Conservation of Biodiversity

Conservation of BiodiversityInternational Organizations

International Agreements

National organizations and laws

Protected areas

Protected species

International OrganizationsWorld 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.”

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

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Founded in 1972 after the Stockholm Conference (UN conference on environment)58 countriesWorks 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”

UNEP continuedInformation programmes:

Global Resource Information Database (GRID)

International Registry of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (IRPTC)

World Conservation and Monitoring Centre - biodiversity assessment

World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF)

Founded in 1961 by wildlife enthusiastsWorld’s largest private (i.e. non-governmental) international conservation organizationHeadquarters in Switzerland~50 offices around the worldPromotes awareness of conservation issues and raises money for protection of species and habitatsThrough research, education, lobbying, campaigns, support of other organizations

Six Global Issues (WWF)Climate change

Living waters

Forests for Life

Endangered Seas

Species

Toxics

GreenpeaceFounded 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

Greenpeace campaigns toStop 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

How do governmental organizations and NGO’s differ

in their approaches,speed of response, use of the media, diplomatic constraints and

enforceability?

International AgreementsConvention 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

Convention on Biological Diversity

Result of 1992 Earth Summit in Rio - over 100 countries signedRatified in 1993Heavily criticized for being weak many countries have developed their own national strategiesRequirements of signatories:

Adopt national action plan and strategyEstablish protected areasRestore habitatsProtect threatened speciesRespect and preserve knowledge of indigenous peoples

World Conservation StrategyProposed by IUCN, UNEP, WWF in 1980Signed by 30 countriesNow referred to as “Caring for the Earth: A Strategy for Sustainable Living”Objectives:

1. Maintain ecological processes and life support systems

2. Preserve genetic diversity3. Sustainable utilization of species and ecosystems

Protected AreasDesirable characteristics of reserves

Large enough for viable populations (including large carnivores)In one block - not too spread out or fragmentedMinimize edge:area ratio ( edge effects)Corridors to connect smaller areasLegislation or purchase to protect itVariety of habitatsCommunity supportFinancial support

Protected SpeciesName the advantages and disadvantages to species-based approach to conservation