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How can we sustainably utilize biodiversity?
The Futurability of Biodiversity Chapter 11
How can we sustainably utilize biodiversity?
Fifty years from now, how will the relationships have changed between human beings and various organisms?
Photo (right): Echigo-Matsunoyama Museum of Natural Science, ‘Kyororo’
Copyright 2010 Research Institute for Humanity and Nature. All Rights Reserved.
Today’s Topics
1. Fundamental ways of thinking about biodiversity problems1. Fundamental ways of thinking about biodiversity problems
2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems
How can we solve various biodiversity problems?How can we solve various biodiversity problems?
What are the key points when we deal with biodiversity problems?What are the key points when we deal with biodiversity problems?
Copyright 2010 Research Institute for Humanity and Nature. All Rights Reserved.
1. Fundamental ways of thinking about biodiversity
What are the key points to consider when dealing with biodiversity problems?
1) Human well-being
2) Global views
3) Cost for solutions
Copyright 2010 Research Institute for Humanity and Nature. All Rights Reserved.
1. Fundamental ways of thinking about biodiversity 1) Human well-being
Ecosystems with high biodiversity bring us a good life.
1) Supply of safe foods
2) Agriculture with low risks of insect pests or diseases
7) Future possibilities for finding new medicines or natural resources
6) Opportunities for sightseeing or recreation
3) Prevention of various disasters
4) Cultural diversity
5) Opportunities for local education
Copyright 2010 Research Institute for Humanity and Nature. All Rights Reserved.
1. Fundamental ways of thinking about biodiversity 1) Human well-being
1) Supply of safe foods e.g., oriental stork rice in Toyooka city, Japan
Photo: Toyooka city, Hyogo Prefecture
- Returning oriental storks to the wild means recovery of ecosystems where oriental storks can survive.
- Oriental storks require rice fields with reduced amounts of agricultural chemicals.
Oriental stork rice Oriental stork foraging for food
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1. Fundamental ways of thinking about biodiversity 1) Human well-being
2) Agriculture with low risks of insect pests or diseases
Parasitic wasp (Braconidae) ovipositing on a leaf beetle (Phratora laticollis)
The relationships between number of parasitic wasps and forest ages
(Maleque et al. 2010)
Number of parasitic wasps varies among various vegetations.
Copyright 2010 Research Institute for Humanity and Nature. All Rights Reserved.
1. Fundamental ways of thinking about biodiversity 1) Human well-being
3) Prevention of various disastersPlantation forests consisting of a single species are vulnerable to disasters.
Plantation forest blown down by typhoon (left: Sakhalin fir, right: cedar)
Photo: (left) National institute for Environmental Studies (right) Keizou Hirai (From Chapter 5)
Copyright 2010 Research Institute for Humanity and Nature. All Rights Reserved.
1. Fundamental ways of thinking about biodiversity 1) Human well-being
4) Cultural diversity Many organisms are symbolically used in local and/or traditional festivals.
Festivals in Kyoto and organisms
Aoi Festival(corsage)
Asarum caulescens
Cercidiphyllum japonica
Gion Festival(talisman)
Bamboo grass
Fire Festival in Kurama(torch)
Japanese wisteria
Azalea
Cedar
Asarum caulescens
Torch in fire festival
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1. Fundamental ways of thinking about biodiversity 1) Human well-being
5) Opportunities for local education
- Children learn the local uniqueness through the study of such ecosystems.
Examining plant distribution Presentation about life in the community
- Local ecosystems are useful materials for environmental education of children living there.
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1. Fundamental ways of thinking about biodiversity 1) Human well-being
Jomon cedar in Yakushima island and people observing the tree
Ecosystems with high and unique biodiversity captivate and attract tourists.
6) Opportunities for sightseeing or recreation
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1. Fundamental ways of thinking about biodiversity 1) Human well-being
- High biodiversity provides us with a higher possibility of finding useful options in the future.
- Petroleum will be exhausted in the near future.…We will need alternative materials and biofuels.
Primary forest in Lambir Hills National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia
7) Future possibilities for finding new medicines or natural resources
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1. Fundamental ways of thinking about biodiversity 2) Global views
Biodiversity problems are international problems.
1) Many animals migrate beyond international borders.1) Many animals migrate beyond international borders.
