Managing Biodiversity
The key players
• The players who have a role in
managing biodiversity operate at a
variety of scales, from local to global.
Some groups are committed to
conservation, while others rely on
exploitation of the resource.
Conflicts are inevitable.
Who are the players with an interest in ecosystem management?
Global players
• Countries meet to develop wildlife
conservation strategies. With an agreed
number of signatures, they can become
international treaties or laws. The treaties
mainly fund conservation work, designate
protected areas and regulate trade in
endangered species.
The 5 most influential treaties in effect (but
agreed before the Convention on Biological
Diversity, 1992) are:
• The Ramsar Convention
• The World Heritage Convention
• The Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species (CITES)
• The Convention on the Conservation of
Migratory Species of Wild Animals
• The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
(UNCLOS)
(see page 89)
Transnational corporations
• They determine which goods are produced and
how (in detrimental or environmentally friendly
ways)
• Traditionally they exploit resources
• However, they are becoming more involved in
green strategies – concerned about public image
and long term benefits
• Investing in ‘climate proofing’ and renewable
energy projects
• They transfer new technology to countries,
sometimes with positive effects but usually
negative effects for ecosystems.
• http://www.unilever.com/
International institutions
•
•
•
•
UN agencies (e.g. UNESCO, UNDP, UNCTAD)
The World Bank
The World Trade Organisation (WTO)
The International Tropical Timber Organisation
(ITTO): a group of tropical timber producers
and consumer countries that have developed
forest conservation measures – although they
tend to be large scale projects that don’t meet
long term need in LEDCs
Non-governmental organisations
(NGOs)
• NGOs play a vital role in biodiversity
conservation. WWF and Greenpeace operate
globally.
• WWF operates in over 100 countries, its
mission is to stop degradation of the planet’s
natural environment.
NGOs continued...
• NGOs vary in their methods of action and
don't always agree on policies and tactics.
Greenpeace for example, take direct action
such as intercepting Japanese whaling ships,
achieving wide media coverage.
• NGOs also operate at national and local scales,
e.g. The National Trust
National players
• Governments – establish laws to conserve
genetic biodiversity, protect areas and species
and to regulate damaging activities such as
pollution. They manage natural resources,
including providing clean air, water or open
space. The fund conservation. They pay
subsidies, e.g. paying farmers to farm in
environmentally friendly ways:
http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/f
arming/funding/es/default.aspx
Local players
• Indigenous peoples often depend on biodiversity
for basic survival. Biodiversity may also have
spiritual significance:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america12360013
• http://www.uncontactedtribes.org/brazilphotos
• However, local communities of farmers and
fishermen often have strong views about
conservation as it can conflict with their
subsistence.
Local players continued:
• With good management however, local
communities can form a vital force for
conservation, e.g. where people manage their
own resources for ecotourism: Ecotourism Mamiraua Case Study - Sustainable Ecotourism Clip 6.mpg
• In the UK, county wildlife trusts (small scale
NGOs) have their own biodiversity plans to
involve local people in conservation, e.g.
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, whose mission is
‘to protect and enhance the wildlife and
habitats of Nottinghamshire’
Individual players
• Firstly, they are consumers who demand food,
water, fuel, shelter, etc.
• In the developed world, ethical consumerism has
led people to choosing environmentally friendly
products, such as ‘dolphin friendly tuna’.
• Local food campaigns highlight the ‘food mile’
aspects of supermarket operations.
• Individuals also see ecosystems as places for
recreation or even spiritual renewal.
• Tourism in places like the Galapagos and
Antarctica causes ecosystem management issues
Individual players continued:
• Individuals such as divers, birdwatchers, anglers
or walkers may unite to form special interest
groups. At times their actions can cause damage
in high quality eco-regions and hotspots
• Scientists and researchers work for a range of
organisations to monitor and enhance
biodiversity. However, other may work for
pharmaceutical companies to find new products,
which can lead to conflicts with indigenous
people.
Homework:
• Find out about what the organisations on the
next slide actually do!, including the
Convention on Biological Diversity, !
The 5 most influential treaties in effect (but
agreed before the Convention on Biological
Diversity, 1992) are:
• The Ramsar Convention
• The World Heritage Convention
• The Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species (CITES)
• The Convention on the Conservation of
Migratory Species of Wild Animals
• The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
(UNCLOS)
(see page 89)