Why Maintain Biodiversity?

Biodiversity is crucial for the stability of ecosystems, human wellbeing, and the survival of species.

💡 Key Concept: The more diverse an ecosystem, the more resilient it is to changes, disease, and environmental challenges.

Benefits of High Biodiversity

✔ Ecosystem stability – more food web connections
✔ Resources for medicine and food – potential discoveries from rare species
✔ Cultural, aesthetic, and ethical value – nature is worth preserving
✔ Supports future generations – sustainable planet

Threats to Biodiversity Recap

• Deforestation
• Global warming
• Pollution (air, water, land)
• Overexploitation (hunting, fishing)
• Habitat destruction

How Can We Maintain Biodiversity?

🔹 Breeding Programmes

✔ Protect endangered species
✔ Breed individuals in captivity to increase population
✔ Reintroduce them to the wild
💡 Example: Red kite reintroduction in the UK

🔹 Protection of Habitats

✔ Create national parks, nature reserves, marine conservation zones
✔ Prevent development and farming in sensitive areas
✔ Encourage sustainable land use

🔹 Recycling and Reducing Waste

✔ Less landfill = less habitat destruction
✔ Reduces pollution of land and water
✔ Saves energy and resources

🔹 Laws and International Agreements

✔ CITES – bans trade in endangered species
✔ Fishing quotas and hunting restrictions
✔ Government regulations on deforestation and pollution

🔹 Education and Awareness

✔ Teach people the value of biodiversity
✔ Encourage eco-friendly behaviour
✔ Promote sustainable tourism, farming, and fishing

Challenges in Conservation

❌ Costly – breeding programmes and protected areas require funding
❌ Conflicts of interest – land needed for farming or housing
❌ Takes time – results aren’t immediate
❌ Uncertain outcomes – not all species can be saved