2) Activities of some countries affect the biodiversity 2) Activities of some countries affect the biodiversity of other countries.of other countries.
4) Sharing the benefits of biodiversity may not be fair 4) Sharing the benefits of biodiversity may not be fair among countries.among countries.
3) It is difficult to achieve a consensus about biodiversity 3) It is difficult to achieve a consensus about biodiversity conservation among countries.conservation among countries.
Copyright 2010 Research Institute for Humanity and Nature. All Rights Reserved.
1. Fundamental ways of thinking about biodiversity 2) Global views
Some animal species move from one country to another (or others) during their lives.Habitats of some organisms occupy several countries.In such cases, conservation in only one country is not enough for preventing extinction.
Platalea minor Panthera tigris Photo: (left) Yasunori Maezawa
1) Many animals migrate beyond international borders.
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1. Fundamental ways of thinking about biodiversity 2) Global views
The more foreign countries import timber or palm oil from Malaysia,the more tropical rainforest disappears.
Forestry roads for logging
2) Activities of some countries affect the biodiversity of other countries.
The more foreign countries import cashmere from Mongolia, the more the goat population increases, resulting in degradation of grasslands.
Huge oil palm plantation
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1. Fundamental ways of thinking about biodiversity 2) Global views
If some countries adopt a production method which emphasizes biodiversity conservation, they may lose the price competition to products made in other countries which do not consider biodiversity conservation.
Biodiversity in paddy field where agrochemicals are reduced.Photo: Yasunori Maezono Echigo-Matsunoyama Museum of Natural Science, ‘Kyororo’
3) It is difficult to achieve a consensus about biodiversity conservation among countries.
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1. Fundamental ways of thinking about biodiversity 2) Global views
4) Sharing the benefits of biodiversity may not be fair among countries.
Tropical tree Tropical fungus
Developed countries gain profits from new medicines whose resources are taken from the forests of developing countries. The profits should be fairly shared with developing countries which conserve biodiversity of their forests.
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1. Fundamental ways of thinking about biodiversity 3) Cost for solutions
Economic estimation for solution of biodiversity problems
The economics of Climate Change (Stern review)- Concerned with climate change’s effects on the economy- Submitted by Dr. Stern to the UK’s Ministry of Finance
Economic loss in the event we take no measures now:5 to 20% of GDP
Cost for measures we
take now:c. 1% of GDP
»Effects of climate change on the economy (agriculture, infrastructures, industry, etc.)(year, based on the total GDP in the world)
As for measures against global warming, early action lessens economic loss.
http://www.uknow.or.jp/be/environment/
Copyright 2010 Research Institute for Humanity and Nature. All Rights Reserved.
1. Fundamental ways of thinking about biodiversity 3) Cost for solutions
TEEB (The Economics of Ecosystems & Biodiversity)
Biodiversity version of Stern review
- Edited by UN special adviser Pavan Sukhdev (Deutsche Bank AG).- Interim report was released at COP9.- Attempted to estimate the cost of degradation of biodiversity.
TEEB’s final report will be released at COP10.
ex. The multiple values of coral reefs:Recreation value US$184 per visit globallyEcological service (protection of coastal areas in many islands of Southeast Asia) US$55 - $1,100 per hectare per year
- Advanced attempts to conserve biodiversity by introducing progressive use of market mechanisms.
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Summary 1. Fundamental ways of thinking about biodiversity
Preserving ecosystems whose biodiversity is high brings us
better lives not only monetarily but also spiritually and
culturally.
For solutions to biodiversity problems, international
cooperation is essential.
Interim report of TEEB reveals the vast costs of
degradation of biodiversity. Final report of TEEB will be
released at COP10.
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2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems
How can we solve various biodiversity problems?
1) Certification systems
2) Harnessing market mechanisms
3) Establishment of new social institutions
4) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
5) Reconsideration of our ways of thinking
2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems 1) Certification systems
Distinguishing products produced with respect for the sustainable use of biodiversity
Ex.
- Forest certification system (FSC)
- Fair trade certification system (FLO)
- Aquatic products certification system (MSC)
ProblemLabeled products do not sell if customers do not take into account the conservation of biodiversity.
In cases where products are taken or grown using methods which degrade biodiversity as little as possible, they are certified and labeled.
