“Conservation of Biodiversity” class is prepared as part of the “Learn & Act” educational program of the Sunhak Peace Prize designed to introduce diverse approaches to global peace issues. Please feel free to use the following material to teach about this topic in various learning environments. We aim to educate young future leaders and provide a learning platform where they can learn and act on various issues shaping our society.
Education contents produced are based on statistical data from various organizations, such as the UN and UNESCO. Teachers can conduct a 60-minute class for their middle school and older students using the teacher’s guide and student worksheets provided on our website.
The following is an introduction to the topic “Conservation of Biodiversity.”
Conservation of Biodiversity
In the 19th century alone, there were about 20 million African elephants, but during the 20th century, African elephants decreased by more than 95%. Why did the population of elephants, which were once rulers of the African continent, decline so sharply?
The reason is that the ivory trade was made to satisfy human luxury. The destruction of biodiversity is not only happening here but in many other ways.
This lesson on Biodiversity is structured so that students can understand the seriousness of the current destruction of biodiversity and learn how to solve it!
The 6th mass extinction has already begun
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, about 35,500 species of plants and animals are threatened with extinction. The agency is publishing the ‘Red List,’ a list of endangered flora and fauna every two to five years. According to the list, mammals, amphibians, coniferous forests, sharks and rays, and corals are critically endangered. Among them, 40% of all species of amphibians are at risk of extinction.
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity refers to the total variety of organisms on Earth. It is crucial to keep the roots of species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity intact to support biodiversity. Preserving biodiversity means respecting the millions of species of plants and animals on Earth and the ecosystems surrounding them.
Why is biodiversity important?
Biodiversity guarantees the safety of the ecosystem. This is because the ecosystem can be maintained without significant changes if there are many species that can take over when a particular species disappear. These diverse species provide humankind with various resources, including food, water, wood, textiles, seafood, and energy. In addition, colorful landscapes through biodiversity provide spiritual abundance to humanity.
Why is biodiversity threatened?
The leading cause of extinction is the destruction of habitat. In addition, the introduction of invasive species, environmental pollution, population growth, and overexploitation are some of the causes. You can find out more about this in our training materials!
The most important thing for biodiversity restoration
Restoring biodiversity requires ongoing investigation of bio-distribution and habitat environments. At the same time, continuous protection of rare and endangered species is required. For example, efforts such as raising the species and releasing them, protecting zoos, and operating plant seed banks are needed for the restoration. In addition, legislation should be enacted and implemented in practice to preserve ecosystem species.
COVID-19 and Biodiversity
The health of the environment, humans, and animals are interdependent, so one health should be pursued.
source: commons.Wikimedia.org
The United Nations Environment Program Secretary-General said, “COVID-19 is sending a strong warning message to mankind that change is necessary.” Humanity needs to take these red cards seriously and prepare for another pandemic. The World Health Organization emphasizes the interdependence of ecosystems, humans, plants, and animals and presents a new health paradigm called ‘one health.’
In addition, various efforts are being made to protect biodiversity in the international community! You can learn more from our educational materials.
There have been five mass extinctions in Earth’s history due to sea-level changes, meteorite impacts, and large-scale volcanic eruptions. According to Stanford University researchers, about 240 mammals, birds, and amphibians have become extinct in the last 500 years. This is 114 times faster than the average rate of extinction.
The rapid extinction of plants and animals is also affecting ecosystems and human society, and it is predicted that the impact will become more severe in the future. Above all, we hope that many students who do not know about this severe phenomenon become aware of it through these educational materials!
Learn & Act is designed so that students can learn about the importance of conserving biodiversity along with the future-oriented goals of the UN and think about possible solutions. You can find more information on our website, including a teacher’s guide and student worksheets. We hope that it will be of help to teachers who wish to educate through this initiative!
Please visit our Sunhak Peace Prize website to check out more educational materials on peace related topics.
http://sunhakpeaceprize.org/en/learn/learn_act.php
