Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2024
First exams 2026
Conservation Strategies (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))
Revision Note
Written by: Alistair Marjot
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Conservation Strategies
Conservation strategies are methods used to protect and preserve biodiversity
These strategies can be divided into:
Species-based conservation
Habitat-based conservation
Mixed approaches
Species-based conservation
Species-based conservation focuses on protecting individual species, especially those that are endangered
This often involves ex situ strategies
This means conservation actions are taken outside the natural habitat of the species
Ex situ strategies
Botanic gardens:
Botanic gardens are specially designed areas where a wide variety of plants are grown for scientific, educational and ornamental purposes
Botanic gardens cultivate and maintain plant species outside their natural habitats
They provide a safe environment for endangered plants and facilitate research and education.
For example, Kew Gardens in London holds over 30 000 different plant species.
Zoos:
Zoos keep and breed animals in captivity, often focusing on endangered species
They play a role in education, research and breeding programmes to reintroduce species into the wild
Captive breeding is the process of breeding animals in controlled environments, such as zoos, aquariums, or wildlife sanctuaries
These programmes are often used to help restore populations of endangered species that have declined in the wild
For example, the San Diego Zoo in the United States runs breeding programmes for species like the California Condor
Zoos also play a role in conservation by raising public awareness and funding other conservation efforts
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):
CITES is an international agreement that aims to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival
It regulates and monitors the trade of endangered species through a licensing system
For example, CITES has helped to protect many species, including elephants, rhinos and tigers
Seed banks:
Seed banks are places where seeds of different plant species are stored to preserve genetic diversity
They act as a backup against the loss of plants in their natural habitats
For example, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway holds seeds from all around the world
Habitat-based conservation
Habitat-based conservation focuses on protecting and restoring habitats to support the species that live there
This often involves in situ strategies
This means conservation actions are taken within the natural habitat of the species
In situ measures
National parks:
National parks protect large areas of natural habitat, preserving the ecosystems and species within them
They also provide opportunities for research, tourism and education
For example, Yellowstone National Park in the USA protects a variety of ecosystems and species, including grizzly bears and wolves
Reserves and sanctuaries:
Wildlife reserves and sanctuaries are areas set aside for the protection of particular species and their habitats
They often involve community participation and sustainable use of resources
For example, the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya protects a range of species including lions, elephants and wildebeest
Mixed conservation approach
A mixed conservation approach combines species-based and habitat-based strategies
This approach often focuses on flagship or keystone species to justify the conservation of entire ecosystems
Flagship species
Flagship species are charismatic species that are well-known and popular with the public, such as elephants, pandas or tigers
They can be used as symbols for conservation efforts and can help to raise awareness and support for conservation efforts
By protecting charismatic species, their habitats and other species in the same ecosystem may also be protected
An example of a flagship species is the mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei)
These primates are found in the Virunga Mountains, which span Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo
The mountain gorilla population has faced threats from habitat destruction, poaching, and human conflict
By focusing on the conservation of mountain gorillas and their habitat, conservation organisations have been able to protect not only this species but also the many other plants and animals that share their ecosystem
Keystone species
Keystone species are species that have a disproportionate effect on the structure and function of their ecosystem.
Their removal can cause significant changes in the ecosystem, including the loss of other species
By protecting keystone species, the integrity of the ecosystem can be maintained, which can in turn benefit other species in the ecosystem
For example, the sea otter is a keystone species in the kelp forest ecosystem in the Pacific Northwest of the United States
It feeds on sea urchins
This helps to control the population of sea urchins, which are herbivores that can significantly damage the kelp forests
Case Study
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in China is a good example of a mixed conservation approach, combining species-based and habitat-based strategies to protect the giant panda
Objectives and strategies:
Captive breeding: running a breeding program to increase the giant panda population.
Habitat restoration: restoring and expanding bamboo forests, the natural habitat of giant pandas
Public education and awareness: educating the public through tours, programs and exhibits to generate support for conservation
Research and collaboration: conducting research on panda biology and collaborating with international organisations
Facilities:
Breeding centres: areas for breeding and raising panda cubs
Veterinary hospital: provides medical care for pandas
Enclosures and habitats: naturalistic spaces for pandas to live and play
Research laboratories: equipped for scientific research on panda conservation
Achievements:
Increased panda population: successful breeding programs have raised the number of giant pandas
Genetic diversity: genetic diversity have been maintained through careful breeding
Habitat protection: has played a key role in restoring and protecting panda habitats
Wider ecosystem and species conservation: by focusing on this flagship species, the base has also helped to protect the broader ecosystem and other species within it
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Make sure you know the definitions of the terms ex situ and in situ in the context of conservation strategies.
Be prepared to give examples of both the types of strategies.
Convention on Biological Diversity
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a United Nations treaty aimed at promoting sustainable development and conserving biodiversity
It was signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in 1992
Objectives:
The conservation of biodiversity by use of a variety of different conservation methods
The sustainable use of biological resources
Identify and protect marine areas beyond national jurisdictions
Nagoya Protocol:
The CBD also includes the Nagoya Protocol, which is the part that ensures fair sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources
The countries that signed the convention agreed to:
Design and implement national strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity
Organise international cooperation and further international meetings
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