5. International cooperation on biodiversity protection

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, CITES (Washington, 1975).

CITEC bans hunting, capturing, and selling of endangered and threatened species; protect listed species of wildlife and plants. Unfortunately illegal trade in plants and wildlife whose future is in question continues because of mild penalties.

The Convention on Biological Diversity was adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Sustainable Development (Rio de Janeiro, 5 June 1992).

154 countries signed it, including Kazakhstan. There are 172 countries-parties of the Convention at the moment.

The objectives of the Convention:

• the conservation of BD

• the sustainable use of its components

• the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.

The Convention calls on each member nation to develop a national conservation strategy – a detailed plan to manage and protect biodiversity.

Some terms of the Convention:

“Biotechnology” means any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof.

“Ex-situ conservation” (outside) means the conservation of components of biological diversity outside their habitats (Botanical gardens, nursery gardens, seeds storehouses).

“In-situ conditions” (inside) means conditions where genetic resources exist within ecosystems and natural habitats (Protected area: National parks, reserves, refuges, zapovedniks).

Protected area – a geographically defined area, which is designated or regulated and managed to achieve specific conservation objectives.

“Sustainable use” of bioresources means the use of components of biological diversity in a way and at a rate that does not lead to the long-term decline of biological diversity, thereby maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future generations.

Questions for review:

1. What is importance of biodiversity?

2. Name the major factors of biodiversity loss risk.

3. Differ the terms extinct, endangered, vulnerable, threatened species

4. Name prevention measures of biodiversity reduction.

5. Define the importance of forests and consequence of deforestation process.

6. Compare and contrast the status of zapovedniks and National parks.

7. Which international document is responsible for protection of biodiversity.

Critical thinking:

1. Do you agree with the motto “Only animals should wear fur!”? Prove your opinion.

2. Success of biotechnology – production of genetically modified products (GMP). Give some reasons for and

against this practice.

3. Why is said that stability of ecosystem is balanced by biodiversity?

4. In which ways does deforestation affect the environment?

5. How may the deforestation of rain forest affect opportunities to discover new medicines?