretical and conceptual dimensions
  • The why of conservation: understanding historical and contemporary developments
  • The how of conservation: understanding various approaches, state vs. market-driven approaches
  • The who of conservation: understanding different actors and institutions (stakeholders)
  • The where of conservation: understanding the significance of geographical space and implications
  • The efficacy of conservation: appreciating competing approaches

Course Assignments

  • Assignment 1: Write a newspaper article on conservation issues using text and images (deadline tentatively November 15, 2024)
  • Exam: 60% weighting; an in-person end-of-course exam on all lecture content (date to be announced). No extensions.

Course Relation to Studies

  • Course level: understanding social science aspects of nature and landscape conservation
  • Study level: understanding socially constructed concepts (nature, conservation, species, natural resource management) leading to possible dissertation topics
  • Personal level: pursuing a career in conservation, policy, or government

What is Covered Today

  • Is nature conservation still needed today?
  • The biodiversity crisis and ways to address it
  • The history of nature conservation and its legacy
  • National park origins and their importance

Intended Learning Outcomes

  • Explain the biodiversity crisis and its drivers
  • Describe the history of the conservation movement and related policies
  • Critically discuss national parks as place-based conservation

Biodiversity

  • Biodiversity is short for biological diversity
  • It's recognized at various levels (genetic, species, ecosystem)

Species Diversity in Scotland

  • Approximately 90,000 animal, plant, and microbe species
  • Over 60 mammal species
  • Around 500 bird species
  • Around 2000 flowering plant species

Hotspots of Land and Marine Biodiversity

  • World map illustrating biodiversity hotspots
  • Numerical data on species counts (e.g., Scotland)

Biodiversity Crisis

  • International goals to halt catastrophic biodiversity loss have not been met (report)

State of Nature Report 2019 (Scotland)

  • There has been no reduction in the net loss of nature in Scotland

Nature Positive 2030

  • The UK is one of the most nature-depleted nations with over 40% species declining
  • Significant decline in bird populations (>40 million) over the past 50 years

Reasons for Bird Decline

  • Changing land use practices
  • Use of pesticides affecting prey species

Biodiversity Decline Globally

  • Significant declines in many species (including reptiles, amphibians, fish) in many regions
  • The Living Planet Index tracks abundance; significant and continuing declines are shown since 1970

Shifting Baselines Phenomenon

  • The graph relating time interval and index of biodiversity decline

The 'Windshield Phenomenon'

  • Describing the impact of biodiversity loss (e.g., pollution, invasive species, overuse, etc.)

2030 Biodiversity Targets

  • Protect and conserve at least 30% of Earth's land and marine areas by 2030
  • Reduction of pollution
  • Restoration of degraded ecosystems
  • Sustainable production and consumption
  • Financing for biodiversity

IUCN

  • The creation of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) in 1948 led to global classification and expansion of protected areas

National Park Creation

  • Yellowstone was the first national park, leading to more national parks around the world
  • National Parks preserve landscapes and species

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs)

  • Designated exceptional landscapes in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are safeguarded

National Scenic Areas in Scotland

  • Identified area of exceptional scenery and protected from inappropriate development
  • Covers 13% of the land area

Areas Not Considered Beautiful - High Ecological Importance

  • Less beautiful but ecologically vital places that have been unprotected

Extinction Rates

  • Extinction rates are significantly impacted by recent human actions
  • Substantial loss of species (similar to the scale of loss over 800 - 10,000 years)

Species at Risk of Extinction

  • Significant portion of plant and animal species are threatened with extinction (e.g., amphibians, sharks, rays, conifers)

Conservation Failing?

  • Despite awareness of biodiversity loss, conservation efforts are not effective enough to solve the problem
  • Governments are not making enough progress towards stemming the tide of species extinction

Mandatory Reading

  • West, P., Igoe, J., & Brockington, D. (2006), Parks and peoples: the social impact of protected areas. Annual Review of Anthropology, 35(1), 251–277.

Key International Agreements (Conservation)

  • The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): adopted in 1992
  • The Nagoya Protocol: A supplementary agreement to the CBD, adopted in 2010

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts of land and marine conservation, stakeholder roles, and biodiversity. This quiz explores traditional and indigenous conservation strategies, challenges faced by national parks, and the significance of geographic space in preservation efforts. Delve into the current status of species in the UK and their implications for conservation.

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