Biodiversity Management (HL IB ESS OLD COURSE - IGNORE)

Revision Note

Biodiversity Management

Importance of biodiversity management

  • Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, including ecosystems, habitats, species and genetic diversity

  • Managing biodiversity is crucial for many reasons, including:

    • Ecosystem stability—biodiversity maintains ecosystem resilience to environmental changes

    • Medicine and pharmaceuticals—many medicines are derived from biodiversity, offering potential treatments for various diseases

    • Cultural and spiritual significance—biodiversity holds cultural and spiritual importance, preserving traditional knowledge

    • Economic benefits—biodiversity contributes to tourism and livelihoods, supporting local economies

    • Climate regulation—ecosystems help mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide

    • Pollination and food security—biodiversity, especially pollinators, is essential for crop pollination and food production.

Gathering Knowledge of Biodiversity

  • Effective biodiversity management requires comprehensive knowledge at both global and regional levels

Global biodiversity data collection

  • International organisations:

    • Organisations like the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) and WWF (World Wildlife Fund) gather data globally

      • For example, the IUCN Red List categorises species based on their extinction risk

Regional biodiversity data collection

  • National and local agencies:

    • Government-funded agencies, such as Natural England in the UK, collect data on local species and habitats

      • For example, Natural England conducts surveys on bird populations to monitor their status

  • Citizen science:

    • Involves public participation in scientific research

    • Volunteers collect data on local wildlife, which is then used by scientists

      • For example, the Big Butterfly Count in the UK engages the public in counting butterfly species

  • Voluntary organisations:

    • NGOs like The Wildlife Trusts (UK) work on local biodiversity projects

      • For example, the Wildlife Trusts have a long-term hedgehog monitoring programme

Training for data collection

  • Indigenous people:

    • Indigenous communities often possess detailed traditional knowledge of local ecosystems

    • Training helps integrate their knowledge with scientific methods

      • For example, indigenous rangers in Australia are trained to monitor and protect native species

  • Parabiologists:

    • These are local people trained to assist in biological research

    • They bridge the gap between local communities and scientific researchers

    • They may be used to gather information for use in conservation management

Biodiversity management strategies

  • There are many different biodiversity management strategies but the main categories are:

    • The creation of protected areas

    • The restoration of existing but damaged habitat

    • The implementation of sustainable management strategies

  • Protected areas:

    • Creating parks, reserves and conservation areas

      • For example, the establishment of marine protected areas to safeguard coral reefs

  • Habitat restoration:

    • Restoring degraded ecosystems to their natural state

      • For example, rewilding projects involve the restoration of ecosystems by reintroducing native species to their original habitats

  • Sustainable practices:

    • Encouraging sustainable agriculture, forestry and fishing

      • For example, certification schemes like Fair Trade promote sustainable farming practices

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Alistair Marjot

Author: Alistair Marjot

Expertise: Biology & Environmental Systems and Societies

Alistair graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Biological Sciences. He has taught GCSE/IGCSE Biology, as well as Biology and Environmental Systems & Societies for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. While teaching in Oxford, Alistair completed his MA Education as Head of Department for Environmental Systems & Societies. Alistair has continued to pursue his interests in ecology and environmental science, recently gaining an MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation with Edinburgh Napier University.

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