- Oil palm plantation certification system (RSOP)
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2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems 2) Harnessing market mechanisms
http://www.foejapan.org/forest/sink/redd_01.html#05
- Creating a financial value for the carbon stored in forests, offering incentives for developing countries to reduce emissions from forested lands and invest in low-carbon paths to sustainable development. - One of the forms of emissions trading, but also plays an important role in the conservation of tropical rainforests.
1) UN-REDD (Program on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries)
Development of a new market which deals with biodiversity
Copyright 2010 Research Institute for Humanity and Nature. All Rights Reserved.
2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems 2) Harnessing market mechanisms
DiscussionMeasure Report Verify (MRV), Benefit sharing, definition of deforestation, Participation of indigenous communities
Pilot Projects: 750,000 hectares of forest in Indonesia’s Aceh province. Objective: Reduce 85% of future reduction (10 million CO2 tons in 30 years)Merrill Lynch (US securities company) declares they will invest US$9 million for 4 years
Concept of REDD
Ca
rbon
em
issi
on
s d
ue
to d
ecr
ea
se o
f for
est
2010 2015
Actual emissions(measured by monitoring)
time
Baseline(estimated by past trends)
Reduced carbon emissions(Developing countries can sell the right to emit CO2)
http://www.foejapan.org/forest/sink/redd_01.html#05
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2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems 2) Harnessing market mechanisms
2) No net loss of biodiversity (Biodiversity Offsets)
Development of new market which deals with biodiversity
When a habitat is developed, we try to reduce negative impacts on the habitat by avoidance or minimization. In cases where some ill effects still remain, we compensate for them by conserving alternative habitats.
(Modified Tanaka 1996)
Negative impacts on ecosystem
Avoidance
The order of priority
Remaining impacts
Minimization Remaining impacts
Compensation by alternative habitat
No net lossBiodiversity Offsets
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2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems 2) Harnessing market mechanisms
BBOP (Business and Biodiversity Offset Programme)- Partnerships between conservation organizations, governments, companies, financial institutions, etc. supporting biodiversity- Biodiversity offsets of BBOP not only compensate habitats but also improve the quality of habitats, conserve habitats and settle negative impacts thoroughly.
http://bbop.forest-trends.org/guidelines/index.phpc
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2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems 2) Harnessing market mechanisms
3) PES (Payment for Ecosystem Services)Development of a new market which deals with biodiversity
- Paying for various ecosystem services (provisioning, regulating, cultural and supporting) .
Mechanisms of PES in Costa Rica
Public or privateinstitutions
Fuel taxProfit from
credit
MOE* Forest agencyFONAFIFO**
Landowners
Payment for ecosystem services
ReforestationForest conservationForest management
Credit
OCIC***Foreign
countries
* the Ministry of the Environment** Fondo Nacional de Financiamiento Forestal*** Oficina Costamicense de Implementacion Conjunta
Modified from http://www.nikkei.co.jp/biod/columns/Original figures by Response Ability, Inc.
Copyright 2010 Research Institute for Humanity and Nature. All Rights Reserved.
2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems3) Establishment of new social institutions
Ex. Environmental TaxCitizens pay environmental tax such as forest tax, carbon tax, headwater conservation tax, etc.…People who receive the benefits of biodiversity should pay the expenses for conservation of biodiversity.
Present social institutions
Convention on Biological Diversity
Establishment of protected areas or protected species
+ new social institutions
Development of social institutions for biodiversity
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2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems3) Establishment of new social institutionsExamples of Environmental taxGermany
Environmental tax was introduced from 1999, and tax rate was increased in five steps.- In the case of primary energy, environmental tax was set as a fuel tax.- Electricity tax was newly established as environmental tax. - Biofuels and electricity from renewable energy are tax-free.
Use Taxable fuels Oil-related tax Environmental tax
- Electricity (ct*/kwh) - 2.05
Fuel for a vehicle Gasoline (ct/l) 50.11 15.34
Fuel for a vehicle Diesel (ct/l) 31.70 15.34
Fuel for a vehicle Natural gas (ct/l) 6.00 2.00
Fuel for a vehicle LPG (ct/l) 6.00 2.00
Fuel for heating Diesel (ct/l) 4.09 2.05
Fuel for heating Heavy oil (ct/l) 1.53 0.97
Fuel for heating LPG (ct/kwh) 0.18 0.37
http://www.german-consulate.or.jp/*ct: euro cent
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2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems3) Establishment of new social institutions
Examples of Environmental tax
The United KingdomClimate Change Levy (CCL) was introduced from 2001.
