Introduction
The United Nations Environment Programme initiated The Convention on Biological Diversity and since the early 1990s many countries have committed to the convention by signing it.
Task and resources
- Use the Google Browser (Google link) and enter define biodiversity in the search panel and press enter. From the list of definitions displayed, select the definition which you feel explains biodiversity in a way you can best understand and write it down. Note the address of the web page so you can find it again.
- Read through Article 8 of the Convention on Biological Diversity and make a list of terms that you need to look up so that you can be sure of understanding the Article. Some of the terms are defined in the Preamble (The Opening Discussion) of the Convention.
- Discuss with a fellow student what you think the following terms mean: In-situ (latin), biological diversity, sustainable use, habitat, viable population, sustainable development, natural habitat, inter alia (latin), degraded ecosystem, alien species (not ET!). Write down your agreed definitions and where you think it is helpful, give a local example.
- Has Australia signed the Convention?
- Name two countries that have not signed the Convention. List possible reasons why these countries did not sign.
Online Resources
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Summary of Provisions - from Genomics Gateway
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/acad/sbtwc/gateway/TRADE/CBD.HTMSustaining Life on Earth: How the Convention on Biological Diversity promotes nature and human well-being http://www.biodiv.org/doc/publications/guide.asp
Convention on Biological Diversity: Convention Text - full text available in several languages
http://www.biodiv.org/convention/articles.aspArticle 2. Use of Terms - preamble to the Convention on Biological Diversity
http://www.biodiv.org/convention/articles.asp?lg=0&a=cbd-02Text of Article 8: In-situ Conservation
http://www.biodiv.org/convention/articles.asp?lg=0&a=cbd-08Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity
http://www.biodiv.org/world/parties.asp
Conclusion
How could Article 8 be applied in your region? Consider examples such as Marine Parks, Conservation Areas, even your school grounds.
Online resources
Recovery Plans Adopted under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
- from Department of the Environment and Heritage
http://www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/recovery/list-common.htmlRevised Recovery Plan Guidelines for Nationally Listed Threatened Species and Ecological Communities under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
- from Department of the Environment and Heritage
http://www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/recovery/guidelines/index.htmlThe NSW Biodiversity Strategy
From National Parks and Wildlife
http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/sbs+homeLearnscapes
A downloadable document for schools
http://www.curriculumsupport.nsw.edu.au/enviroed/files/Env_86Learnscapes.pdf?CFID=533463&CFTOKEN=85638627Australia State of the Environment 2001
An online text
http://www.deh.gov.au/soe/2001/contents.htmlBibliography
Resources for students of Stage 6 Biology - from New HSC Online, try and locate these books in the library
http://hsc.csu.edu.au/biology/resources/2250/bio_resources.html
Follow-up Activities
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