ECOSYSTEMS AT RISKImportance 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. Maintenance of genetic diversity2. Utility (usefulness) values3. Heritage values4. 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 DiversitySpecies 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 DiversityWhy maintain biological diversity?

Reasons to maintain

ecological biodiversity

Untapped resources

Economic potential

Natural life support system

Ecologically sustainable development

Insurance against disaster

Unknown functions and roles

Utility ValueUTILITY 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 ValuesIntrinsic 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 ValueHeritage 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 AustraliaHeritage 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 ImportanceProperties 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)