Tax rate (/kwh)
LPGGas or coal
Electricity
0.07 pence0.15 pence
0.43 pence
Both countries (UK & Germany) succeeded in reducing consumption of fossil fuels, and environmental taxes concerned with biodiversity conservation are likely to be effective.
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2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems4) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Corporations should have a responsibility to conserve social and natural environments for building a sustainable society.
Concept of CSR
http://panasonic.co.jp/csr/environment/case/05.htmlhttp://sfc.jp/english/information/csr_rinen/
Panasonic Corporation - Financial support of the Arctic circle project of WWF- Tree planting at schools in the world (700,000 trees in 2008)
Sumitomo Forestry CO. LTD- Making available an appropriate and stable supply of sustainable forest resources while placing importance on biodiversity- As a business leader instigating growth in the forestry industry, establish a sound model for both preserving and utilizing our forests.
Biodiversity conservation in CSR
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2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems5) Reconsideration of our way of thinking
Recognition of the value of biodiversity
Conservation of biodiversity means supporting our well-being.
Biodiversity plays important role for education of feelings.
Photo: (right) Echigo-Matsunoyama Museum of Natural Science, ‘Kyororo’
Children get unique ways of thinking or fertile creativity from mechanisms of organisms or ecosystems.
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2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems5) Reconsideration of our way of thinking
Ten things to do for the conservation of biodiversity
3. Let children play in the field.
5. Participate in traditional events in your community.
2. Pay attention to nature around you when you walk.
4. Eat foods in season.
For recognizing the value of biodiversity…
1. Count the number of species which are used in your daily life.
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2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems5) Reconsideration of our way of thinking
6. Choose the products or services of corporations which work on the conservation of biodiversity.
7. Don’t abandon foreign pets.
For sustainable use of biodiversity…
8. Eat various foods as much as possible.
9. Choose crops which are dealt with by fair trade.
10. Don’t take rare species, but take their picture instead.
Ten things to do for conservation of biodiversity
Copyright 2010 Research Institute for Humanity and Nature. All Rights Reserved.
Summary 2. Solution strategies for biodiversity problems
As for economic solutions, we should construct new economic
mechanisms which enable us to choose products considering
sustainable uses of biodiversity. Also, a new market which
deals with biodiversity should be developed.
As for social institutions, new ones such as environmental
taxes would be effective for conserving biodiversity.
Biodiversity conservation by CSR should be developed.
We should realize our daily lives are supported by
biodiversity.
Copyright 2010 Research Institute for Humanity and Nature. All Rights Reserved.
Summary of Today’s Topics
1. 1. When we think about biodiversity problems, we should consider When we think about biodiversity problems, we should consider
the following three points: biodiversity supports human well-the following three points: biodiversity supports human well-
being, international corporation is essential for the solution of being, international corporation is essential for the solution of
biodiversity problems, and early solutions lessen economical biodiversity problems, and early solutions lessen economical
losses.losses.
2.2. As for the solution strategies for biodiversity problems, the As for the solution strategies for biodiversity problems, the
following three measures would be effective: economic following three measures would be effective: economic
mechanisms which give incentives for conservation of mechanisms which give incentives for conservation of
biodiversity, new social institutions which regulate utilization of biodiversity, new social institutions which regulate utilization of
biodiversity, and conservation activities by CSR. However, what biodiversity, and conservation activities by CSR. However, what
is most important is our consciousness.is most important is our consciousness.
How can we sustainably utilize biodiversity?
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Exercises
1. Let’s think about concrete methods for solving biodiversity problems.
3. How should we live with biodiversity? Offer your opinion.
2. When a corporation deals with biodiversity conservation as CSR, what are the benefits for that corporation?
Let’s do the exercises below:
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Glossary (1/2)
FSCFSC
Forest Stewardship Council. The biggest certification authority of forest products. Non-profit organization established in Canada in 1993. FSC evaluates whether sustainable use is considered or not in forests or forest products. See Chapter 9 for details.
