This session explored interdisciplinary aspects of conservation and management of biodiversity resources. Selected topics, such as economic valuation of rare species or minimum size of protected areas, served as focal points for evaluation of collaboration between the natural and social sciences in the search for viable solutions to extinction. Case studies were utilized where conflict and resource scarcity were impacting particular species such as the mountain gorilla.
Keywords: biodiversity; human impacts; solutions, development, environment
Overview & Relevance:
Biological diversity ( the variety of genetic resources, organisms, and the ecological systems in which they occur) is threatened everywhere and is being lost at unprecedented rates which are likely to increase. As non-renewable agricultural, forests, and energy resources are “mined”, landscapes are rendered more biologically homogeneous, and pressure mounts on natural habitats which protect genetic resources vital to international development.
Content:
This session explored interdisciplinary aspects of conservation and management of biodiversity resources. Selected topics served as focal points to evaluate necessary collaboration between the natural and social sciences in the search for viable solutions to extinction.
Workshop Topics:
• Climate change impacts on biodiversity conservation and management – Potential development policy implications.
• Critical minimum size for protected areas – Methods to assess human and non-human demographic impacts and trends.
• Alternative approached to economic valuation of rare species and habitats – Expanding the temporal scale.
• Political instability and ecotourism – Can park preserves survive rapid social change and development?
• Agroecosystems and managed forest gardens – Changing views of food production based on biodiversity management in the tropics.
• Extractive use of biodiversity by native peoples – Are there ecological lessons to be learned from traditional management practices?
• Teaching conservation and management – educators’ perspectives on the ecological foundations.
Event Co-Chair
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