The Value of EcosystemsBIODIVERSITY UNDER THREAT

Learning intention:To identify the various uses of ecosystems

Be able to distinguish between the economic, environmental and cultural values

How many can you come up with?

Uses of an

ecosystem

When talking about the value of ecosystems and biodiversity we are not just talking about financial value, although this does need to be considered

Values can be categorised into Direct-use values Indirect-use values

Ecosystem value

Direct-use values are those where humans are putting biodiversity to use E.g.

Ecosystem value

Indirect-use values include the services that biodiversity provides

E.g.

Ecosystem value

The role which biodiversity plays can also be broken down into the categories of: Ecological Economic Cultural/aesthetic

I would like you to sort the cards into these 3 categories

Ecosystem value

Ecological Values Economic Values Cultural Values

Ecosystem value

Case Study – Coral Reefs

Coral Reefs

Using the hand out I would like you to create a mind map of all the ways which coral reefs are important

Threats to biodiversityBIODIVERSITY UNDER THREAT

Learning intention:To understand the threats affecting biodiversity

To be able to examine each threat and decide upon its extent

What do you think are the main threats to biodiversity?

What can you think of?

The World Resources Institute has identified six main threats

I would like you to rate the six threats suggested by the WRI in order of importance

1= Most important

6= Least important

Be prepared to justify your choice

WRI Six threats

Do you think these threats identified by the WRI cover all the threats biodiversity faces?

What is missing?

WRI Six Threats

Extinction is a natural event BUT human activity is threatening species and

ecosystems on a scale that is unprecedented It is predicted that up to 60 000 plant species

could become extinct by 2050 if the current trend continues

An increasing global population, rising consumption and economic activity, and globalisation are all playing a part

What are the threats to biodiversity?

What does this show?

What is the biggest threat that biodiversity is facing?

Is this the same in all regions?

How has this changed over time?

Threats facing biodiversity

Using the fish book (pg103-104) and your own knowledge I would like you to create a detailed mind map of the threats facing biodiversity

Why are these the biggest threats?

How to mind map

Why worry about a few species becoming extinct when there are millions more waiting to be discovered?

Food for thought