Transcript ECOSYSTEMS AT RISK

ECOSYSTEMS AT RISK
Importance of ecosystem
management and protection
Humanity’s relationship with ecosystems is best
summed up by the famous quote attribute to
Chief Seattle, a North American Indian;
This we know…the earth
does not belong to man,
man belongs to the earth.
All things are connected
like the blood that unites
us all. Man does not weave
the web of life, he is merely
a strand in it. Whatever he
does to the web, he does to
himself.
Importance of ecosystem management
and protection
The Reasons for maintaining Genetic
Diversity & Protecting Ecosystems
1.
2.
3.
4.
Maintenance of genetic diversity
Utility (usefulness) values
Heritage values
The need to allow natural change to proceed
2013 HSC Exam Question: Using Source B, explain TWO reasons
for the management and protection of ecosystems.
Biological diversity
Biological diversity covers three main areas:
• genetic diversity — the variety of genetic information contained in all of
the individual plants, animals and microorganisms that inhabit the earth.
Genetic diversity occurs within and between the populations of organisms
that comprise individual species as well as among species
• species diversity — the variety of species on earth
• ecosystem diversity — the variety of habitats, biotic communities and
ecological processes.
‘The significance of these interrelationships and interdependencies appears
to be becoming more critical to avoiding further environmental, social and
economic collapses within Australia. These three areas are interrelated
and interdependent.’ Australia State of the Environment 2001 p.70
Genetic Diversity
Genetic diversity is the variety of genetic
information among individual species (plants,
animals). Limited numbers and genetic diversity
leave species vulnerable to extinction.
There are two types of genetic diversity:
• Diversity between distinct populations of the
same species
• Diversity within a population
Epping Forest is a national
park in Queensland,
Australia, 855 km northwest
of Brisbane. About eighty
northern hairy-nosed
wombats live in one 300
hectare site in Epping Forest
National Park in central
Queensland. There are no
others in existence. If a
disaster struck this
population the genetic
diversity will be further
reduced and inbreeding
would occur.
Species Diversity
Species diversity Number of
species at different trophic levels.
If a species is lost through
extinction, then the species
diversity of the ecosystem
suffers. Species diversity varies
over time and geographical
location.
The Great Barrier Reef has
around 2000 fish species and
around 500 coral species.
Ecological Diversity
Ecological diversity is the variety of biological
communities that interact with each other and
with their non-living (abiotic) environment.
Changes such as species extinction and
greenhouse-generated temperature increases
can have unexpected and unpredictable
consequences on ecological diversity.
Biological Diversity
Why maintain biological diversity?
Untapped resources
Economic potential
Reasons to
maintain
ecological
biodiversity
Natural life support system
Ecologically sustainable
development
Insurance against disaster
Unknown functions and roles
Utility Value
UTILITY VALUE
Products
•Food
•Hunting, fishing
and trapping
•Non-food (timber,
medicine, furs)
•Genetic reservoir
•Zoos, botanical
gardens and seed
banks
Services
•Pollination
•Insect control
•Flood control
•Storm protection
•Erosion control
•Water purification
•Pest control
•Climate control
•Oxygen production
•Recycling of material
•Laboratory for scientific
research
•Habitat for endangered
species
•Recreation and leisure
Other benefits
•National
identity
•Myths
•Literature
•Music
•Ethics
Intrinsic Values
Intrinsic values Regardless of their utility value, ecosystems have
intrinsic value. That is they have value simply existing. The three
interconnected types of intrinsic value:
• Existence – An ecosystem exists and therefore it has value. Every
species can be argued as having a right to exist and should not have a
price placed on its existence, with humans doing all they can to preserve
them.
• Spiritual and philosophical – Cultural differences place different
values and perspectives on ecosystems. Aboriginal Australians believe
there is no separation between the people and the land. Through sites,
stories, rituals, beliefs and traditions they maintain a strong intrinsic
link to the earth.
• Aesthetic – The appreciation of an area for its beauty can exist, even if
it has never been visited. Images of Antarctica or the Amazon Rainforest
help create value in the ecosystem. Whilst it may be inspirational rather
than economic, it can yield a financial reward through tourism.
Heritage Value
Heritage Value
Heritage can be defines as a sense of place and as links
with the past. Heritage gives a society a its identity and
helps define its values. The most significant heritage
sites are listed on the World Heritage list. These can be
listed for natural or cultural heritage.
• The World Heritage List includes 911 properties
forming part of the cultural and natural heritage which
the World Heritage Committee considers as having
outstanding universal value.
• These include 704 cultural , 180 natural and 27 mixed
properties in 151 States Parties. As of June 2010, 187
States Parties have ratified the World Heritage
Convention.
Heritage in Australia
Heritage in Australia
State and federal governments have legislated to protect natural
and human heritage in Australia.
The state or territory governments manage most national
parks in Australia.
The Commonwealth Government manages a few, such as Jervis
Bay National Park and Christmas Island National Park.
There are also conservation reserves, flora reserves, nature
reserves, marine parks and marine nature reserve. These are
usually smaller areas that deserve protection.
Heritage Value – The Importance
Properties inscribed on the World Heritage List
Cultural
▫ Australian Convict Sites (2010)
▫ Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens (2004)
▫ Sydney Opera House (2007)
Natural
▫ Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh / Naracoorte) (1994)
▫ Fraser Island (1992)
▫ Gondwana Rainforests of Australia (1986)
▫ Great Barrier Reef (1981)
▫ Greater Blue Mountains Area (2000)
▫ Heard and McDonald Islands (1997)
▫ Lord Howe Island Group (1982)
▫ Macquarie Island (1997)
▫ Purnululu National Park (2003)
▫ Shark Bay, Western Australia (1991)
▫ Wet Tropics of Queensland (1988)
Mixed
▫ Kakadu National Park (1981)
▫ Tasmanian Wilderness (1982)
▫ Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (1987)
▫ Willandra Lakes Region (1981)