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?

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

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

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

What are the primary components of biodiversity?

Genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. Signup and view all the answers

How do indigenous approaches influence conservation strategies?

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

What is conservation in urban areas centered around?

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

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

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

What challenges do national parks face in modern conservation?

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

Why is it important to address the biodiversity crisis today?

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

How does understanding socially constructed concepts of nature affect conservation?

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

How many species are estimated to exist in Scotland?

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

What percentage of UK species are currently in decline?

Over 40% Signup and view all the answers

How many mammal species are reported in Scotland?

Over 60 mammal species Signup and view all the answers

What is the Scottish Breeding Bird Indicator used for?

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

What are the implications of the 'windshield phenomenon'?

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

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

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

How many flowering plant species are found in Scotland?

Around 2000 flowering plant species Signup and view all the answers

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

It emphasizes our responsibility towards preserving the environment. Signup and view all the answers

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

They have been lost from our skies. Signup and view all the answers

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

75% Signup and view all the answers

What is overexploitation in the context of environmental conservation?

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

Why are urban green spaces often considered biodiversity deserts?

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

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

Changing landscapes, farming practices, and private garden designs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the background extinction rate for mammals?

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

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

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

What role does climate change play in biodiversity loss?

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

What negative impacts can pollution have on habitats?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is the main purpose of the Nagoya Protocol?

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

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

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

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

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

Why might areas deemed 'beautiful' lack ecological integrity?

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

What significant challenge is highlighted regarding areas of ecological importance?

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

What is the overarching goal of the Nagoya Protocol?

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

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

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

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

At least $200 billion per year. Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

Plastic pollution. Signup and view all the answers

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

Restoring at least 30% of degraded ecosystems. Signup and view all the answers

What implications does the Nagoya Protocol have for indigenous communities?

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

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

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

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

Studying That Suits You

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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.