Key Biodiversity Areas (HL) (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs)

What are key biodiversity areas?

• Key biodiversity areas (KBAs) are places identified as globally important for the conservation of biodiversity

  • These areas are crucial for the survival of species and ecosystems, particularly those at risk of extinction or collapse

  • KBAs are often prioritised for conservation efforts because of their significant role in maintaining global biodiversity

  • The concept of KBAs helps guide policymakers, scientists, and conservationists in protecting the most critical areas for biodiversity

Criteria for identifying KBAs

• KBAs are identified based on specific scientific criteria, which ensure that they contribute significantly to the global persistence of biodiversity

• These criteria include:

  1. Threatened species: the area holds species that are listed as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered on the IUCN Red List

     • E.g. areas with populations of animals like the Sumatran tiger or Javan rhinoceros are considered KBAs due to their species' risk of extinction

  2. Threatened ecosystems: the area contains ecosystems or habitats at risk of collapse, meaning the system may stop functioning if not protected

     • E.g. coral reefs in the Coral Triangle are at high risk due to climate change and overfishing, and they are considered KBAs for their ecosystem value

  3. Restricted-range species: the area contains species that have a limited geographical range

     • E.g. Madagascar is home to many endemic species that exist only in specific parts of the island, making it a KBA for species like lemurs

  4. Significant population sizes and biological processes: the area is crucial for supporting large populations of species during important life stages, such as breeding, migration, or feeding

     • E.g. the East African Rift Valley is a critical stopover for millions of migratory birds, including species like the lesser flamingo, which rely on the area for feeding during migration

  5. Ecological integrity: the area remains ecologically intact and largely unaffected by industrial human influence, supporting natural ecological processes

     • E.g. Canada's Boreal Forest is a KBA because it remains one of the world’s last undisturbed forests, supporting numerous species while regulating climate and water systems

Examples of key biodiversity areas

1. Atlantic Forest, Brazil

• Importance: The Atlantic Forest is one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world, home to thousands of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else

• Biodiversity value: The forest is a critical habitat for endangered species such as the golden lion tamarin and the black-fronted piping guan

• Threats: Deforestation for agriculture and urban development has reduced the forest to a fraction of its original size, threatening its rich biodiversity

2. Western Ghats, India

• Importance: The Western Ghats mountain range is a global biodiversity hotspot, supporting a wide variety of ecosystems and species

• Biodiversity value: It is home to endemic species like the Nilgiri tahr and Lion-tailed macaque

• Threats: Hydroelectric projects, deforestation, and agricultural expansion threaten the unique species and habitats in this region

3. Sundarbans, Bangladesh and India

• Importance: The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world and a critical area for global biodiversity

• Biodiversity value: It supports endangered species such as the Bengal tiger and various species of river dolphins

• Threats: Rising sea levels, pollution, and habitat destruction threaten this delicate ecosystem, which provides crucial services such as carbon sequestration and coastal protection

Conflicts between exploitation, sustainable development, and conservation in KBAs

• Exploitation:

  • Many key biodiversity areas (KBAs) are rich in natural resources, making them targets for industries like agriculture, mining, and logging

  • This leads to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss

• Sustainable development:

  • There is a growing push for development that meets human needs without depleting natural resources or damaging ecosystems

  • However, balancing economic growth with environmental protection can be challenging in areas rich in biodiversity

• Conservation:

  • Conservation efforts in KBAs aim to protect species and ecosystems at risk of collapse or extinction

  • This often conflicts with exploitation, as resource extraction can degrade or destroy critical habitats

Palm oil plantations in Malaysia and Indonesia

• Palm oil is one of the most widely used vegetable oils in the world, found in many food and cosmetic products

• The demand for palm oil has led to the rapid expansion of plantations in tropical countries like Malaysia and Indonesia

• Conflict:

  • Palm oil plantations often expand into key biodiversity areas, such as the tropical rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra

  • This leads to large-scale deforestation and habitat destruction

  • These areas are home to critically endangered species like the Sumatran orangutan and Bornean pygmy elephant, which face severe threats due to the loss of their habitat

• Consequences for biodiversity and climate:

  • The expansion of palm oil plantations destroys forests that are key habitats for many species, disrupts ecosystems, and contributes to climate change by releasing carbon stored in trees and soil

• Efforts for sustainable development:

  • Some companies and conservation groups are working to establish sustainable palm oil production that does not destroy forests

  • The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) has set standards for palm oil producers to reduce deforestation and protect biodiversity

• Challenges:

  • Despite these efforts, the demand for palm oil remains high, and illegal deforestation continues

  • This makes it very difficult to fully protect KBAs in these countries from exploitation