018Assignment2isworth50.docx

Assignment 2 is worth 50% toward your grade in this course. This assignment provides you with the opportunity to investigate the concepts and theories related to the conservation of biological diversity in Part A (worth 20 marks); and the principles of ecosystem management in Part B (worth 10 marks). In Part C (worth 20 marks) you will have the opportunity to examine the conservation of BC’s Great Bear Rainforest and identify how an ecosystem management approach is applied.

In particular, by completing the assignment you will:

• demonstrate knowledge of the dynamics involved in the conservation of biological diversity;

• familiarize yourself with the various strategies used internationally, nationally and provinciallyto promote and protect species;

• identify the key elements and steps involved in the protection of biological diversity through anecosystem management approach; and

• apply the ecosystem management approach in a case study involving the recovery of woodland caribou in northern Manitoba.

  Part A.  Conservation of Biological Diversity (20 marks)

  Review Canada’s Biodiversity Strategy and the associated government legislative mechanisms that relate to biodiversity conservation in your course notes (Unit 4) and/or the following websites:

  Canada’s Biodiversity Strategy: http://www.biodivcanada.ca/

  International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN): http://discover.iucnredlist.org/

  Nature Serve: http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/

  Canada Species at Risk Act (SARA): https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/species-risk-public-registry.html

  Canada SARA Recovery Program:http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=en

  Manitoba Endangered Species Act: https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/environment_and_biodiversity/species_ecosystems/index.html

  Based on your research, answer the following:

1.        List at least three major threats to biological diversity in Canada. Which of these do you feel is the most significant threat and why?

2.        List and briefly describe (in your own words) the biological features of a species that contributes to its vulnerability to extinction.

3.        What classification levels have been developed to protect species internationally, nationally and provincially? Consider the polar bear and identify how this species is classified on a global, national, regional, and provincial basis. Why are the classifications different or the same at the various levels?

Part B.  Ecosystem Management (10 marks)

The purpose of this part of the assignment is for you to demonstrate your understanding of the concept of Ecosystem Management and identify the steps and procedures used in its implementation, as described in the course materials and at the following websites:

https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/CEM-003.pdf

http://www.cbd.int/doc/external/iucn/iucn-ecosystem-approach-en.pdf

Answer the following:

1. Define the term ecosystem management and describe how it is useful in the conservation of biological diversity.

2. Briefly describe the 5 steps in the ecosystem management process, and indicate difficulties that might be associated with each step.

   Part C. Sustainability of the BC Coastal Temperate Rainforest Ecosystem (20 marks)

   If you have not already done so, watch the video production Great Bear Rainforest.

   http://www.savethegreatbear.org/home/video/the_story_of_the_great_bear_rainforest 

   Additional information on this area is available at:

   Hinterland Who’s Who: http://www.hww.ca/en/wild-spaces/coastal-rainforest.html

   Great Bear Rainforest: https://greatbearrainforest.gov.bc.ca

   Save the Great Bear Rainforest: http://www.savethegreatbear.org

   The Rainforest Coast Region: http://www.spacesfornature.org/greatspaces/rainforest.html

   Nature Serve: http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/

   Using the video resources and your answers to the previous questions in the assignment as your guide, you should be able to describe the elements of the Ecosystem Management Approach used to develop a management plan to maintain the integrity of the BC coastal temperate rain forest ecosystem and its inhabitants.

   Answer the following:

1. Why is the BC Coastal Temperate Rainforest ecosystem important to Society? What are the major features of the ecosystem that contribute to the need for a management plan?

2. Step 1 of the Ecosystem Management Approach is to define the stakeholders and the area under consideration for the development of an ecosystem management plan. Explain how this can be done for the Great Bear Rainforest.

3. Step 2 of the Ecosystem Management Approach requires that the ecosystem structure and function be described, and then applied to establish management objectives. Describe how the following ecosystem features must be included in the management plan for the Great Bear Rainforest to ensure the viability of the ecosystem into the future:

   1. Primary producers

   2. Fish

   3. Birds and mammals

   4. Predators

   5. Forestry and mining practices

4. Explain how different knowledge systems, partnerships, and management practices can be used in the development and implementation of the ecosystem management plan.

5. What are the future threats to the Great Bear Rainforest, and how can these threats best be managed?