BiofuelBiofuel
Synthesized fuel such as alcohol which is made from organisms. Major materials are crops such as corn, sugar cane, soybeans, etc.
Fair tradeFair trade
Involving trade which supports producers in developing countries by paying fair prices and making sure that workers have good working conditions and fair pay.
Copyright 2010 Research Institute for Humanity and Nature. All Rights Reserved.
Glossary (2/2)
Wasp which oviposits on the bodies of the other kinds of insects. Hatched larvae live on the insects and eat them, and finally kill them. Parasitic wasp plays an important role as predator of insect pests.
Parasitic waspParasitic wasp
MSCMSC
Marine Stewardship Council. This authority certificates fishery interests which use sustainable methods. In the 1990’s, fishing grounds of the walleye pollock in Canadian waters were heavily damaged by excessive fishing. Taking the opportunity, WWF and Unilever established MSC in1997. In 1999, MSC became independent from the two organizations as a non-profit organization.
Copyright 2010 Research Institute for Humanity and Nature. All Rights Reserved.
References
Maleque, M.A., Maeto, K., Makino, S., Goto, H., Tanaka, H., Hasegawa, M. and Miyamoto A. (2010) A chronosequence of understorey parasitic wasp assemblages in secondary broad-leaved forests in a Japanese 'satoyama' landscape. Insect Conservation and Diversity 3:143-151. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-4598.2010.00087.x
Tanaka A. (1996)The role of mitigation in EIA Systems-Comparison of Japanese and American Experiences-IAIA’96 Conference Proceedings 1:153-158
Maleque, M.A., Maeto, K., Makino, S., Goto, H., Tanaka, H., Hasegawa, M. and Miyamoto A. (2010) A chronosequence of understorey parasitic wasp assemblages in secondary broad-leaved forests in a Japanese 'satoyama' landscape. Insect Conservation and Diversity 3:143-151. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-4598.2010.00087.x
Tanaka A. (1996)The role of mitigation in EIA Systems-Comparison of Japanese and American Experiences-IAIA’96 Conference Proceedings 1:153-158
Copyright 2010 Research Institute for Humanity and Nature. All Rights Reserved.
Cited Websites
Business and Biodiversity Offset Programmehttp://bbop.forest-trends.org/guidelines/index.phpc
Deustches Generalkonsulat Osaka-Kobe, Japanhttp://www.german-consulate.or.jp/
FoE Japanhttp://www.foejapan.org/forest/sink/redd_01.html#05
Nikkei Inc.http://www.nikkei.co.jp/biod/columns/
Panasonic Corporatehttp://panasonic.co.jp/csr/environment/case/05.html
Sumitomo CO. LTD.http://sfc.jp/english/information/csr_rinen/
The British Embassyhttp://www.uknow.or.jp/be/environment/
Business and Biodiversity Offset Programmehttp://bbop.forest-trends.org/guidelines/index.phpc
Deustches Generalkonsulat Osaka-Kobe, Japanhttp://www.german-consulate.or.jp/
FoE Japanhttp://www.foejapan.org/forest/sink/redd_01.html#05
Nikkei Inc.http://www.nikkei.co.jp/biod/columns/
Panasonic Corporatehttp://panasonic.co.jp/csr/environment/case/05.html
Sumitomo CO. LTD.http://sfc.jp/english/information/csr_rinen/
The British Embassyhttp://www.uknow.or.jp/be/environment/
Copyright 2010 Research Institute for Humanity and Nature. All Rights Reserved.
Authors & Credits
The Futurability of Biodiversity Chapter 11
How can we sustainably utilize biodiversity?
Authors
Application software
Illustration & design
Photos
Tohru NakashizukaMasahiro IchikawaStewart Wachs
Microsoft PowerPoint®
Be4°TECH
Biodiversity PhotosEchigo-Matsunoyama Museum of Natural Science, ‘Kyororo’Hiromitsu SamejimaKeizo HiraiMasahiro IchikawaNational Institute for Environmental StudiesRyo TsujinoToyooka city, Hyogo prefectureYasunori Maezono
Kaoru MaetoMasahiro Aiba
Tohru NakashizukaWataru Fujita
Aya HatadaSatoshi YamashitaMartin Piddington