Biodiversity loss: A natural
Phenomenon or a question of
failed ethical governance?
Mugyenyi Onesmus
Policy Analyst
Advocates Coalition for Development and
Environment
Nature Uganda Public Talk
Thursday 6th March, 2014
Introduction
Biodiversity governance implies coordination
multiple policies at different levels to achieve
desired outcomes.
Biodiversity loss is both a product of natural trends
(speciation-evolution of species) and erosion of
ethical governance. However the current pace, is
largely influenced by degeneration of the
obligation to conserve.
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Introduction…
An ethic, ecologically, is a limitation on freedom of
action in the struggle for existence.”
Do we feel obliged to conserve biological
diversity? Why?
Use values (associated with resource
exploitation) and non use values- We
appreciate it (aesthetic value
(pleasure/appreciation), We think we should
conserve it (Moral value)
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Introduction…
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Trends of biodiversity loss
In 2010, The International Union for Conservation of Nature
(IUCN) noted that many species are threatened with
extinction. At threat of extinction are
1 out of 8 birds
1 out of 4 mammals
1 out of 3 amphibians
6 out of 7 marine turtles
75% of genetic diversity of agricultural crops has been lost
75% of the world’s fisheries are fully or over exploited
1/3rd of reef-building corals around the world are threatened
with extinction.
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Trends of biodiversity loss
The Millennium ecosystem report 2005 indicate
that 10-30% of the mammals, birds ,amphibians
are threatened to extinction.
The total number of species listed as endangered
increased from 5,205 in 1996 to 5,435 in 2001.
“More details see IUCN red list” and Uganda
Biodiversity Status Reports”
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Biodiversity loss-Why?
As explained in the UN’s 3rd Global Biodiversity
Outlook, the rate of biodiversity loss has not been
reduced because the 5 principle pressures on
biodiversity are persistent, even intensifying:
Habitat loss and degradation
Climate change
Excessive nutrient load and other forms of
pollution
Over-exploitation and unsustainable use
Invasive alien species
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Biodiversity loss-Why?
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Republic of Uganda Report on Implementation of
Rio commitments to sustainable
development,2012 identified challenges as:
Weak institutional capacities.
Poor coordination.
Corruption
Lack of scientific data
Demographic issues
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What is the cost?
Ecosystem services-services that
would be paid for by nature have to
be bought-pollination etc.
Reduced food security.
Increased disease burden.
Climate change and associated costs.
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Local estimations-What is the
cost?
Biodiversity loss-UGX506 billion/year.
Wildlife loss-up to UGX353billion /year.
Forest degradation-UGX3.756billion/year.
Soil degradation-UGX225billion/year.
Rangeland degradation UGX815million/year.
Wetland encroachment-UGX2billion/year
“What is the deficit-should we be
talking of economic growth?”
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Key Elements of Governance Critical for
biodiversity Governance
o State Capacity – related to a states’ power and
ability to enforce rules that are consistent and
predictable.
o Rule of law – that establishes among other things
property rights and limits the states’ discretion in
manipulating those rules.
o Democratic institutions – that further limit exercise
of state discretion by holding governments
accountable to their citizens.
o An active citizenry - devoid of fear and
manipulation that acts as front line defenders of
democracy
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Challenges for Biodiversity Governance
o Diminishing State capacity to arrest the
trend of environmental degradation
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Failure to restore critical wetland ecosystems.
Widespread land degradation and soil erosion
causing widespread economic and livelihood
losses.
The increasing menace of polythene and
polythene bag materials.
The State and state agencies acting more as
agents of industry. (Leasing of Buffer Zones,
issuing permits to change land use, etc)
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Challenges…
Breakdown of Trust in Government
----eroded by endemic corruption
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I thank you for Listening
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