Biodiversity Conservation Approaches & Designing Protected Areas (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

Conservation Approaches

• Conservation approaches aim to protect biodiversity and ecosystems for the benefit of present and future generations

• These approaches can be broadly categorised into three types:

  • Habitat conservation

  • Species-based conservation

  • Mixed approaches

Habitat Conservation

• Habitat conservation involves the protection and management of ecosystems and habitats

• This approach recognises that the survival of many species is dependent on the preservation of their habitat

  • For example, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in Australia uses a habitat conservation approach

  • The park is managed to protect the reef and its inhabitants by controlling the impact of human activity, such as fishing and tourism, and managing water quality

Photo by Bruce Hong on Unsplash 

Species-based conservation has been successful in the case of pandas

Species-based Conservation

• Species-based conservation involves the protection and management of individual species

• This approach recognises the importance of individual species to the functioning of ecosystems, or sometimes is used to protect iconic flagship species (species that are globally recognised and that symbolise the importance of biodiversity)

  • For example, the conservation of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in China is an example of species-based conservation

  • The Chinese government has implemented a range of measures, including habitat protection and captive breeding programs, specifically to protect the giant panda, which is an iconic symbol of the country

Mixed Approach to Conservation

• Mixed approaches involve a combination of habitat and species-based conservation strategies

  • For example, the conservation of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) involves both habitat protection and management of individual elephant populations

  • The African Elephant Action Plan, developed by the African Elephant Specialist Group and endorsed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), aims to ensure the survival of African elephants by addressing both habitat conservation and the management of elephant populations

  • The plan involves the protection of key habitats and migration corridors as well as addressing human-elephant conflict, poaching, and illegal trade in elephant ivory

• Most importantly, conservation approaches should be tailored to the specific needs of the ecosystem or species being protected

• A combination of habitat and species-based conservation approaches can be most effective in achieving conservation goals

Designing Protected Areas

• A protected area is a defined geographical space, such as a national park, wildlife sanctuary, or nature reserve, that is managed and protected for the conservation of its natural resources, biodiversity, and cultural heritage

• Protected areas can be established by national governments, international organisations, or private entities, and are designed to conserve natural and cultural resources for future generations, as well as provide opportunities for scientific research, education, and recreation

• Protected areas can have various levels of protection and management, from nature reserves where human activities are strictly prohibited, to multiple-use areas where certain human activities are permitted (e.g. wild camping)

• Protected areas play a crucial role in conservation efforts, as they provide critical habitat for endangered and threatened species, protect important ecosystems and ecological processes, and provide opportunities for ecotourism and other sustainable economic activities

• Criteria for consideration when designing protected areas include:

  • Size

  • Shape

  • Corridors

  • Edge effects

  • Proximity to potential human influence

There are many factors to consider when designing protected areas in order to make them more effective for the conservation of habitats and species

Protected Area Design Factors